Jo Boaler: How to Learn Math | Lex Fridman Podcast #226

Jo Boaler is a professor of mathematics education at Stanford and the co-founder of youcubed. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors:

EPISODE LINKS:

PODCAST INFO:

OUTLINE:
0:00 - Introduction
0:23 - What is beautiful about mathematics?
9:12 - How difficult should math really be?
17:31 - Students giving up on math
28:52 - Improving math education in schools
38:49 - Inspiring mathematical creativity
56:35 - youcubed
1:00:55 - Best methods for studying math
1:21:29 - Advice for young people

SOCIAL:

[lexfridman]

Here are the timestamps. Please check out our sponsors to support this podcast.
0:00 - Introduction & sponsor mentions:
0:23 - What is beautiful about mathematics?
9:12 - How difficult should math really be?
17:31 - Students giving up on math
28:52 - Improving math education in schools
38:49 - Inspiring mathematical creativity
56:35 - youcubed
1:00:55 - Best methods for studying math
1:21:29 - Advice for young people

[SurfMurph]

I remember a 7th grade teacher who told me I wasn't cut out for mathematics. I ended up getting a B.S. and M.S. in Mathematics.

[AndrewPattersonProfessional]

The three important messages I learned while teaching math:
1. This is important.
2. You can do it.
3. I won't give up on you.

[Sliverth]

I’m in my 70’s now and felt pretty much lost in math by age 10. I got through high school and undergrad years well enough, got two masters degrees, and then worked on big bank financial systems. But always felt I was bluffing my way through anything computational, even basic algebra. I sure wish this approach to mathematics and visualization had been used way back when I was in elementary school. But hey, it’s never too late to learn!

Thank you for another wonderful discussion!

[mhudsonc.]

Spot on. I was told very early that I was dumb & couldn’t do math. It wasn’t until I found a practical use, electricity, that things clicked. Once I told myself “If someone else is doing it, I can do it”. The belief I’m myself helped me develop a career in the electrical industry & today there isn’t a day that I’m not doing math!
Believe that anything is possible & it will be.
Thank you for this.

[Kaassap]

Been doing a self study maths, stats and econometrics from zero. Used to feel miserable when getting stuck. Nowadays I feel blessed getting stuck. It confirms I need to do more work, like a free counselling.

[ReflectionOcean]

- Recognize mathematics as a creative and visual discipline (0:23)

- Explore multiple methods and solutions to enhance understanding (0:41)

- Utilize visual approaches to activate brain pathways for deeper learning (2:17)

- Encourage connected thinking by integrating different perspectives on problems (3:00)

- Foster intuition as a key component in mathematical problem-solving (4:45)

- Emphasize the importance of struggle and challenge for brain development (5:58)

- Create a multi-dimensional learning experience to cater to diverse thinking styles (11:08)

- Strive for excellence while understanding the importance of supportive teaching (14:15)

- Engage deeply with concepts rather than skimming through material (1:01:50)

[jamesmckeown]

Lex has been cranking out bangers with CONSISTENCY lately, I’m here for it

[johntanchongmin]

It's quite true how the number of questions asked decreases in education with age. It's as though education is stifling exploration and rather just learning to conform to the tests.

[team]

I hated math my whole life...after listening to this I am thinking to learn again. Thanks @Lex and Joel.

[vladimirolujic]

A teacher in Serbia from a high school I taught at used to say "math is learned by writing", meaning when you keep doing it and it becomes automatic you start seeing patterns you haven't noticed before... Some similarity with around 1:01:22. Giving yourself problems to work on and keep practicing.

[TheRealStructurer]

Very nice conversation. One thing I was missing in math classes was "why do I have to learn this" and "what can it be used for". I wish teachers can give more examples of why something is important and how it can be applied so the students get more interested and engaged.

With so many references to books and websites you guys will keep me busy! Keep 'em coming Lex!

[ScottWillsey]

This may be my favorite interview so far. Teachers and mentors are so, so important.

[Ekklo]

As a 1st year HS Geometry teacher, I am incredibly excited to experience this. Thank you both.

[yobroh]

Thank you..
Please do more conversations about our direct relationship to learning, understanding & exploring how to make sense of the world. So that the bad habits many of us carry from school, can be challenged with a counterweight through perspectives.
This conversation was truly brilliant, and after this vid, I already view mathematics in a completely different light. Part of it is excitement about the mentality of learning..
Cheers

[Sergio_M]

I had a fellow maths teacher use Boalers methods to teaching her algebra class, it took her a couple years to curate her lessons. Once she started she quickly found out that she could only make it through one section of a unit in about a week because of the level of deeper thinking and productive struggle necessary for applications. Its very interesting and i think important to deeper understanding, but unfortunately schools are not structure at the primary/secondary level for this type of method. I do blame “the state test” for hijacking maths instruction leaving little time for true maths exploration.

[TarotReaderASMR]

The dot grouping exercise would be pretty hard on people with dyscalculia tbh. That's how you test for it actually.

[goldfishi]

So pleased to hear you mention Richard Feynman. His lectures should be a high school requirement. Sadly I stumbled upon him but then I binge watched everything he had recorded.

[miyannaable]

I enjoy your channel/podcast SO much - your polite, logical, professional style and presentation is something I greatly admire. I always come away from one of your shows a more inspired and knowledgeable person than I was before. In fact, you have inspired me to start my own channel, which I'm in the process of putting together. I also play electric guitar, and I always enjoy your tasteful performance. Thanks so much for everything you do!

[kathrynstern]

I've always grouped and sought patterns in things. I was considered an advanced math student but got put off in grade 5 by a particular teacher who was obsessed with using high pressure competitive games in class. It stressed me out and I shut down. I didn't mind competition in sports, but I craved freedom in academic pursuits, so this didn't work for me. I kept exploring and took more math classes than any other by the time I finished 12th grade. It wasn't until I got to Uni where I found a teacher who absolutely loved teaching calculus and my love for math shone (I got a perfect score on my final exam and it felt amazing). At the same Uni I found another teacher who was able to answer all my questions around particular algorithms, who created them and why, and also what were the real world applications inherent in them. It seems to have taken a lifetime to get the context I was craving since ~ grade 3 or 4. It thrills me to hear a transition toward big ideas and connections is afoot. This could be a game changer.