In article
<d1e900e6-cd8e-4231-bc1f-2baee84db058@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>,
Beliavsky <beliavsky@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:
> > I see no evidence that kids are innately too dumb or unmotivated to
> > learn algebra.
>
> The question is what *fraction* of kids are smart enough to learn
> algebra. If you think everyone can master algebra, where do you think
> differentiation sets in? Can everyone learn single-variable calculus?
> Multivariable calculus and partial differential equations?
Depends how you define "algebra". I'm taking a simple definition: where
symbols represent numbers/variables in mathematical operations. Under
this
definition anyone who can think with some degree of logic is going to be
able
to manage it, particularly with regard to their day-to-day lives. We do a
lot
of solving for x when it comes to managing our money or calculating
materials
required for a project (sewing, plumbing or whatever) so most of us are
capable of the basics.
What might vary is how many layers of problem-solving we can manage, or
how
many variables we can handle at once -- and I wouldn't be prepared to
discount
training and talent in a particular area.
I used to do fairly complicated stuff in high school mathematics but I
know I
am not capable of analysing the signals from thirty children so as to
teach
them all at the appropriate level. My son's teacher last year was
obviously
completely au fait with each student's progress and knew exactly how to
move
each one forward, but I doubt she took the level of HSC mathematics I did.
Which one of us is cleverer?
What you are really asking is, "What is intelligence?" and no definition
I've
seen quite seems to capture it.
--
Chookie -- Sydney, Australia
(Replace "foulspambegone" with "optushome" to reply)
http://chookiesbackyard.blogspot.com/
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