Tuesday 1 July 2008

EDUCATION, EDUCATION, EDUCATION

I read in today’s paper that when asked to describe the room he was sitting in a boy wrote “fuck off” on his exam paper and was awarded 2 points because it was spelt correctly and conveyed meaning. This example was used to teach other examiners about marking. I actually think that the boy should have been awarded full marks because he is obviously a genius and has all the makings of a future prime minister.

Talking of which, when you read this I think you'll agree the world is now a scary, scary place:-

Teaching Maths in 1970 - A logger sells a truckload of timber for £100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price. What is his profit?

Teaching Maths in 1980 - A logger sells a truckload of timber for £100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price, or £80. What is his profit?

Teaching Maths in 1990 - A logger sells a truckload of timber for £100. His cost of production is £80. Did he make a profit?

Teaching Maths in 2000 - A logger sells a truckload of timber for £100. His cost of production is £80 and his profit is £20. Your assignment: Underline the number 20.

Teaching Maths in 2008 - A logger cuts down a beautiful forest because he's selfish and inconsiderate and cares nothing for the habitat of animals or the preservation of our woodlands. He does this so he can make a profit of £20. What do you think of this way of making a living? Topic for class participation after answering the question: How did the birds and squirrels feel as the logger cut down their homes? (there are no wrong answers.)

17 comments:

Salute said...

Wonderful post...like it.

Tim Atkinson said...

Yeah, and people will think that this is fiction!

menopausaloldbag (MOB) said...

Dear God almighty. I'm almost speechless with anger, frustration, shock at the stupidity of the politically correct arseholes that have such a powerful voice these days.

My husband received an email from a young man a few months agao. He was after him to liaise for him. Unfortunately he spelt it leasing! Numpty.

Loved your comment on my blog about serving lunch without the pork. Had me in stitches. And don't get me started about when my husband drives like your story a few posts back. I really could wring his kneck.

www.retiredandcrazy.com said...

Welcome dotterel and being an educator (soon to be an ex-educator) you know how scary it's all getting!

www.retiredandcrazy.com said...

Welcome to you too Mae. I visited you and love your blog on petrol prices in America being $5 a gallon. If only ours was that cheap. We are paying the same in £'s.

www.retiredandcrazy.com said...

There are a few subjects that touch a universal chord aren't there MOB, men's driving being one!

Salute said...

As with gas at $10 per in the UK. I was wondering if perishable items prices outrageous too. Such as milk, eggs, and bread? Milk $5/gal, eggs $2.50/doz, bread $2 or more a loaf.

www.retiredandcrazy.com said...

To answer your question Mae
6 pints of milk would be $4.25;
12 eggs $5; sliced white bread $2.57. Expensive huh?

Sandi McBride said...

Oh wow, I actually figured out the answer in the first problem formalae, lol...odd, Education was on my mind today, too...it's what I posted about...really enjoyed this,
Sandi

Anonymous said...

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ADDY said...

Wonderful. And what is more, it's true!

Salute said...

Just stopping back again. Hope you are having a wonderful day.

www.retiredandcrazy.com said...

I didn't even get the first question Sandi, so you are one up on me!

www.retiredandcrazy.com said...

Hi Alan and welcome. I haven't had much chance to do anything let alone listen to the programme, but rest assured I will.

www.retiredandcrazy.com said...

Yes Rosario, so true, but so scary.

www.retiredandcrazy.com said...

Well, Mae, yesterday was a trial, but hopefully today will be better.

A Mother's Place is in the Wrong said...

Dear God, it's just awful isn't it? When you spell that out, I do wonder what the world is about. Education? Not really. M :-(