Insπre: Rethinking the Purpose of Math Education | Tisha Jones | TEDxGeorgiaStateU

Summary

The speaker addresses the common anxiety around math and challenges the traditional algorithm-focused teaching methods. They advocate for a deeper understanding of math concepts, sharing an anecdote of students solving a real-world problem creatively. The talk emphasizes the importance of fostering flexible thinking, problem-solving skills, and perseverance, which are not only essential for math but also for life. The speaker calls for a reevaluation of math education to include these vital life skills.

Takeaways

• 🤔 The script starts with an invitation to reflect on personal feelings towards math, highlighting the commonality of math-related anxiety.
• 📚 It acknowledges the traditional math education method of memorizing procedures and practicing problems, which many find unengaging and disconnected from real life.
• 📈 The speaker points out the ubiquity of calculators, questioning the necessity of being highly proficient in basic arithmetic in the modern world.
• 🔍 The script discusses the resistance to change in math education, especially with the introduction of the Common Core, which aimed to alter the approach to teaching math.
• 🛠️ It criticizes the reliance on algorithms in math education, arguing that they limit flexibility and creativity, and are more suited for those who already understand math rather than beginners.
• 🎓 The story shared about a field trip illustrates how children can engage with math in a real-world context, solving problems without traditional algorithms.
• 💡 The importance of understanding numbers as real quantities and operations as actions that solve real-life problems is emphasized for effective math learning.
• 👦👧 The script shares an example of third graders solving a complex problem through various strategies, showcasing the value of different approaches and discussions in learning.
• 🧠 The speaker argues that math is about developing thinking skills, not just numerical competence, and that struggling with problems is an essential part of learning.
• 💼 The relevance of math extends beyond numbers, as it teaches valuable life skills like perseverance, flexibility, and respect for different perspectives.
• 🌟 The ultimate goal of math education, according to the script, is to improve understanding and recognize math's broader purpose in developing essential life skills.

Q & A

What is the common feeling people have when they think about math?

Many people feel anxiety or recall a difficult math class when they think about math.

Why do some people argue against the Common Core in math education?

One common argument is that Common Core is not the way they learned math, and they may feel their math classes were boring and pointless.

What does the speaker mean when they say an algorithm is both the floor and the ceiling of math?

Algorithms provide a basic set of steps to solve problems but do not allow for flexibility or creativity in problem-solving, and they don't require an understanding of the steps involved.

How did the speaker's students approach a real-life math problem during a field trip?

The students mentally calculated the total cost of products without using paper, demonstrating their ability to think flexibly with numbers.

What is the importance of teaching students to think about and make sense of numbers?

It helps them to use numbers flexibly and understand that numbers represent real quantities, which is essential for solving real-life problems.

Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of discussing various strategies after solving a math problem?

Discussing strategies allows students to compare and contrast different approaches, deepening their understanding of math concepts and generalizing about strategies and rules.

What is the significance of the speaker's statement about making kids cry with difficult math problems?

The speaker believes that struggling with hard problems is necessary for learning, as it encourages students to think and persevere through frustration.

How does the speaker describe the change in students' attitudes towards math problems over time?

Initially, there was frustration and tears, but over time, there was less frustration, fewer tears, and more thinking, as students learned to start with what they know and use their mistakes to guide their next steps.

What life skills does the speaker believe are developed through the process of learning math?

Skills such as flexibility in thinking, perseverance, learning from mistakes, and respecting differences in problem-solving approaches are developed.

What is the speaker's view on the broader purpose of math education beyond improving math understanding?

The speaker believes that math education should also aim to develop life skills and a deeper understanding of the world, not just mathematical proficiency.