Does Captain Kirk know his times-tables?
Engage
I am a Trekkie, which means that I have watched Star Trek since the beginning and probably watched every episode numerous times. I enjoy Star Trek because it paints a picture of a world in the future where people respect one another and greed is almost non-existent. It was a great show and prompted many social science research papers by doctoral candidates.
I woke up early this morning with an important question and so went to my computer to bring it to the attention of my readers. Did captain Kirk know his times-tables? At first glimpse this may seem like a dumb question, but with a little thought it blossoms into a very interesting query. Captain Kirk had access to amazing technology, much of which has come to fruition in our time. He could talk to his computer, which we can also do. He never had to write or take notes, just scribbled his initials on some report that was handed to him. Although he professed to read, he did not have to, since anything he wanted could be spoken to him by computer in a pleasing and sometimes sexy voice. I wonder how good his math skills were since he never had to use them much past the conceptual stage. One has to wonder if the captain knew his times-tables, or did he simply rely on the computer or a small calculator that he probably carried with him to help him through these calculations?
As you may know, I taught Mathematics for much of my teaching career and during that time watched as students knew less and less mathematics. Certainly everyone has his story of how he learned the times tables while attending grade school, but I would raise the question as to whether recent generations will have similar stories. Like many decisions made in modern education, educational authorities, whoever that might be at the moment, have decided that knowing ones simple times’ tables is not a worthwhile skill in our modern technological society. Add this to the recent push to eliminate hand writing, and the future looks a little grim. Sure, some of you will say that Cosmic is stuck in the past, and I am sure there is some truth to that; but I make this simple question, can a strong house be built without a foundation? Many people like to spout off that Einstein failed eighth grade math. This may be true, but I bet it was not because he did not know his times tables. I would wager as well that he was able to pick up a pen and write a note.
I would like to point out that historically, very few human beliefs that were not based on good science survived the test of time. For example, Earth is not flat nor do planets circle the earth. It was long believed that taking blood from a sick person made him get better. Eating wheat and corn, which we use to fatten up our livestock, will make a person thin – and the list goes on. I believe education has suffered from the same effect. My generation and several before it benefited from more than a decent education. Most of us can write, read, add two numbers in our head and know the multiplication tables. The same cannot be said of students graduating today! I believe that if we gave a graduating class a ninth grade level test as a gateway to receiving a high school diploma, a very high percentage of seniors, nation wide, would not graduate!
So maybe everything that we have decided is good for education is not! Maybe teaching six-year olds how to use a computer before they can write their name or use a calculator before they can do simple math is not what is best for our children. Maybe this huge push to put a computer in the hands of every student will, in the near future, turn out to be a BIG mistake. It is possible that we might decide that building a good foundation is better than skipping to the fun stuff. Please do not misunderstand me, I LOVE MY COMPUTER. As a comparison, if as a child I was given a Honda four-wheeler before I was given a pedal bike, I doubt that I would be riding a pedal bike today and probably would be a few more pounds over weight.
Cute video called EVERYTHING YOU KNOW IS WRONG.
So you’re just going to leave me hanging. I thought I would find out about Capt. Kirk’s math skills. But, then again, I guess, “everything I thought I knew…”
I don’t have a problem with the kids using the computer early. But they should see it as a tool, not a substitute for learning. Teach kids keyboarding before they are expected to USE a keyboard. Terry Lynn taught keyboarding to kindergarten kids in Samoa. Computers should never be an excuse for not knowing things (e.g. times tables.)
My money is he did not know them.
Liked your latest blog Charlie. Reminds me of a few (lot) years ago when I was discussing the subject of television with a friend. He was complaining about his daughter watching too much TV. This was before computer games but, his comments, I believe, are just as pertinent today.
He said that when one reads a book, they must create in their imagination the entire scene. They must picture the characters, the setting, the smells and the speech patterns and accents of the characters.
When radio came along, he said, the listener had to do much the same except the speech and background noise was provided.
TV, he said, raped his daughter of the most important things that she (and all of us) possess, our imagination.
So, I’ve got to agree with you. Teaching basic math and reading skills are probably the single best thing we can do for our children. (and even other adults, it’s never to late)
You speak of the sounds, have you noticed how many people are totally zoned out with their Ipods. So much of the world is made up of sounds and an entire generation will not experience it.