The importance of algebra for a productive economy

As far back as 1993, Castells suggested an every growing role for the "manipulation of symbols" in work organisation and productivity.

However, if recent NCEA assessments are anything to go by, the current state of algebra in high schools remains in crisis. For one thing, this sort of assessment encourages "teaching to the test" and certainly does not encourage real problem solving - the strategic competence most needed for a so-called knowledge economy.








Castells, M. (1993). The informational economy and the new international division of labour, in Carnoy, M., Castells, M., Cohen, S. & Cardoso, F. The new global economy in the information age: Reflections on our changing world. University Park, PA: Pennsylvania State University Press.

When we were two little boys

My twin brother was okay at maths, but never performed nearly as well in formal maths exams as I did.

 Maths exams then, like now, favoured those who enjoyed the abstract realms of mathematics.

However, at the age of 13, my brother built himself a six inch reflecting telescope (yes, it was inches back in those days!)

There was I, in the classroom, solving endless fascinating quadratic equations!

There was in he, in the garage, grinding and polishing a quadratic equation in the form of a mirror over 15 cm in diameter.

Carborundum and rouge for polishing flew in all directions.

I knew in my head what a Quadratic equation was.

He knew in his hands and heart what a Quadratic feels like.

Sadly the two worlds never met. Or did they? How else did he figure the focal length and where to put that second mirror? Trial and error?

Here is a six inch reflecting telescope, but the man is not my brother.

So perhaps rather than the mindless inane examples of quadratics presented in highschool texts, why not something like this to challenge the students and make maths come alive.

Do you like windsurfing?

What about introducing students to coordinate systems and curves, and eventually possible equations through windsurfing sail design?

Here's a work sheet that leads them in. Note there are no abstract equations to start with, they can come to that later.
 I like the title "curve control skill set".
Note that through hands on plotting, and connecting points in a relevant context, the student get ger a "feel" for how curves move and change.