From: Eric Jablow <ejablow at cox.net>
Subject: [WSFA] Re: Great Con Redux...(DMZ Version)
Date: Tue, 18 Oct 2005 20:28:39 -0400
To: WSFA members <WSFAlist at WSFA.org>
Reply-To: WSFA members <WSFAlist at WSFA.org>

On Oct 18, 2005, at 11:41 AM, Madeleine Yeh wrote:

> On Tue, 18 Oct 2005 01:38:59 -0400
>   "Mike B." <omni at omniphile.com> wrote:
>
>> I've taken a few writing classes and I've seen the same
>> thing I saw in
>> Calculus class.  No real explanation of *how* to do it,
>> just examples of it
>> having been done, a command to go forth and do likewise,
>> and evaluation of
>> the results.  I decided that my Calculus teacher didn't
>> *know* how do do
>> Calculus...he just did it.
>>
>     Second time around -- I think my previous reply got
> truncated
>     Mike you are being so unfair to your Calculus teacher.
>  "how" to do a math problem is very individualistic.  He
> could explain "how" he does it but it might not be of any
> use to you.  Some people think in pictures, some linearly,
> and some with formulas. The method that serves you best
> might be completely useless to the person sitting next to
> you.
>   Madeleine

Besides, do you know what happens in a non-honors
calculus class when the professor tries to explain the whys and
wherefores of mathematics?  The class becomes sullen and
resentful.  "Will this be on the exam, Professor Jablow?" they
whine.  Usually, the student demands the explanation by formula,
not the professor.

Respectfully,
Eric Jablow