This system, which made up most of algebra classes for many years, was one where students were placed on “tracks” based upon their mathematical ability, and their school district made money by teaching a specific set of skills. In such a system, there is no room for creativity or discovery, and any student who did not follow the rules and who didn’t excel in mathematics (or science) was simply demoted to a lower grade. Such a system certainly did nothing to encourage students to try new ideas or develop their own. After all, if you don’t succeed at math, you aren’t a loser, are you?
In such a system, students had very little to choose from, and it was nearly impossible to do anything beyond what you were told was necessary. That’s not necessarily true today, of course. There are more opportunities to teach students. However, in the current educational system, teaching a wide range of skills is often considered an unnecessary expense, because it would increase costs.
This is why there are still some people who believe that taking an algebra class is not necessary. They argue that children are able to learn to solve problems on their own, without having to be forced to learn something new. These proponents point out that if you were to sit down and explain to a child how to find the roots of a tree, without giving them a tool to do it with, they would likely not learn.
However, by doing exactly that, and showing them on a graph, they will be able to find roots. And when you show them that an equation, without showing them how to solve it, they will be able to calculate. By giving them tools, you can give them a head start and help them learn math.
Algebra teachers today understand this basic principle. They know that they have to give their students a reason to learn how to calculate and solve problems. That’s why they give them the opportunity to practice and work with graphing and problem solving activities, such as those featured in geometry, trigonometry, astronomy, biology, etc.
Of course, not every child will find this approach helpful at first. It may take some time before they get used to it, but after a while, when they get used to it, they will have a better appreciation for what they are learning, and what they should do with what they learn.
In the end, they will begin to see the value of being taught an activity, rather than simply being taught a “craze” such as algebra. And after time, they will begin to think of their work in terms of its own worth and use.
Another great benefit of this activity is that it can be fun. You don’t have to worry about the child getting bored. They can learn at their own pace and enjoy their time spent doing it. If they like it, they will want to do it all the time.
The problem with most activities in a classroom is that it can become time-consuming, and boring, and they never really get much free time. This is especially true for young children, because they are always rushing to get to class. or watching television.
However, by allowing them to do something that doesn’t require a lot of studying and that provides more fun, they can spend more time with each other. and have more enjoyable times.
With a graphing calculator in their hands, they can learn algebra and learn it right from their own home. That way, they won’t be distracted, and will be able to concentrate on the real-world applications of what they have learned. And they will become more productive at school. This can lead to success later on in life.
