Every Kid is a Math Kid: Debunking the myths around learning math
Aug 1, 2024
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Shalinee Sharma, the passionate founder of the online math platform Zearn, believes every child can succeed in math. She discusses her new book, 'Math Mind,' emphasizing innovative teaching approaches that foster creativity in learning. Sharma highlights the importance of nurturing a love for math, encouraging positive mindsets, and making math relatable through real-life applications. She shares tips for parents to support their children and stresses the need for schools to adopt practices that enhance math comprehension and fluency.
Every child can excel in math with the right support and a positive mindset, breaking the stigma around 'math kids'.
Balancing comprehension with memorization through creative teaching techniques fosters a deeper engagement and love for mathematics.
Deep dives
Believing Every Child is a Math Kid
The discussion emphasizes the belief that every child has the potential to excel in mathematics. Shalini Sharma argues that many students fall out of love with math due to moments of struggle where they lack support and encouragement. This negative perception often stems from a society that categorizes students as 'math kids' or 'not math kids'. It is crucial for parents and educators to cultivate a mindset that supports the idea that with the right approach and resources, all children can develop a love for math.
Understanding vs. Memorization in Math
A significant point made in the conversation is the critical balance between understanding mathematical concepts and mere memorization of facts. While memorization is acknowledged as important, it should be complemented with a deep comprehension of the material. For example, when teaching multiplication, presenting it through real-world context allows children to grasp its meaning rather than just rote memorization of multiplication tables. This approach encourages children to think critically about math, fostering a deeper engagement and enjoyment of the subject.
Creative Problem Solving in Math Education
The podcast highlights the need for creativity in teaching math, reinforcing that there are multiple pathways to arrive at the same answer. Encouraging children to experiment with different methods, rather than rigidly adhering to a single algorithm, promotes a deeper understanding and appreciation of math as a problem-solving tool. The use of real-life examples and visual representations can further enhance this creative approach, allowing children to connect mathematics with their everyday experiences. This flexibility in problem-solving empowers students to develop their unique strategies and cultivates their intrinsic motivation.
The Role of Parents in Math Education
Parents play a crucial role in shaping their children's attitudes toward math by fostering a belief in their ability to succeed. The podcast suggests practical strategies for parents, such as engaging in math-related games and activities that make learning enjoyable and less intimidating. Additionally, it encourages parents to be active supporters when their children struggle, demonstrating that seeking help is a normal part of the learning process. By nurturing a positive environment and providing resources, parents can help their children navigate challenges and build confidence in their math skills.
Many of us grew up dividing the world into "math kids"... and the rest of us. It can be just as scary when our kids present us with their math homework as it was when we were assigned our own. So how do we get our kids excited about math?
Today on ParentData, we're joined by Shalinee Sharma, who runs an online math platform called Zearn. She is a math zealot — a person who really, truly believes that all kids can not only succeed in math but love it. We talk about putting those beliefs on the page in her new book "Math Mind: The Simple Path to Loving Math". It’s a guide to how we can make all kids “math kids.” We talk about why she wrote it, what she hopes people will get from it, and how schools can do math better.
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