Another delusional PANACEA being concocted by FALSE MESSIAHs. <– A great title . Can I write an article here?

Talk about very short-term thinking… Anyone notice how his recent ad is all about him? No mention of helping the country.

Um…Chiz? What will removing Math solve anyway? Lots of kids will be happy temporarily but I’m willing to bet all my possessions that they’ll regret it sooner or later. And so will you when you see how your kids have been reduced to the likes of mentally-deficient sheep.

Why is this guy running, anyway??? Someone brain him with a rock, please? Anything heavy and blunt to knock some sense into this guy!

His critique is based on a myopic view of PRACTICALITY. He apparently defines practicality as mere usage or direct application. The larger view of practicality accepts the reality of INDIRECT applications. While, to take one of his examples, geometry might not be directly applicable in one’s everyday activities, its concepts and the mental discipline it inculcates have practical benefits. For example, geometry’s focus on PROOFS trains the mind to think in logical steps and zero in on logical relationships between premises and conclusions. It also develops a greater appreciation for backing up assertions or at least arguing in a methodical, well thought out way.

This is typical “masa” solution to a problem. If one has trouble untying one’s shoelaces, just use the scissors. Instead of learning how to solve it, you just get rid of it. Math is difficult, so just get rid of it, just as if a president could not wave a magic wand to solve all our problems, then just do another Edsa. Unfortunately for this approach, the problem keeps coming back and with a vengeance.

That’s exactly right. The student may not have a liking or strong aptitude for higher mathematics, but he won’t know that until he receives some introduction to it; an introduction that, as Filo said, gives him sufficient background to pursue more advanced studies if he wishes. And if not, the student has at least learned something about logic and sequential thinking.

Even in law and business and the arts, a firm background in mathematics gives one an edge over the Chizes of the world. For example, if he were president would he understand monetary policy, to an effective degree that enables him to make a productive decision, without a reasonable math background (which would involve, in that case, at least a little bit of trigonometry)? Of course he can hire someone smarter or better-educated to do the calculating, but at least Chiz should have a clear concept of what’s going on.

By the same token, the math geniuses of the world have an edge over their peers if they have a firm background in arts and humanities. It works both ways.

Of course, Chiz has already popped off with “the Country is the party” idea, so maybe he’s thinking more along the lines of instituting a caste system. In that case, what he says make sense; those doomed from birth to pick up dirty trays and constantly mop the same meter-square spot of floor at Jollibee need only be prepared for their place in the world and no more.

Hear, hear. We need to start them young while their brain is still developing. It’s harder to cope when you are older.

how would u know if u want to be an engineer or not, if not expose him/her to advanced maths?

That’s exactly why these subjects ought to be introduced in high school. It lets the students know if they have a knack for the maths and sciences that go with them, and they don’t feel severely behind when they take these up in college. Besides, skipping the fairly advanced maths of high school would further restrict future career flexibility of the youth, especially when multidisciplinary backgrounds are valued in progressive companies. Lack of options is a complete bummer.

let me rock the boat a bit and defend what he’s saying, for the sake of debate.

if ur not gonna be an engineer, why learn calculus, trigonometry and (advanced) geometry?

you should know some algebra (mathematical operations), but apart from that, if you are gonna be in business, the law, the arts, etc — you won’t really need calc, trigo and adv geometry.

the only reason to introduce it in HS, is to determine the math aptitude of kids. how would u know if u want to be an engineer or not, if not expose him/her to advanced maths?