One of the problems we face is so many people (students included) believe
what they see on TV and the other media. What they are taught in school
matters little because they have seen the "truth" with their own eyes. As
an example, many of my students feel (I use that word intentionally) that
seatbelts are dangerous because of the risk of an explosion or fire in an
accident. They are afraid the seatbelt will become jammed, and they will
be trapped inside the vehicle. When they are asked, they say that is what
happens in an accident on TV or in the movies. The actual statistics of
the percent of fires or explosions in an accident hold little importance
(left brain) when compared to the images (right brain) they see of the fire
or explosion, however unreal it may be.
In the same way, if they are fed incorrect statistics enough times they
will believe them, no matter what the facts may be.
My $0.02
Gregg
Rich wrote:
It would be nice if kids were given a basic consumer information course in
high school (some schools do this) that includes elementary statistics. But
as you noted, schools are struggling to keep kids enrolled long enough to
graduate with the basics (understanding that 1/4 and 0.25 are equivalent, for
example). The latest figures (here we go....) on the Seattle school district
show about a 23 0rop out rate, which to me, is intolerable.
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