MATH CRISIS

By Medha Ketkar

“WHY DO WE NEED MATH?”

This is a question all students ask their teacher at one time or another in the classroom every year. I understand that some students have a mental block for math, don’t see the bigger picture of how math is involved in their daily life, or they could be an A+ student but that particular concept maybe difficult to grasp. Sometimes, even adults, do not realize how important and vital math is to our day-to-day life.

When I grow up, I want to be a/an…

Accountant

Architect

Astronaut

Commercial Artist

Doctor

Engineer

Financier

Gardener

Interior

Decorator

Mailman

Nurse

Painter

Psychiatrist

Psychologist

Teacher

Doctor

Salesman

Singer

“SOMEONE”

YOU STILL NEED MATH

What is Math?

Is it Calculations?

Addition

Subtraction

Multiplication

Division

Logic

Reasoning

Math Professor in front of Chalkboard

On the International Platform

How do American students’ compare with foreign students?

Is there any truth that though in the 20th Century Americans were leading, but others have surpassed us for the number 1 position in the 21st Century?

The TAKS (state mandated test) performance level of students is not anywhere close to being satisfactory?

THINK… If one can appreciate art without acquiring the ability to draw or paint; or for that matter enjoy music without being able to read music, then math also deserves the same respect. To be enjoyed for its own sake, without being constantly asking “When, where, or how will I use this?”

MATH

The best suggestion I can give to students is (learn to) love Math. Love it like you love the most important person in your life!! I am not kidding. Take a few minutes, close your eyes, and think about it.

MATH

What are the things you love about that person? What do you do in return for that person to show that the feeling is reciprocated? Same goes for Math. What is learning Math going to do for you (in your career)? What is it that you have to do in return? The very least one can do is spend time with Math, e.g. learn math concepts, do homework without fail, make numbers your best friend, etc.