How To Learn Math*

Everyone can do math.

It’s not a question of having a math brain or not having a math brain. It’s about using your brain so that it grows and your ability changes.

*based on the work of Jo Boaler

Making mistakes is the most useful thing you can do in mathematics.

If you are not making mistakes, the work is too easy. If the work is too easy, you are not being challenged. Effort makes you smarter.

Learning should be challenging.

Without challenges, your brain will remain stagnant. If the work is too easy, you are being cheated.

Math is a creative subject.

Concepts can be seen in different ways, and problems can be solved in different ways. Intuition leads to understanding, and understanding will improve your intuition. Curiosity will increase your competency, and competency will fuel your curiosity.

Think like a mathematician.

Know when to estimate, when to draw pictures and when to ask a question.
Understand the assumptions you are making.
Use intuition.
Look at things in different ways.
Examine your work to see if it makes sense and works.
Express your ideas clearly.

Be inventive and discover what you can do.

Try seemingly wild possibilities.
Feel comfortable being wrong before being right.
Live in the world as a careful observer.
Play with ideas without prematurely judging yourself or others.
Persist through difficulties.
Be willing to be misunderstood.

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