Today I visited the three stores I will be working with, Ankeny, Indianola, and West Des Moines #4.
The rest of the day was spent looking further into some of the software applications that I'll be working with. As we took a look at all of the forecasting and calculations that the software does, I was reminded of the debate over content versus process. Math teachers often focus on algorithms and specific math skills.
The movement has been to focus on the higher order thinking skills and the application of the mathematical thinking. These software automate many of the lower level skills, like calculating section blends, gross profit margins, etc. This means that students that are only able to substitute values into formulas or perform algorithms will be at a severe disadvantage. The student/worker who can analyze, create, synthesize will have an advantage, because these are the skills that businesses prize and are often in low supply.
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