Published On: Wed, Feb 20th, 2013

Education | By The Brenner Brief

Humor for the day: why Americans fail — the evolution in teaching math

This is a “funny” we came across on Facebook. It’s interesting, because it is somewhat accurate, yet in a humorous way. Sometimes it takes a laugh to point out ridiculousness — or in this case, failures.

Last week I purchased a burger at a fast food restaurant for $1.58. The counter girl took my $ 2 and I was digging for my change when I pulled 8 cents from my pocket and gave it to her. She stood there, holding the nickel and 3 pennies, while looking at the screen on her register.

I sensed her discomfort and tried to tell her to just give me two quarters, but she hailed the manager for help. While he tried to explain the transaction to her, she stood there and cried. $math-chalkboard$ Why do I tell you this? Because of the evolution in teaching math since the 1950s:1. Teaching Math In 1950sA logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price. What is his profit?

2. Teaching Math In 1960s

A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price, or $80. What is his profit?

3. Teaching Math In 1970s

A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80. Did he make a profit?

4. Teaching Math In 1980s

A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80 and his profit is $20. Your assignment: Underline the number 20.

5. Teaching Math In 1990s

A logger cuts down a beautiful forest because he is selfish and inconsiderate and cares nothing for the habitat of animals or the
preservation of our woodlands. He does this so he can make a profit of $20. What do you think of this way of making a living?

Topic for class participation after answering the question: How did the birds and squirrels feel as the logger cut down their homes? (There are no wrong answers, and if you feel like crying, it’s ok. )

6. Teaching Math In 2009

Un hachero vende una carretada de maderapara $100. El costo de la producciones es $80. Cuanto dinero ha hecho?

7. Teaching Math In 2013

Who cares, just steal the lumber from your rich neighbor’s property. He won’t have a gun to stop you, and it’s OK anyway cuz it’s redistributing the wealth.It’s not just the roads we need to worry about.

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Tembisa says:

February 20, 2013 at 1:04 am

Reblogged this on World Chaos.

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Todd Rimer says:

February 20, 2013 at 8:33 am

This is hilarious and yet sadly accurate.

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brettluc says:

February 20, 2013 at 8:47 am

If the government taxes the rich in the amount of $100 and gives you $20 for doing nothing, why do you care what anyone’s profit margin may be?

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Feb. 25: The Brenner Brief radio show – Dr. James D. Boys, John Mariotti and Justine Bartko Thomas – The Brenner Brief says:

February 25, 2013 at 8:50 pm

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The Brenner Brief

At TheBrennerBrief.com, we are "rendering the mainstream media useless." By sharing stories from the other side of the political spectrum from the often not-so-unbiased mainstream media, we are making sure that other voices are heard. If you would ... Read the full profile...