The difference between teaching reading and writing and teaching
arithmetic is that practical uses for reading and writing are
immediately apparent to children. Whereas teachers of arithmetic, and
then maths, fail to show children the many interesting and practical
uses of the subject.

It's lack of imagination on the part of teachers - and laziness. They
have no interest in the subject themselves. They are themselves
victims of poor teaching and of the system which selects them to be
teachers.

In the UK it can be traced back to ignorance on the part of Ministers
of Education.

It is a great pity children are not given the opportunity to
appreciate the beauty in Mathematics. In England, first year
engineering university students have to spend the first 6 months being
taught what they should have learned at the age of 14. Including how
to read and write.

Just prior to a General Election (of Members of Parliament) in the UK
I once asked a prospective MP what seven nines were. He didn't know!
Yet there was the possibility he could end up as the Chancellor of the
Exchequer or even as a Minister of Education.

As the meeting was being held in a public house the prospective MP
changed the subject and bought me a pint of beer. Presumably in a
futile attempt at bribery for a vote.

Eventually he lost his deposit (of £500) for failing to collect the
necessary small minimum number of votes.
----
Reg.