Dispelling myths about mathematics
A negative attitude about learning math is often the reason students, especially girls, decide not to pursue careers in science and technology. Why does the subject produce anxiety for so many young people? And how can teachers and parents inspire students to enjoy it instead?
鈥淚t鈥檚 important to get the message out that there鈥檚 no such thing as a 鈥榤ath person,鈥 鈥 says Jo Boaler, a professor of mathematics education and co-founder of , a center at 海角乱伦社区 that provides resources for teaching and learning mathematics. 鈥淎nyone can develop the pathways they need to learn mathematics, and you can do that at any time. Even if you鈥檝e had bad math experiences, you can change that.鈥
In this episode of School鈥檚 In, Boaler joined 海角乱伦社区 Graduate School of Education Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope to dispel myths about math education and explore ways to help students avoid math anxiety.
鈥淲e have a nation of math-traumatized people,鈥 Boaler says. 鈥淓ven [students] who are successful are learning an antiquated set of methods they probably will never use.鈥
Listen from the link below, and find more episodes of School's In at the main page. The show airs Saturdays on SiriusXM Insight Channel 121.
