I am happy to have you here! Please start my by taking this math-free, pain-free test (all results will be kept confidential, as long as you don't say your answers out loud):
- Do you avoid performing math calculations by hand outside of instructing your kids?
- When you meet someone "mathy" (physicist, math professor, engineer, genius, etc.) do you express your personal wish to have more natural math skill?
- Have you ever said, "I'm not really a math person"?
- Have you ever said, "Math is hard!"?
Using this extensive, research-based assessment inventory (yes, I'm taking about the four stupid questions above), did you find yourself answering "yes"? Well, this is the point at which I encourage you to shift your current math paradigm - for yourself, for your pupils, and for math education everywhere.
What?!? You ask me in disbelief. But I struggle with math! Let me hug you (squeeze!) because I know you do. I understand how much math hurts sometimes, and I want you to know that it's not your fault. And when your son or daughter struggles with it, it's not their fault either. As a society, it is acceptable to be "bad" at math. How many times have you heard adults describe themselves this way? Do you ever hear adults say, "Oh, I'm not good at reading." "Oh, I wish I had the reading ability that you have!" "I stopped reading in 8th grade because I just couldn't understand anything!" Personally, I have not. English is one of the most difficult languages to learn, and is notoriously irregular; mathematics is inherently regular (are you seeing the inconsistencies here?)
May I suggest my Math Manifesto:
Everyone can learn.
Everyone can learn Math (yes, I'm talking about you!).
Your beliefs about Math are as much of a determinate of your success as your natural ability (and for some, I would argue even more).
No matter your current feelings about the M-word, you can be an effective teacher for your son or daughter.
Everyone can learn.
Everyone can learn Math (yes, I'm talking about you!).
Your beliefs about Math are as much of a determinate of your success as your natural ability (and for some, I would argue even more).
No matter your current feelings about the M-word, you can be an effective teacher for your son or daughter.
Are you skeptical? It's alright. Just keep working, and we will get there! I welcome your comments, questions and concerns!
Happy Mathing : )
Happy Mathing : )
