Phys.org – Clifton B. Parker
“For many students, math class is the subject of nightmares. Many who enthusiastically show off their counting skills in pre-school years later consider math class the most loathed hour of the school day. The problem, according to a Stanford education professor, is a matter of mindset…The good news is that any student’s negative perception of math can dramatically change…In her new book, Mathematical Mindsets, Jo Boaler, a professor of mathematics education at Stanford Graduate School of Education, describes how society has traditionally valued one type of math learner – one who can memorize well and calculate fast – as opposed to others who have the same potential but may be deeper, slower and more creative…Boaler has published research and strategies on the best ways for students to learn math “facts” without the fear and anxiety that many students feel when given timed tests and flash cards.”(more)