This is true, even as a grad student in mathematics. At this point, of course, we should be well enough trained to pay attention to detail. However, if I am writing a theoretical proof using a more generalized argument but I accidentally change a 2 to a -2 at some point, my professor will realize that I know the difference and I may get marked down for not paying attention to detail, but I certainly wouldn't receive a 0.
This brings up one of the fundamental problems with standardized testing and the misconception that there is only one right way or one right answer in math, and this furthers people's anxieties.
Lastly, as a former NYC teaching fellow who taught math A and B in the Bronx, I sympathize with you MrMathTeacher, that's a brutal environment. It's really quite sad the type of behavior that students can not only get away with, but then be defended for it afterwards. Keep fighting the good fight!
bfeinbe114 karma
This is true, even as a grad student in mathematics. At this point, of course, we should be well enough trained to pay attention to detail. However, if I am writing a theoretical proof using a more generalized argument but I accidentally change a 2 to a -2 at some point, my professor will realize that I know the difference and I may get marked down for not paying attention to detail, but I certainly wouldn't receive a 0. This brings up one of the fundamental problems with standardized testing and the misconception that there is only one right way or one right answer in math, and this furthers people's anxieties. Lastly, as a former NYC teaching fellow who taught math A and B in the Bronx, I sympathize with you MrMathTeacher, that's a brutal environment. It's really quite sad the type of behavior that students can not only get away with, but then be defended for it afterwards. Keep fighting the good fight!
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