Which Book Should I Write Next? - Page 5

Magic_Man · #41 03-07-2007, 01:52 AM

You've been talking about being the best algebra teacher for quite a while now. If it's true, then the algebra book is the clear choice, and it's not close. If it succeeds, you can follow up with several other subjects. I'm quite anxious to see how you teach it, since I often wonder how I will teach my own children advanced math one day.

El Diablo · #42 03-07-2007, 01:57 AM

David,

You must have some other reason for asking this other than trying to solicit feedback, since ALGEBRA FOR TEN YEAR OLDS (And those who think like them) is so clearly the correct answer.

lippy · #43 03-07-2007, 02:09 AM

DS,

You want to write the algebra book. Doing this will make you the happiest.

andyfox · #44 03-07-2007, 02:20 AM

Part of being a great teacher is using language that is easily understandable. Sometimes your grammar and syntax are less than ideal. If you do decide to do the algebra book, and since A) I often think like a ten-year old; B) you and I are such close friends; and C) I got an 800 on the math portion of the SAT (admittedly just after the Johnson administration, and I'm talking Andrew Johnson), I'd be happy to serve as your editor in my spare time, gratis, and without credit.

Victor · #45 03-07-2007, 02:20 AM

i must be missing something bc i dont see the point of the algrebra book. a school is not gonna use your book for teaching. and older ppl dont care to learn algebra.

David Sklansky · #46 03-07-2007, 02:26 AM

[ QUOTE ]
David,

You must have some other reason for asking this other than trying to solicit feedback, since ALGEBRA FOR TEN YEAR OLDS (And those who think like them) is so clearly the correct answer.

[/ QUOTE ]

I actually thought people would choose TOP for beginners. Perhaps I confused the issue by asking "what is best for the world". I really meant what makes most sense for me. Until recently the algebra book wouldn't have worked given my lack of formal education. And a book doesn't do the best job of showcasing my teaching talent since I can't individualize instuction based on what type of problems the student is having. The big difference between what I have in mind and the books that I think are out there now would be my willingness to assume beginner status in the reader all the way throughout. For instance I would assume that he wasn't comfortable with fractions and dexcimals. Since fractions are supposed to be learned well before algebra, it is probably unheard of to teach a student how to factor or do quadratic equations if mere fractions confused him.
But if you think about it, you realize that understanding how to solve simple quadratic equations does not require you to be facile with fractions. Meanwhile if you can show a kid that he can understand the principles of this somewhat advanced algebra, it should give him the confidence to go back and learn the stuff he ignored in fifth grade. (That's not to say that the book would not have some problems involving decimals or fractions.)

Maybe there are already books out there that that keep things as elementary as possible throughout. If so I was hoping that someone would know of them and tell me about them.

Vanidor · #47 03-07-2007, 02:43 AM

[ QUOTE ]
i must be missing something bc i dont see the point of the algrebra book. a school is not gonna use your book for teaching. and older ppl dont care to learn algebra.

[/ QUOTE ]

I agree.

While I am sure that you could write an excellent algebra text, I don't see it being too useful unless it is used widely in classrooms.

I want to read the top 50 hands, and I am sure it would sell as well as all your other books.

Gobgogbog · #48 03-07-2007, 03:03 AM

I'm confident the algebra book would be the best social contribution on its own merits. But if it's as good as you say it is, people will try to mimic it for many other topics. Which means it's not even close.

chezlaw · #49 03-07-2007, 03:08 AM

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Quote:
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i must be missing something bc i dont see the point of the algrebra book. a school is not gonna use your book for teaching. and older ppl dont care to learn algebra.

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I agree.

While I am sure that you could write an excellent algebra text, I don't see it being too useful unless it is used widely in classrooms.

[/ QUOTE ]
If DS can write a book which contains an original and better method to teach algebra then there's a very high chance the method will become popular.

It may not mean DS selling many books and the take up of the method may not be in his lifetime but that doesn't mean its anything but an excellent plan.

chez

David Sklansky · #50 03-07-2007, 03:35 AM

To teach Algebra to non talented students you have to know the subject cold while at the same time being able to relate to the difficulties that those non talented (or very young)students have with the subject. Those two talents are rarely found in the same person. I know I have both talents because of the success of my students.