Edumafication

[fadagaski]

It's always frustrating and embarrassing when it's made clear to one just how ignorant and/or uneducated one is. In my case, maths has always been my downfall. Complex equations are beyond me, and I'm okay with that.

However, what has been made apparent very recently is my lack of basic mathematical knowledge. I put this squarely on the shoulders of my school, for failing to provide adequate maths teachers for pretty much my entire tenure.

Today, I decided to practice speed/time/distance calculations at lunchtime (don't ask). First, I had to look up how to do this. Then, I had to look up how to multiply decimal places. When this proved too confusing, I had to look up simply long multiplication.

I'm not stupid. This isn't an inability to grasp basic maths. This is a lack of training, and no requirement for mental arithmetic in the modern world.

Plan of action: acquire a Key Stage 3 revision guide to work through the problems at lunchtime. I will not be held back by the failings of a special measures school 8 years past.


Fitness update: not good. Cycled for 25 minutes on Saturday morning, but have had a tonne of chocolate since then. Also had egg fried rice for lunch today. Oops.

I think this might be an easier endeavor out in California this summer. There will at least be a pool to swim in after work.

Comments

[jackks.livejournal.com]

The standards of maths taught across British schools is low compared to European standards. As someone who has gone from one educational system to the other I know this all too well.

[fadagaski.livejournal.com]

It amazes me how little we are taught here. When I went to Canada, one of the guys who had grown up in India until he was about 12 said he didn't have to learn any NEW math until he was a senior in high school. That? Is frightening.