Thursday, June 30, 2005
How Can The Press Report On What It Does Not Understand?
Boy did this article catch my eye when the headline moved in front of my face
But when I read the article, I was somewhat flabergasted. Consider the first few paragraphs.
Numbers (i.e. "numerically trained") are but one small portion of mathematics! The article itself demonstrates the problem it claims to report. The ultimate negative self-reference! Sad, but fun.
Maths 'stuck in downward spiral'
But when I read the article, I was somewhat flabergasted. Consider the first few paragraphs.
Mathematics is in a "spiral of decline", with major reforms of A-levels and GCSEs needed to improve the situation, academics say.What's wrong with this picture? Anybody?...Anybody?...Buehler?...Buehler?
A report from the UK Mathematics Foundation says the situation is "far more serious" than is usually admitted.
There were far too few numerically trained workers to teach their successors, while A-level entries had declined sharply since the 1980s.
Numbers (i.e. "numerically trained") are but one small portion of mathematics! The article itself demonstrates the problem it claims to report. The ultimate negative self-reference! Sad, but fun.
