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Reader comment on:
Do Social Issues Belong in Math Class?

Submitted by Ben Markunas, Jan 27, 2007 18:16

In a journalistic attempt to polarize the discussion around integrating social issues and mathematics, the author makes a gross error regarding the Weathermen, a sixties radical group (a former member is scheduled to present at the conference mentioned in the introduction). In describing a bomb concocted by the group, the author states that the bomb was "intended for others". While their tactics were extreme, ill-fated, and ill-advised, the Weathermen NEVER attempted or advocated killing anyone in their efforts to raise American consciousness of the killing that was going on in Vietnam. In the age we now live in, this sort of inaccuracy--the difference between life and death--is truly unfortunate.


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Comment By Date

In a journalistic attempt to polarize the discussion around integrating social issues and mathematics, the author makes a gross error...

Ben Markunas 

Jan 27, 2007 18:16

Gary Shapiro, I am one of the organizers of this upcoming mathematics education conference and a long time teacher of college... [MORE]

S E Anderson 

Jan 24, 2007 17:06

S E Anderson writes on Jan 24, 2007 17:06 "However, if we accept the latter, then there is something fundamentally wrong... [MORE]

Haim 

Jan 25, 2007 11:28

Re: Do Social Issues Belong in Math Class? by Gary Shapiro Professor Gutstein raises some important questions that none of the... [MORE]

Kathleen Kesson 

Jan 24, 2007 09:54

Kathleen Kesson writes on Jan 24, 2007 09:54 "Why is there an assumption that people who wish to bring real world... [MORE]

Haim 

Jan 25, 2007 12:43

"Students are not empty vessels when they enter a classroom; they already know and care about things like Nike shoes,... [MORE]

Shasa Ward 

Feb 6, 2007 06:28

Originally, I wrote, "...if your goal is to teach math..." then you will use real world examples that are... [MORE]

Haim 

Feb 8, 2007 20:43

Respondent Haim, as we all do, speaks from an ideology. His, as does Dr. Ravitch's, proposes that (1) our public... [MORE]

Brian R. Lawler 

Mar 1, 2007 09:54

My thanks to the several correspondents and their revealing comments. So far, in this discussion, we have learned that... [MORE]

Haim 

Mar 5, 2007 08:57

"Let us make other parts of our lives and the world in which we live 'MEANINGFUL to the students.'" -... [MORE]

Shasa Ward 

Jul 2, 2007 11:30

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