[PRCo] learning/sharing

[Dennis F. Cramer]

Fred,

Most people see very little use in history, so they spend no time trying to
understand the mathematical concept of counting beginning with zero instead
of 1.  Our entire number system is based that way, but we teach the first
number as 1 and that is what gets people confused about centuries.  I used
the concept with my students that this Thursday will be my 56th Christmas,
even though I am only 55.  We turn 1 on our second birthday, thus completing
a year.  Don't even try to get them to understand that calendars do not
remain consistent over time and no one ever counted backwards as we teach
with BC/AD concept.

Most history teachers on the public school level majored in it because they
wanted to coach a sport or had no other idea of what to do with their life.
I hate to generalize, but the is in the pudding. Motivation is difficult.  I
was lucky, I had my band students for 6 years in a row and could help them
grow and mature.  Many times I had them in small groups or 1 on 1.  Students
can learn; many do.  We just have to make it make it relate to their world.

You mentioned the show "Connections" or something along that line a while
back.  Connecting the student to the material is key.

Every teacher should relate their material in a historical context to show
how it has changed.  When was the last time you heard a math teacher even
mention math history?  They are too busy getting the students ready for the
standardized test.


Now for the sharing--everyone send us your favorite winter trolley scene. 
Now back to practicing, I work on Christmas Eve.

Dennis F. Cramer
      Trombone