Quote:
Originally Posted by Flint
Is something wrong with me, that I don't know about train schedules or subway stops? Maybe, but that shouldn't influence my score on a math test, should it? The math test is supposed to test math, not knowledge of trains. It's a math test.
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Yes, but learning just math is pointless, it is the application of math that is needed. For standardized tests, word problems should go or they at least be presented in a way that can be understood by everyone but when it comes down to it, students need to learn how to apply math to real life and that is where word problems come in. Not only does it work on application, it works on a student's ability to problem solve, which is needed beyond math class and the application of math in real life.
That brings us, or at least me, up to a problem. Standardized tests should be objective as possible and that would mean the exclusion of word problems but the learning of just math won't help a student much. The only thing I can think of if we decide to keep standardized tests is to have a separate section for math application.
Then there is also the problem that a lot of math does not have direct application but is just a base for more advanced math that does have direct application.