Why Learn Math?

MATHEMATICS:Why Should You Care? : 

MATHEMATICS:Why Should You Care?

For starters, : 

For starters, Imagine a world in which there was no mathematics. In this world, there would be:

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No computers No iPods No television No video games No cameras No cell phones No cars No planes

Fortunately, you may think, someone else has already invented those things. : 

Fortunately, you may think, someone else has already invented those things. But without some of YOU learning mathematics, Who will be able to invent and improve the technology of the future?

Some more reasons… : 

Some more reasons… Would you like to get in to the college of your choice someday? That college is going to want to see your ACT score before it accepts you.

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Studies show that “increased course-taking, particularly in mathematics and science, is related to improved ACT test performance.”1

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In other words, the more math and science classes you take, the better your ACT score is likely to be. (Regardless of your academic ability, your grades, your sex, or your race.)

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The college that you get accepted at will also ask you to take a math “college placement test”, to determine which math course you should enroll in.

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Research shows that your Math High School Performance has a larger effect than GPA on the probability that you will pass that college placement test.2

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What’s the most important math course to take in high school? Algebra 2 Why?

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Students who take Algebra 2 tend to perform far better on college placement tests than students who only take Algebra 1. (This is true even for students who get a poor grade in Algebra 2.)2

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This suggests that taking more challenging math courses, even at the risk of lowering your GPA, would benefit you.

Some more reasons… : 

Some more reasons… Assume you’ve already been accepted at the college of your choice. What are the chances that you’ll actually finish and graduate with a bachelor’s degree (a common requirement for most careers)?

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According to the research, finishing at least one course beyond the Algebra 2 level more than doubles the likelihood that you will finish your bachelor’s degree.3,4

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In fact, the effect of taking more challenging math courses is greater than the effect of high school test scores, GPA, class rank, track, socio-economic status, race, gender, or courses in any of the other academic subject areas.

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Your chances of completing a bachelor’s degree actually increase with every additional math course that you take in high school.3

You may wonder… : 

You may wonder… Why should I be concerned about earning a bachelor’s degree, anyway?

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For one thing, the higher the level of schooling you complete, the higher your salary is likely to be.

2005 U.S. Census Data5 : 

2005 U.S. Census Data5

More data… : 

More data… Median 2003 Income by Educational Level Source: salary.com

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Notice that in the previous two tables, people who have a bachelor’s degree earn almost twice as much as those who have only a high school diploma.

And what’s more… : 

And what’s more… These days, due to globalization, advanced technology, changes in the economy, and other factors, not even a bachelor’s degree will guarantee you employment.

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These days, a degree “ ‘isn't any big guarantee of employment, it's a basic requirement, a step you have to take to even be considered for many professional jobs.’ ”6

So, think about it… : 

So, think about it… Your freshman year is a “fresh start.” Your performance in your math class this year will set the tone for the rest of your high school career, which in turn affects your college opportunities and career options.

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Besides all of the obvious, everyday math applications (like grocery store math, personal finances, figuring the tip, etc.), learning mathematics is important for you because it opens doors to your future.

Remember, : 

Remember, It’s your life, your choice, And it begins today.

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Choose to keep all of your doors open.

References : 

References Noble, J. P., & McNabb, T. (1989). Differential coursework and grades in high school: Implications for performance on the ACT. ACT Research Report Series, 89 (5). Iowa City, IA: American College Testing Program. Roth, J., Crans, G. G., Carter, R. L., Ariet, M., & Resnick, M. B. (2001). Effect of high school course-taking and grades on passing a college placement test. High School Journal, 84 (2). Chapel Hill, NC: University of North Carolina Press. Adelman, C. (1999). Answers in the toolbox: Academic intensity, attendance patterns, and bachelor’s degree attainment. U.S. Department of Education. Online. Available: http://www.ed.gov/pubs/Toolbox/index.html Trusty, J., & Niles, S. G. (2003). High school math courses and completion of the bachelor’s degree. Professional School Counseling, 7(2). Alexandria, VA: American School Counselor Association. Webster, B. H., & Bishaw, A. (2006). Income, earnings, and poverty data from the 2005 American community survey. American Community Survey Reports, 2. Washington, DC: U. S. Census Bureau. Ip, G. (2008). The declining value of your college degree. The Wall Street Journal. Online. Available: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121623686919059307.html?mod=todays_us_personal_journal

In-class assignment: : 

In-class assignment: On your own, write a response to this presentation. Consider the following: Your initial reactions What you agreed with What you disagreed with Questions you may have Points you would like to raise How this makes you feel Be prepared to share your ideas with a partner.