Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Reporters Lack Any Reporting

I just read "Senate panel passes $157 billion stimulus plan" and I have to say it lacking slightly. Like for instance where is the debate of recession being good vs. bad. There is no such thing as a good recession, unless you have read history books on economics and see that our economy is cyclical. Are we to believe you didn't ask any hard questions to any politician? I think no one makes a case for common sense notions such as economic recessions and economic booms can occur in patterns. Are reporters doing any investigating at their job?

The pre-war fumble by reporters has made this Global American Citizen skeptical whenever a bill sounds to good to be true.

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Why I Never Follow

"Whoso would be a man, must be a nonconformist. Nothing is at last sacred but the integrity of your mind... ALL MISTAKES I make arise from forsaking my own station and trying to see the object from another person's point of view" Ralph Waldo Emerson

These words by the great nonconformist, he said "By all means , see things from the other person's point of view- but always act upon your own point of view. "

My conviction is never to follow. I am proud to say I experience no terror for being different.

Sunday, January 6, 2008

College Algebra can Change

In light of the massive numbers of collge students taking college algebra as their final math class of their lives in college. I realized I love my job but I hate certain things about it. It takes you to dislike something to change it I have found... This is what I would change about the math cirriculum.

Freshman year: begining mans on...(cooperative learning rules are set)

Sphomore year: service learning hands on...(cooperative learning)

Junior year: project driven (cooperative learning)

Senior year: College algebra prep to reduce number of "can't do calculus students". apon conclusion use a real world example across cirriculum. A student should be able to read the newspaper and create a chart(visual) in order to test exponential and algebraic skills. Interpreting what you read and verbalizing, sharing, and learning from oneself.


College Algebra
http://www.contemporarycollegealgebra.org/national_movement/an_urgent_call.html

Saturday, January 5, 2008

Bruins vs. New Jersey

That was one of the best ending to a game I have ever seen. Thank you Glen Metropolit.

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

Radicals

I think radicals are the door that opens to the world of quadratics. If one can relate radicals to monomial expressions next linear equations can be compared to quadratics. Then anything you see in Calculus is possible.
If a student is defeated before they start an equation then I let them know that speed doesn't matter and mistakes are not a sign of weakness. I often think of my past mistakes, and reflect on how I corrected them. I wasn't sure how to correct everything but "sometimes you have to jump and build the wings on the way down. " Kobi Yamada
Then fly to a resolution you desire to live with.