This week's Student of the Week is Ali E (chocolate for whoever sends me a photo).
I have taught Ali the past three years (he is currently in my Foundations 12 class). I estimate that makes a total of about 170 times that Ali has had class with me. Of those times, he probably wished me a heartfelt "hello, Mr. Wadge" over 160 times (and just as many "see you later, Mr. Wadge"'s). In other words, Ali is a very personable and friendly guy. He always manages to brighten my day (thanks, Ali!). This year, Ali is also one of my Peer Tutors (in a grade 8 class). He took on this position somewhat reluctantly but has been doing a fantastic job. Again, Ali's kind nature pays dividends; he has the rare ability to make whichever student he works with feel comfortable and supported. It is clear that he REALLY wants to help the grade 8's be successful... and he is making a big difference! I probably shouldn't share this story but it was just too funny / surprising not to immortalize here. Last year, in Foundations 11, I allowed students to bring in a "cheat-sheet" to one of their chapter tests. However, I told the class that they could only write on ONE SIDE of a regular piece of paper (I call it "foolscap" paper but apparently none of you know that term). So, the test begins and I say to the class "I'm coming around to check your cheat-sheets". I'm walking slowly around the room (pretty bored to tell the truth), hardly glancing at each person's sheet, when suddenly Ali pipes up; "I only wrote on one side". Uh...okay. He's looking at me desperately. "Just one side?" I ask. He nods but he's not looking so convincing. I pick it up and turn it over... writing everywhere. I know I should have been angry but the whole thing was so weird / unexpected that the whole class (including me) burst out laughing. I think he'd just forgotten the rule; there really wasn't much written on EITHER side of the page. But we still tease Ali about it to this day. Thanks, Ali, for being such a good guy. You have worked very hard (especially in the Foundations classes) and I am glad that you have been so successful in Math. I admire you for your thoughtfulness and your gentle nature. It is no wonder that you are so well liked by so many of your classmates. I wish you good luck for the rest of this year... and well beyond too! ...and this Infographic suggests that we are smart to be learning Python!!
“Recreational math” might sound like an oxymoron to some, but the term can broadly include such immensely popular puzzles as Sudoku and KenKen, in addition to various games and brain teasers. The qualifying characteristics are that no advanced mathematical knowledge like calculus be required, and the activity engage enough of the same logical and deductive skills used in mathematics.
So let me lay out how to buy a car. It’s very easy. Decide exactly what car you want to buy, make, color if it matters to you, options and so forth. Then do not go to a dealership. Let your fingers do the walking. Telephone all of the dealers who sell the vehicle you’re interested in who are, say, within a 50 mile radius, a 25 mile radius, 75, however far you’re willing to go. To each of them make the same statement: “Hi, my name is so and so. I plan to buy such and such a car today at 5pm. I’m going to buy it from the dealer who gives me the best price. What is your best price?”
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P. WadgeI am your teacher. Obey me. Archives
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