Math Coach Vida John talks about the concept of learned helplessness, why math contests aren’t just for really “math’y” kids, and why some students who struggle at math end up becoming the best mathematicians.
Some of the highest achieving mathematical minds were once considered remedial students — a trend stemming from the misguided view that math is about nothing more than memorizing algorithms and techniques.
While memorization is important, if creative problem solving isn’t involved, students will continue to struggle with the feeling of inaccessibility and think math is nothing more than a magical black box.
In this episode, Vida John discusses the idea of learned helplessness and why creative problem solving in novel situations must be prioritized in math if we are to revitalize the subject for the next generation.
Understanding vs. Memorization in Math
In most classrooms, students understand math in terms of cause and effect: If they use a specific sequence, they’ll get a specific result. But they don’t understand the “how” behind it or why it works.
Vida compares it to teaching a student to paint a wall red or blue. If the student isn’t taught to use their techniques creatively, they may never realize that they can combine the two colors to make purple before painting.
Just because a student may resist memorizing algorithms doesn’t mean they cannot find success with math. Vida says she has a student who is a medal-winning International Mathematical Olympiad, a student at MIT, and is planning to get a PhD in physics. This student also spent two whole years learning algebra before they understood it.
Why? The student used that time in algebra developing their creative problem solving skills — a skill completely different from memorizing algorithms, Vida says.
Applied Math Through Contests
“We don't make our students go to soccer practice every day without putting them in a game once in a while,” Vida says. The soccer game is where players get to apply what they’ve learned to new and unexpected situations.
Same with math. Math contests can be a great way for students to apply the math techniques that they’ve learned to novel problems. And the exercise can also help students realize how fun math can be.
If your student is one who doesn’t enjoy competition, there are still ways to help them enjoy the benefits of applied math at home:
- Find problem sets. A lot of old contests are available for free online or in inexpensive books.
- Choose one problem a day to discuss with your student.
- Participate in group work to solve problems. This could be you and your student at a white board in the kitchen. Or some parents organize clubs where students can work together to solve problems.
It’s important to remember that “contest rules are not the boss of you,” Vida says. “Use contests however you like, however best fits your student.”
Normalizing Frustration for Students
There will come a time when helping students solve their math problems will be challenging. Instead of hiding your own frustration, use it as a teaching tool to show students that learning isn’t always fun. It can be awkward and uncomfortable at times, Vida says.
Just like soccer practice, learning math takes hard work and dedication to reach mastery. The sooner students can learn how to navigate this obstacle to stay on track, the more acclimated they will be as they continue to develop and solve the problems of tomorrow. As their teacher, you can set the stage.
Next Steps for Parents
Memorizing math techniques might be necessary sometimes, but make sure you give students opportunities to apply those skills through novel situations like math contests. These practical applications can help students learn that math can be fun.
In those moments of frustration, model it for your student. Show them how to address the feeling and recognize it as a totally normal part of the learning process so they don’t become discouraged and give up on math as a result.
Without the experience of using math practically, the skill will go largely unused. And the world needs more creative problem solvers!
Guest Links and resource recommendations
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