07-26-2009, 09:39 PM
graylocks wrote:Depends on the level of the material in the class. I wouldn't expect this to be available until, maybe, a calculus class. Anything lower than that (e.g. algebra, geometry), the kids should have a certain level of background knowledge stored in their brains. I remember some upper division math & engineering classes in college where having a sheet of formulas was an absolute requirement for the midterms & finals. You still had THINK and to know which ones to use - much like real life. You also had a leg up (timewise) if you already had them memorized...
in my son's high school, and many other schools from what i gather in casual conversation, students are provided with a sheet of formulas to refer to when taking a math test. including final exams. my son asked me if this was the case back in my day. my answer was a resounding Hell, No! my school never even have open book tests which i'm not opposed to for some testing during the term. but a cheat sheet, essentially, for a final - oh , please, has the world gone mad!
graylocks wrote: ...am i just an aging curmudgeon...Uhh...yeah, probably...