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Petition to Rename Math as Headache – can we make it fun?

By January 23, 2025No Comments

Mathematics evokes a lot of memories in students – for some, it is good, and for some, it is quite intimidating. Endless formulas, relentless calculations, and the persistent question: “When will I ever use this in real life?” But math doesn’t have to be a source of dread. 

We get it, kids! Why should we care about X and Y, and all the other things? But, we might see more in maths. Around the globe, educators have found creative ways to transform mathematics from a difficult subject into an exciting one. Their innovative approaches show that math can be as fun as solving a puzzle or playing a game.

1. Dan Meyer: Math as a Storytelling Adventure

Dan Meyer, a former high school math teacher and renowned TED speaker, took a bold step to make math relevant and engaging. He removed the clutter of traditional textbook problems and replaced them with real-world scenarios that require creative thinking.

What he did differently:

– Dan created “3-Act Math Tasks,” which are short, compelling videos or images that present a problem in a visually engaging way. 

For example, he might show a glass filled with water and ask students to predict when it will overflow. This sparks curiosity and encourages students to think critically – a different and exciting approach, right?

– He focuses on making math a storytelling experience so that students can easily solve problems like detectives, instead of just following formulas.

Why it works:

Dan’s method taps into natural human curiosity, showing students that math isn’t just about numbers—it’s about making sense of the world around them.

2. Jo Boaler: Building a Growth Mindset

Jo Boaler, a professor at Stanford University and founder of YouCubed, has dedicated her career to changing the narrative around math. She believes that anyone can learn math and that mistakes are not failures but opportunities for growth.

What she did differently:

– Jo developed interactive, hands-on math activities that encourage exploration. Her lessons often involve art, collaboration, and play.

– She focuses on the concept of a “growth mindset,” helping students overcome their fear of making mistakes. 

For example, she encouraged students to create colorful patterns using geometric shapes or solve puzzles in teams.

Why it works:

By focusing on creativity and collaboration, Jo’s methods remove the stigma of failure and make math accessible to all, regardless of prior skill level.

3. Vi Hart: Math Meets Art and Storytelling

Vi Hart, a self-proclaimed “recreational mathemusician,” has taken math education to the next level through her whimsical YouTube videos. Her channel combines math, art, and storytelling in ways that are both entertaining and deeply educational.

What she did differently:

– Vi creates fast-paced, doodle-filled videos on topics like Fibonacci sequences, fractals, and Mobius strips. Her videos feel less like a lecture and more like a creative journey.

– She brings abstract concepts to life through relatable analogies, humor, and stunning visuals.

Why it works:

Vi’s videos appeal to visual and auditory learners, making complex ideas more relatable. She proves that math can be quirky, artistic, and even fun.

4. Ronald Ferguson: Turning Math into a Game

Ronald Ferguson, an award-winning math teacher in the United States, turned his math classroom into a game-filled arena where students actively participate and compete.

What he did differently:

– Ronald introduced gamification to his lessons, using tools like *Kahoot!* quizzes, escape room challenges, and real-world simulations to teach concepts like algebra and geometry.

– He designed classroom challenges where students earn points for solving problems creatively or explaining their reasoning.

Why it works:

Well, who doesn’t love games? Gamification can instill a sense of excitement and competition into kids that will turn learning into a dynamic experience. Students are more motivated to engage when the process feels like play rather than work. We can bet on this one!

5. Shakuntala Devi: The Human Computer

India’s own Shakuntala Devi, famously known as “The Human Computer,” didn’t just perform mind-boggling calculations—she also inspired countless students to fall in love with numbers.

What she did differently:

– Shakuntala used storytelling and mental math tricks to show students that math is more than just logical. For instance, she showed people how to perform complex calculations in seconds, leaving her audience in awe.

– She wrote books like *Figuring: The Joy of Numbers*, filled with fun math puzzles and games, that also encouraged readers to think of math as an exciting pastime.

Why it works:

Shakuntala’s charisma and passion for math proved that numbers can tell stories and create wonders. Her approach made math feel approachable and even exciting for that matter.

Interesting, but What Can We Really Learn From These Educators?

These educators tell us that math doesn’t have to be confined to the rigidity of textbooks. You can use storytelling, gamification, art, and technology. They’ve made math a subject that excites curiosity, inspires creativity, and fosters problem-solving skills.

Here’s how we can apply their strategies in everyday teaching:

– Make it relatable: Tie math concepts to real-world problems that students encounter in their daily lives.

– Mistakes are part of the process: Encourage a growth mindset by normalizing errors as part of the learning process.

– Use technology and media: Interactive videos, games, and apps can make abstract concepts tangible and fun.

– Bring in creativity: Use art, music, or storytelling to turn dry topics into engaging adventures.

Conclusion

Math doesn’t have to be the subject students run away from; it can be the one they look forward to. The work of these five educators proves that with creativity, empathy, and innovation, we can reimagine how math is taught.

At Oasis International, we adopt these methods and change the way students perceive mathematics and other subjects. After all, math isn’t just about numbers—it’s about exploring patterns, solving mysteries, and discovering the beauty of logic and creativity combined. And we get that!

Anjum K

Author Anjum K

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