Hmm.. Algebra is not hard. Its actually pretty easy if you know what you're looking for. Heck, the professor even tells you the answers before every test. Just follow the steps.
That's the problem though. There are many steps to be learned. Things like "order of operations" and "FOIL" are necessary to get the correct answer. Its not that learning Algebra is hard, its the discipline that comes from the. Trouble is, most young people don't see the rewards in learning this discipline.
For example here's a few other disciplines that takes time but seems more rewarding to a young student (or anyone)
Swimming - can have more fun at the beach
Martial Arts - self defense and confidence, and proof that you're a bad ass
Learning a FPS - bragging rights, more fun online against friends and other gamers
Guitar Lessons - sing your favorite songs, perform live, get lots of friends/admirers
Algebra - learn about long term goals and ... processes?
Kids are not into the "long term". They are into the short term. Thus, they are kids. Adults needs to show them why it is important to learn how to find "X". Unfortunately, most adults would rather stay far away from that stuff because they've had a hard time with it as a child as well. Its painful to them. Its easier to tell the child "because it is important" than explain why.
I personally think algebra is very cool. I like how things can workout just because you know a proven formula for solving that problem. But then again, that's why I (and other CS) make the big bucks. We do the things that no one else wants to deal with.
Using your brain is hard. Solving a tough equation is probably equivalent to running a mile. It can be done. It can be fun. Yet, you don't see many people with long slender bodies running around everywhere do we?
Everyone has their niche. Its really up to them to find it.
That's the problem though. There are many steps to be learned. Things like "order of operations" and "FOIL" are necessary to get the correct answer. Its not that learning Algebra is hard, its the discipline that comes from the. Trouble is, most young people don't see the rewards in learning this discipline.
For example here's a few other disciplines that takes time but seems more rewarding to a young student (or anyone)
Swimming - can have more fun at the beach Martial Arts - self defense and confidence, and proof that you're a bad ass Learning a FPS - bragging rights, more fun online against friends and other gamers Guitar Lessons - sing your favorite songs, perform live, get lots of friends/admirers
Algebra - learn about long term goals and ... processes?
Kids are not into the "long term". They are into the short term. Thus, they are kids. Adults needs to show them why it is important to learn how to find "X". Unfortunately, most adults would rather stay far away from that stuff because they've had a hard time with it as a child as well. Its painful to them. Its easier to tell the child "because it is important" than explain why.
I personally think algebra is very cool. I like how things can workout just because you know a proven formula for solving that problem. But then again, that's why I (and other CS) make the big bucks. We do the things that no one else wants to deal with.
Using your brain is hard. Solving a tough equation is probably equivalent to running a mile. It can be done. It can be fun. Yet, you don't see many people with long slender bodies running around everywhere do we?
Everyone has their niche. Its really up to them to find it.