Now I'm not one of those old-timers who thinks everything was better in the old days. Some things were but there is a lot about today that far exceeds what we could do just a few decades ago.
I also think the children of today are way smarter than any other generation. The problem however is what we are teaching them or in some cases what we are not teaching them any longer doesn't make any sense to me. I know they can grasp huge concepts in telecommunications and computers that aren't readily understood by us adults but somehow they haven't grasped the basics of life such as how to read or write or especially, how to count.
One of the strangest things I see almost every week is a youngster who can't work basic math. Oh, sure they now take Algebra and Trigonometry and Calculus but somehow teaching youngsters how to work a simple math problem without having a calculator on hand must not be taught anymore.
Let me tell you of this last case of young people being stymied with numbers.
I went into a fast food business the other day and I was relieved it wasn't crowded.
There was a man in his mid-forties at the register, and just me in the business at the moment.
The cash register was being manned by a seventeen or eighteen-year-old girl and she was almost in tears as a frustrated man waited for his change so that he could leave. The girl begged for help from a girl one or two years older who was obviously the shift supervisor.
It seems the girl rang up that she received $200.00 rather than $20.00 from the man to pay for his $9.51 cent lunch. She morosely told the supervisor of her mistake and the older girl said to just take care of the man and me and then they would back out the error.
The girl almost crying lamented that she couldn't because the register wasn't telling her how much change the man should get.
Now taking $9.51 away from $20.00 isn't exactly higher math but the supervisor didn't know the answer either. The register showed the change to the man should be $190.49 and neither of them could figure out the basic math or that if they took away the $180.00 difference in cash tendered and cash claimed that they would have their answer.
So we both waited while the supervisor backed the order out and then redid the correct numbers.
To make it all the more funny or pathetic, the business is one of those that shoots the change out to the customer with only bills being exchanged by the cashier.
Well the change came out like a cheap Las Vegas slot machine. In all perhaps $2.00 in pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters hit the little can at the end of the register.
The man honestly explained that he was getting way too much change but the supervisor told the customer the computer decides the change so it must be right.
Grabbing all the change the man asked one more time if they were sure he should be getting this much change.
Now this was funny because they thought he was the dumb one for not believing an errant computer.
I looked at him and said. "They say it's yours. Then it's yours.
I was lucky since the girl, although still upset, didn't foul up my cost to change problem.
I couldn't help it as she said she was sorry for the delay, I looked at her and her supervisor and told them both. "You should be able to make change without using a machine.
They both looked at me like I was an old nut.
As I walked out I left them with one last comment.
"You should have learned how to count in first grade."
The problem of course is that many of them have not.
Freelance writer, columnist, author and writing coach, ex-Chicagoan Mike Fak presently resides in Central Illinois. More information about Mike's services are available at his home website www.mikefak.com
Mike currently writes primarily humor columns for searchwarp bi-weekly and is the managing editor of www.lincolndailynews.com
Mike now offers a 26,000 word e-book on making money as a freelance writer for only $10.00 at this page. http://www.mikefak.com/id45.html
Mike, how long has it been since you have been in an Elementary school classroom? Mike just pick any one out and spend a week or two and you will have all the answers you need.
I would probably be afraid to Robert. I do remember my son doing his math with a calculator which in my time would have gotten you detention and a trip to the principal's office.
Thanks anon. Actually there is nothing sad about you using the circuitry that was provided for you that doesn't require electricity or batteries. Congratulations. Mike
Mike, I've just stumbled onto your article and feel I must comment. Have you considered that the girl may be educably mentally handicapped or have a learning disability in math? The cash register, then, could (should?) be considered assistive technology to aid her in becoming an independent, contributing member of society. Instead of ridiculing her, could you have patiently helped her out of the situation? Please find a place in your heart for those among us with special needs. Lauri
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