The Strategy Skills Podcast: Strategy | Leadership | Critical Thinking | Problem-Solving

478: Math for English Majors with Ben Orlin

Aug 28, 2024

In this conversation, Ben Orlin, a math teacher turned full-time writer, shares his journey to make math engaging for everyone. He discusses the challenges of teaching math and the surprising success of his first book, 'Math with Bad Drawings.' Ben advocates for viewing math as a valuable tool rather than an intimidating subject. He also explores the evolving landscape of math education, reflecting on educational opportunities in Asia, and shares strategies to master complex subjects while keeping learning enjoyable.

43:09

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Episode guests

Ben Orlin

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Quick takeaways

Educators, particularly in mathematics, should be recognized and included in high-level conversations about social transformation and educational improvement.

The dynamic relationship between teaching and writing mathematics enhances understanding and accessibility, enabling a broader audience to engage with the subject.

Deep dives

The Value of Teachers in Society

Teachers play a crucial role in society, often overlooked in discussions of leadership and power. Despite the significant influence teachers have on shaping future generations, they are seldom invited into high-level conversations on strategy and management. The podcast highlights the need for a cultural shift that recognizes the expertise and contributions of educators, particularly in mathematics. It conveys that teachers should not only be respected but also included in dialogues relevant to social transformation and educational improvement.

Intro

2min

Navigating the Math Education Landscape

10min

The Evolution of Data Analysis and Its Educational Importance

3min

Rethinking Math: From Fear to Functionality

22min

Exploring the Math Education Phenomenon in Asia

2min

Strategies for Mastering Complex Subjects

4min

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 478, an interview with Ben Orlin, a math teacher turned full-time writer who's on a mission to make mathematics engaging and accessible to all and the author of the book Math for English Majors: A Human Take on the Universal Language.

In this episode, Ben offers insights into his teaching and writing journey, the challenges in teaching math, the unexpected success of his first book "Math with Bad Drawings," and how he balances teaching with his writing career. He also touches on the broader implications of mathematical thinking in various fields, from business to everyday life.

Whether you're a math enthusiast, an educator, or someone who's always found math intimidating, this conversation will give you a fresh perspective on the beauty and relevance of mathematics in our world.

Ben Orlin is a math teacher who can't draw. His book Math with Bad Drawings (2018) has sold more than 100,000 copies worldwide, and has since been followed by Change is the Only Constant (2019), Math Games with Bad Drawings (2022), and most recently, Math for English Majors (Sept 2024). His work has appeared in The Atlantic, Popular Science, Slate, Vox, and The Los Angeles Times; he himself has appeared in the lines to ice cream stores everywhere. BBC star and leading mathematician Hannah Fry once described him as "terribly bad at drawing" before kindly adding “he’s also fantastically clever and charming.”

Get Ben’s new book here: https://rb.gy/ode008

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