Why isn't mathematics a priority in most modern households?

1. 72

   Silver Poetposted 14 years ago

   Why isn't mathematics a priority in most modern households?
   
   So much today is based on math, from architecture to computer science.  Why aren't we teaching kids more math and making sure they understand its importance in their daily lives?

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2. 63

   Money Glitchposted 14 years ago

   Because we live in a modern technological age where mathematics may not be looked upon as being as necessary as it has been in the past.  Everything is automated whereas 20 or 30 years ago, mathematics required more manual calculations than the present. 
   
   Now you can get an answer to almost any mathematical equation via a calculator, internet, or iphone or some automated machine. 
   And this is why individuals rely on the cash register to tell them how much change to give back and cannot do simple calculations in their heads,

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3. 76

   nadpposted 14 years ago

   The fact that problems are solved using calculators and computers doesn't make math less necessary.  It is even MORE necessary - how do you think all of this technology was designed and built?  If you don't think that math is the answer to that question then you should do a little further checking!
   
   I think that math isn't emphasized in modern households because our society is becoming complacent.  The attitude seems to be "Okay honey, I understand you're not good at math because when I was a kid I wasn't good at math either."  It's too hard, so emphasis is put elsewhere.  As an example of how deep this problem goes, in some states if a prospective teacher doesn't pass the math portion of the teacher certification exam, then it is waived!  And then we wonder why there is a crisis in obtaining qualified math teachers!
   
   Also, the image of the "math nerd" has really been promoted by our society.  In previous generations people who pursued and excelled in math were highly respected.  Now they are just considered  not cool.

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