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Students learn mathematics to think through a process for solving problems, which parallels very closely — what may be encountered in their profession. One example that I give is a MacDonald’s worker. The worker putting together a Value Meal is trained (or programmed) to learn to put together a specific Value Meal #1 when prompted by the Order Taker (from the Customer). There is a STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS for completing this task and the ORDER in which each STEP is accomplished is important. Another example is that of a Surgeon doing a knee replacement. There is a STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS for completing this task and the ORDER in which each STEP is accomplished is important. It is the Art and Science of Mathematics that teaches students how to solve (non-mathematical) problems through analysis and through devising a STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS. Mathematics happens to use numbers, formulas, equations, etc. Surgeons use anesthesa, medical equipment, medications, instrumentation, etc. Both end up solving problems utilizing the correct resources and steps for a procedure. It is this — Mr. G’s opinion that the essence of mathematics (which is based on decades of working in business as both a manager and an ‘in the trenches employee’) will be the ability to systematically and analytically approach and solve a problem o

f a non-mathematical nature. It is a step-by-step approach to problem solving that mathematics courses foster. Like a carpenter who knows which tool or sequence of tools to use to complete a task or to solve a problem, a mathematician or an engineer or a surgeon or a cook or a medical technician or an auto mechanic or a conductor of a symphony or a McDonald’s worker knows which combination of steps and resources [formulas, tools, instruments, parts, etc] to utilize to accomplish a series of tasks resulting in the solution to a major problem; or like in the case of the carpenter, build a house — one step at a time, using the right sequence of steps, processes and procedures. I request that you comment on the above and give me a STEP-BY-STEP procedure or process for completing a task. Past students have responded by telling me the detailed steps for: =============================================================================== Changing a Diaper Doing an Oil Change Fixing a Flat Tire Teeth Whitening Process Taking Blood Making a Cake, Pizza Approval Process for Mortgage Acceptance Is there a process in your workplace that you would like to share with the class? Please post your response on the Week 2 Discussion Board. 1. Name of Process: 2. Purpose of Process and who benefits: 3. STEP-BY-STEP PROCECDURE