Subject: Standards in Math

Posted by Alex Leus on 12/4/2010
In Reply To:Standards in Math Posted by Warren Farr on 12/4/2010

Message:

Well put Warren. "The goal with teens is a difficult one. They need to learn the tools and techniques to solve future unknown real problems."

What will motivate them is that they need to understand that without an excellent education in today's World, life is going to be extremely difficult. I joined the Navy as a high school drop out, that is not even possible today, and I learned the importance of studying and practicing when my life was actually on the line. When I was taught how to blow and go in a depth of 50 feet of water, and I did not do it correctly I could die! When I was taught how to function in a room of smoke and I did not do it properly I could die! If I did not do my job properly with rest my submariners, we could all die! Yes, I was motivated to learn because my life depended on it and other people depended on me! How are kids motivated today, what are there goals - a paper test. Please, I am not saying everyone's life has to be at risk to be motivated to learn, but to form a successful business, be successfully employed etc., kids can not even relate to that real life stuff let alone when there life is on the line. Am I making sense? Yes SD, Math and Science etc. are important, but how can we motivate the kids of their importance, without an excellent education, a happy life is at high risk!
Alex