Why Study Algebra?

[agzg]

I'm thinking of a million ways I use it now.

Figuring out the percentage of my income I spend on health insurance is a big one (since it's open enrollment right now).

These are all very "adult" answers that might be lost on him, though. I'd stick to baking.

[KSig RC]

MC, you may not use by-rote algebra every day, but I'm certain you use the same sort of logic every day - it's very much related to the "lawyer brain" (solving for unknowns/inconsistencies).

Essentially, any time you're solving for an unknown, you're using algebraic thinking - and that's a skill he will want to have, even if it's just wondering how much he can spend on two different items while still making budget for the month, or how to determine his 401(k) match sweet spot.

These aren't sexy reasons, but they do show that the reason why algebra is hard (it requires you to attack a problem in reverse, essentially) is the same as its benefit: an angle to attack problems that you didn't have before.

[preciousjeni]

I use algebra on a regular basis, especially to figure out complex percentages. I have trouble visualizing where the numbers go in the equation, so I'll write an equation fully out and then do the calculations in my head.

People use basic algebra all the time without thinking about it. Once you have the concepts in mind, you forget that it's "algebra" and you just think of it as working out an equation.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by AlwaysSAI

I currently teach Algebra I in the same state you live, MC, and in a county not very far away. Let me know if you decide you want an algebra tutor. (;

This is very true and in the state you live, it is a result of standardized testing. There are "more creative" things that can be done with Algebra but because Algebra I is and always will be an EOC class, teachers are less likely to do more fun things. Their goal is to teach it exactly how it will look on the EOC so that the students can pass it. (As an special ed teacher teaching Algebra, my approach is a bit different, but gets the same result.)

This is certainly part of the problem, but I came along long before teaching for the test, and it was a problem then as well. Teaching for the test exacerbates the problem, I think.

And thanks for the tutoring offer. We actually have a really great tutor and who is making some good progress. She's a friend whose family he's known all his life, and she has a son a year older than ours with similar spectrum challenges, so she has a really good sense of how to approach things with him. She is seeing promise.

Originally Posted by psusue

The other point I have is that he has no idea yet what will truly interest him-- many of the topics that he may go on to love haven't yet been covered.

Exactly! We keep reminding him of this, along with the basic "you need this to get into college to study what you want to study." Your whole post was very helpful and encouraging. Thanks!

Originally Posted by southbymidwest

MysticCat, I think your son has to look at this at a macro versus micro level also. School is about learning about all sorts of stuff, even that which you don't have an affinity for, or like. I'd bet big money that the vast majority of us took classes in something that we despised, and thought that they were "stupid" to take.

He definitely does need to look at it this way, and we hit on this every time we talk about algebra. The challenge is that when you're talking about a 14-year-old with Asperger's, getting him to that macro-perspective is a lot easier said than done.


Thanks everyone for the suggestions. There's so much that I don't think that I can respond to everything everyone has said, but I really appreciate it all!


ETA:

Originally Posted by psusue

For example, I HATED math with the burning passion of a thousand fiery suns . . . .

I meant to give psusue major props for this reference.

[southbymidwest]

Originally Posted by MysticCat

He definitely does need to look at it this way, and we hit on this every time we talk about algebra. The challenge is that when you're talking about a 14-year-old with Asperger's, getting him to that macro-perspective is a lot easier said than done.

MC, you are so clever, I am sure that you have tried every which way to get him to understand the importance of algebra on mathematical and non-mathematical levels. But I do find this to be a very interesting and educational discussion, and I am glad that you brought it up.

[mayasophia]

Algebra is needed for construction, such as if you are building a table or laying tile on a new floor. Algebra is needed in all types of projects that require building, that is if you want to do it right.

Algebra is also important if you ever want to get good with money and understanding dividends and interest rates and if you are making a decent return on an investment.

Algebra is also important for programming as well as just basic counting, say if you need to do fractions and split a certain amount of money between multiple people at different rates.

Hope that helps