The Best Way to Learn Math
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I decided to type into AI chat "What is the best way to learn math?" and see the results. Below are the 10 things AI came up with. I have added my opinion on each as a 30 year veteran math teacher.
Learning math effectively depends on individual preferences and learning styles, but here are some general tips that might help:
1) Build a Strong Foundation:
AI---Ensure you have a solid understanding of the basics. If there are gaps in your foundational knowledge, it can make learning more advanced topics challenging.
Me-- I totally agree with this and even created www.myquickmath.com to help students with this. I found that when teaching average to below average students just doing basic math really held up their chance of understanding anything higher level. Often times, a 6th grader can't do a multiplication fact like 8x7 and after I walk the student through what the answer is, we have all forgotten what we were doing before we started with 8x7. I found this to true when doing somethink like suface area. A student who doesn't know the formula for the area of a triangle has little chance of understanding surface area.
2) Practice Regularly:
AI--Math is a skill that improves with practice. Solve a variety of problems regularly to reinforce your understanding and build confidence.
Me-- This is really important, but it is a balancing act with students. I use to think just assign lots of homework and that is the practice they need and all is well. But assigning too much homework frustrates kids and parents and it backfires. I think time on task in the classroom and specifically targeted homework is the key, but it's hard to find that perfect balance. The bottom line is that practice is very important, but how much to have students practice is a balancing act.
3) Understand the Concepts:
AI--Don't just memorize formulas and procedures. Understand the underlying concepts. This will make it easier to apply your knowledge to different types of problems.
Me-- I agree with this, but I find this too simplified and not totally accurate. A weak student actually does better just memorizing formulas and steps. As they do more problems and mature, their understanding increases.
4) Use Multiple Resources:
AI-- Don't rely solely on your textbook or class notes. Use various resources like online tutorials, videos, and different textbooks to get different perspectives on the same topic.
Me-- I agee, but I don't find this to be in the top of importance. I agree variety is very helpful, but I would not put it on the top of my list.
5) Seek Help When Needed:
AI--If you're struggling with a particular concept, don't hesitate to seek help. This could be from a teacher, tutor, classmate, or online resources. There are many forums and communities where you can ask questions and get help.
Me-- Meh. I feel this is obvious and doesn't really fully address this in detail. I believe that how you seek help or what you seek help with is more important. For example, a student that will ask "I don't understand" is worse off than a student who has very specific questions on understanding. For example, a student who says "I don't understand how you got a 4 in step 5 of that problem", will learn much quicker than just blindly saying "I don't get it".
6) Teach Someone Else:
AI--Teaching a concept to someone else is a great way to reinforce your understanding. It forces you to articulate the ideas clearly and solidifies your own knowledge.
Me-- Totally agree, but not always pratical in the classroom and push back from parents can be a problem. A parent of a kid who is teaching will say "I want my kid taught, not to be teaching some other kid". I think it's important tool that is really great, but hard to make work in the classroom on a consistent basis. I think if a teacher can make it work, teaching a younger grade works well, but fitting it into the time constraints of a regular class period is tough.
7) Use Technology:
AI-- Utilize educational apps, online platforms, and graphing calculators. These tools can make learning more interactive and engaging.
Me-- I think this is the most important of all. Technology needs to be embraced by teachers. From teacher videos to youtube videos, it can be very powerful in giving a child a great tool to learn the material. But what I find is that students who don't want to learn, don't. It doesn't matter how many online tools they have. I find that below average students almost try not to use the tools presented to them. My website, www.msmath.info it will produce quick videos after they get a problem wrong and students can't navigate from them or fast forward. It is an attempt to force a student to see how to work a problem.
8) Work on Real-World Problems:
AI--Apply your math skills to real-world problems. This can make the learning more interesting and help you see the practical applications of what you're studying.
Me-- I like this, but I think it is overrated and a catch all for "good teaching". Do I aim for real world problems? yes, as much as I can, but I don't find it increases understanding any better for average to below average students. For advanced students, it does help with their understanding, but for the average to below average, practicing the basic facts non stop is more important. Also, doing a real world project type activity is great, but the time it takes is hard to justify at times when you have a long and detailed curriculum to get through.
9) Set Goals:
AI---Break down your math learning into smaller, manageable goals. Celebrate your achievements along the way. This can help keep you motivated.
Me-- I have found that the newer generation has a harder time appreciating the long term so I try to have short term goals to help keep them motivated. I find that ADD is more and more common, so short term goals are important.
10) Be Patient:
AI--Math can be challenging, and it's normal to struggle at times. Be patient with yourself, and understand that learning takes time. Keep a positive attitude, and don't be afraid to make mistakes—they are a natural part of the learning process.
Me--- Meh. This is obvoius for anything you do. It's a go to without substance.