this post was submitted on 16 Aug 2024
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It proves to be somewhat useful as an example when trying to teach fractions and decimals, something we are absolutely terrible at teaching. Incomprehension of fraction to decimal conversion is why 90% of people who say they are bad at math, say they are bad at math.
I feel called out. I was in high-school Calculus (11th grade) before I "truly" understood fractions. Like, I honestly somehow managed to make it to Calculus without knowing how to add and subtract fractions without a calculator. Thought I was dumb in math until 9th grade algebra, and didn't start becoming a bit of a math nerd until Calculus
Teaching someone how to read a clock for the sole purpose of using it as a math example seems like a poor use of effort.
I wouldn't say that's the sole purpose, just an additional purpose to being able to tell time. It's also useful if the kid wants to be a pilot.
So what are the purposes? Nobody uses analog clocks anymore so afaict:
What am I missing? 😛
Clockwise, counter clockwise. Classic time shorthand (IE, half past ten, quarter to eleven). Time estimations (easy to see a half minute on a analog clock, digital just goes from 2:00 to 2:01)
I think analog clock displays are more elegant, and are overall nicer than digital. Personal preference though.
I'm not saying nobody should learn it, I'm saying it's not a great use of school resources. If you appreciate the aesthetic or functionality, then by all means go out and learn it. I personally like them, but I think that it should remain out of the curriculum for purely practical reasons.
I still don't really see any useful skills that learning an analog clock teaches you, besides how to read an analog clock, which isn't useful because analog clocks are so rare IRL.
The handful of useful skills they assist teaching isn't worth it because there are better ways to teach those things. The clock isn't so good at teaching all those things that it's worth using the clock instead.