Algebra was presented to me as random rules without any sort of context. When I asked, what is this for, I was told that I needed to learn it for the SAT, etc., etc., and that I would need to know it to get into a good college.
Yes. That was the answer from my Math teacher.
My art teacher could wax poetic about the fundamental importance of art and self-expression, how it develops individuality and opens up new ways to observe the world.
My english teacher could remonstrate on the wealth of human history and insight into the human condition found in literature.
My language teachers could describe how a whole culture and way of life is contained within a language, that learning it we open ourselves up to another world.
My science teachers could tell me how, if one understands the various fields of science, one understands creation itself.
The history teachers described that the history of the world is the history of mankind, it is our heritage and what has led to what we have today.
But my math teachers just said, "learn it because you have to." And treated my question - "Why" - as I were just being contrary.
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branchandroot
no subject
Date: 2004-09-03 12:14 pm (UTC)Yes. That was the answer from my Math teacher.
My art teacher could wax poetic about the fundamental importance of art and self-expression, how it develops individuality and opens up new ways to observe the world.
My english teacher could remonstrate on the wealth of human history and insight into the human condition found in literature.
My language teachers could describe how a whole culture and way of life is contained within a language, that learning it we open ourselves up to another world.
My science teachers could tell me how, if one understands the various fields of science, one understands creation itself.
The history teachers described that the history of the world is the history of mankind, it is our heritage and what has led to what we have today.
But my math teachers just said, "learn it because you have to." And treated my question - "Why" - as I were just being contrary.
Icarus