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Embracing Stuckness: Ben Orlin on Productive Problem Solving in "Math for English Majors"

Feb 6, 2025

Ben Orlin, a math educator and author of "Math for English Majors," reshapes the way we perceive mathematics. He discusses math as a universal language that everyone can learn, breaking down the stigma surrounding poor past experiences. Orlin emphasizes the importance of 'stuckness' in problem-solving, advocating for curiosity over just seeking the right answer. He shares insights on embracing challenges in math as opportunities for creativity and problem-solving, inviting listeners to see math as a relatable and engaging tool.

40:47

Episode guests

Ben Orlin

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Viewing math as a universal language fosters accessibility and encourages exploration beyond traditional technical barriers.

Embracing stuckness in problem-solving reveals it as an opportunity for growth, emphasizing curiosity over merely seeking correct answers.

Deep dives

Math as a Language for All

Math is presented as a universal language that can be understood and appreciated by everyone, not just those with a technical background. The discussion highlights how many individuals struggle with math due to emotional barriers rather than cognitive ones. It emphasizes that the title 'Math for English Majors' aims to bridge the gap by focusing on making math relatable and accessible. By reframing math as a language and a mode of communication, it encourages people to explore its concepts without the intimidation often associated with technical jargon.

Intro

2min

Rethinking Math: A Language of Patterns

10min

Understanding Mathematics: The Value of Problem Solving

4min

Embracing Stuckness: The Learning Journey

10min

The Power of Incubation in Creative Problem-Solving

5min

Embracing Stuckness in Math

8min

Embracing Stuckness in Problem-Solving

3min

This week, I’m excited to welcome Ben Orlin to the show to discuss his new book, Math for English Majors: A Human Take on the Universal Language. Ben is a math educator, writer, and the creator of Math with Bad Drawings, a blog and book series that makes math more accessible, humorous, and relatable. His latest book approaches mathematics as a language—one that everyone can learn, even those who’ve struggled with it in the past.

In this conversation, we cover:

Math as a Language: Ben explains how understanding math as a form of communication can help break down barriers to learning and make it more intuitive.
Where Students Get Stuck: Ben shares key moments where people tend to disconnect from math, such as fractions and algebra, and offers insights on how to reframe those challenges.
The Concept of Stuckness: Drawing from his teaching experience, Ben discusses how learning to sit with and work through being “stuck” is crucial not just in math but in any problem-solving endeavor.
Breaking the Math Stigma: Many people carry negative experiences with math from school. Ben talks about how reframing math through storytelling, humor, and play can make it more engaging and approachable.
Curiosity as a Learning Tool: Instead of focusing on getting the “right” answer, Ben emphasizes how curiosity and exploration can make math more enjoyable and meaningful.

Ben’s work challenges the idea that math is only for “math people” and instead presents it as a tool for creativity, problem-solving, and deeper understanding. Whether you’ve loved math or avoided it at all costs, this episode will give you a fresh perspective on how to engage with numbers in a more human way.

Learn more about Ben and his work at MathWithBadDrawings.com and follow him on social media @MathWithBadDrawings. Math for English Majors is available now wherever books are sold. If you’ve ever felt intimidated by math, this conversation is for you!

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