Progressively Incorrect S5E03: John Mighton on Building Math Confidence, One Problem at a Time
Sep 20, 2025
John Mighton, a mathematician, playwright, and founder of JUMP Math, shares his vision for transforming math education. He challenges the misconception that only certain students can succeed in math, emphasizing the need for equitable teaching approaches. Mighton discusses personal breakthroughs in self-teaching and critiques common instructional errors that hinder learning. He offers practical steps for schools to implement JUMP Math, underscoring that improving math confidence is key to student success.
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From Struggling Student To Tutor
- John Mighton nearly failed math and taught himself by imitation, then became a mathematician and playwright.
- He began tutoring and saw students labeled 'unteachable' succeed dramatically with proper attention.
Math Predicts Long-Term Success
- Early math is a stronger predictor of later school success than reading, and poor math teaching causes large lifelong losses.
- Math taught well can equalize classrooms quickly and amplify learning across subjects.
Don't Treat Novices Like Experts
- We treat novices like experts by giving complex problems too soon instead of building schemas gradually.
- Experts see patterns automatically; students need incremental pathways to develop that automaticity.
