THE author has had, during the last ten years, considerable experience in organizing and conducting intermediate and secondary technical schools for boys and girls. During this time he has noticed the inability of the average teacher in mathematics to give pupils practical applications of the subject. Many teachers are not familiar with the commercial and rule of thumb methods of solving mathematical problems of everyday life. Too often a girl graduates from the course in mathematics without being able to "commercialize or apply her mathematical knowledge in such a way as to meet the needs of trade, commerce, and home life. It is to overcome this difficulty that the author has prepared this book on vocational mathematics for girls. He does not believe in omitting the regular secondary school course in mathematics, but offers vocational mathematics as an introduction to the regular course. The problems have been used by the author during the past few years with girls of high school age. The method of teaching has consisted in arousing an interest in mathematics by showing its value in daily life. Important facts, based upon actual experience and observation, are recalled to the pupil's mind before she attempts to solve the problems. A discussion of each division of the subject usually precedes the problems. This information is provided for the regular teacher in mathematics who may not be familiar with the subject or the terms used. The book contains samples of 312202 |