Everyone must know how to compute with numbers (basic arithmetic), but once letters are introduced into math, many students start to zone out.
Why?
Because it seems to no longer apply to everyday life, and in a sense, it doesn’t. Few people other than mathematicians, financial analysts, or math teachers graph functions in their jobs. This also seems true for most mathematical skills learned above the level of basic algebra. So, why do people insist that math classes are important?
Math is used in successful occupations.
The 21st century marks the rise of STEM occupations, most of which require at least basic Calculus skills. Occupations in finance also require the knowledge of basic Calculus. Yet, this reason to study math is insufficient on its own because this only helps those who are actually skilled in mathematics. Such a skill can be derived from extensive study, but it is also related to a mere natural ability. Those without the predisposition to succeed in math might find this reason uninspiring.
Math deepens logic.
Remember those geometric proofs? That is only one example of how math relates to logic. In a geometric proof, you aim to prove a statement using given information and established rules. You must set out your logic in understandable steps in order to strengthen your argument. Such a skill is actually closely related to philosophy. In fact, it was developed by the philosopher René Descartes. If you remove the postulates and geometric data and substitute established axioms and given truths, you get a logical conclusion. Other examples involving logic are sequences, probability, and word problems. The logic skills learned in math class can be used to explain your arguments and persuade people in aspects of life outside of the math realm.
Math develops problem-solving abilities.
In math class, you learn that sometimes there is more than one way to solve a problem. Your job is to choose the easiest way. With every problem you practice, you are also practicing figuring out the most efficient method to solve a problem after mentally listing all the possible methods. This is how you solve problems in real life as well. Moreover, other courses do not provide as much problem-solving practice as the subject of mathematics.
Math provides a sense of accomplishment.
Students who eventually master a topic in math can feel pride because math can be difficult, and they were able to overcome the difficulties associated with it. Although not everyone is quick at math, a combination of teacher and student effort can guarantee success in a mathematics course. And because math can be a real challenge, there is a true sense accomplishment that comes with doing well in math.
So, in conclusion, math is not your enemy, but a friend and a trainer. And because doing well math is quite rewarding, don’t give up. Those who persevere can do well at mathematics and at life.
So true Katie! I couldn't have said it better myself. I think one of the greatest benefits of students working mathematics is the process increases their ability to think through critical situations using logic and reasoning. Problem-solving is a 21st century skills that is in high demand. Every occupation from satellite repair technician to family physician has to diagnose the situation and take the appropriate steps to solve the problem!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the for the comment
DeleteYou are spot on, Katie! So many students give up on math assuming there is no way that it pertains to their daily lives. I love the topics you have brought up here and how you show that even if you think you don't use math everyday, the problem solving skills you do use are also skills you can use in your math course!
ReplyDeleteThese are excellent observations! I love that you use the describing word "trainer" for math. There are some concepts that students will not see again in their future work field, but they will always use the skills they have obtained from solving theses problems. Problems solving skills, logic and reasoning to solve any problems are founded and learned in these core mathematical courses.
ReplyDeleteGreat article, Katie! Math is important for the problem solving aspect. As a student, math was never my favorite, but when I mastered concepts, it provided the greatest sense of accomplishment. Math is used a lot more often than we think!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this article. I am a math teacher and I find that ALL of my students are capable and get so much out of math if they try. I find so many students don't want to try to do math because of the negativeness around us regarding math everyday! I have students that come to tutoring and they never even looked at the assignment or read the problem. They find the math to be easy but they never tried to complete it before!
ReplyDeleteGreat article! When my students ask me "when will I use this" sometimes my answer is simply "You won't!" Our math students may not graph functions in their career but they will have to have problem solving skills. What better way to learn how to be successful than to learn problem solving skills.
ReplyDeleteThis article is spot on. As a senior who recently completed her last high school math (H Calculus... ugh!), I can absolutely get behind what you're saying. When will a nurse graph complex equations, or need to know the difference between hyperbolas and ellipses, or need to calculate how quickly a ladder is falling down a wall? The answer is... I probably never will. But maths test the reasoning in our logic and force us to put our brain to work in ways it otherwise won't. I think many math teachers have been trying to put into words everything you've shared through this article. You've definitely made a clear and understandable reason to continue a math education, and you've presented math as a necessity to critical thinking rather than just another dreadful school subject.
ReplyDeleteKatie, I love this article! I really like the way you focus on the problem solving aspect of math. I will be keeping this in mind and using your words to help my students when they are struggling with "Why do I have to do this math??"
ReplyDeleteGreat article! The question "when am I ever going to use this" comes up in my class from time to time. I thought with the adoption of MVP those questions would stop, but they have changed to more specific questions like "When am I ever going to count the tiles in a school cafeteria?". I think the best approach to motivate students to feel good about math is to connect it to how employers are hiring nowadays, they are looking for collaboration and problem solving as you mention in your article.
ReplyDeleteEvery student who has ever asked, “why do I need math?” should read this article! So often, students lose sight of how far reaching and applicable mathematics and problem solving are in life outside the math classroom. As a university professor, I often hold discussions and workshops for non-STEM majors who struggle to finish their major specific coursework and exit exams because they can’t do the math! So many end up kicking themselves for disregarding their math courses with a flippant, “I don’t need math, I’m a ____ major”.
ReplyDeleteThe most occurring question that comes up in my math class is "when am I going to use this?". I found that the answers in this blog were good ways to respond to my students. I especially liked the part about how math provides a sense of accomplishment. It's always great to see a student, who has struggled all semester, understand a topic and feel like they will do well on the test.
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