A Passion for Math: Elly Schofield at TEDxClaremontColleges

Elly is a student studying math. And she's mad. She's mad about how math was taught to her growing up and why nobody told her that being good at math has nothing to do with finishing problems quickly or flawlessly. She puts forth her idea of what more effective math curriculum might look like in the future.

About TED:
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.

Credits:
Editors--Ian St. Lawrence
Camera crew--Jacqueline Legazcue, Sam Jones, and Ted Neckar

[peterrafeiner]

I paid my way thru University tutoring Math and Physics. I could not agree more with you on the poor state of math education. Kids are rewarded to become a human pocket calculator. They learn how to solve quadratic equations, but they do not learn what these are good for. It's like teaching carpentry by showing how to 'hold' a hammer but never building anything with it.

[melissaganus]

If you'd like to see TED include this in their library, please go to tedxtalk -dot- ted -dot- com and complete their very short form.

[arnasikdar]

only speaking about the wrong approach of the conventional education system, won't serve the purpose, real initiative should be taken, to improve teaching methods, & this should be done on a large scale, so that everyone across the world can get it's benefits

[robind.phillips]

Math is why I dropped out of college; or should I say, my not knowing how to compute math, in my brain, is why I dropped out of college.

[vidyagupta]

"maths isn't about computation but problem solving"
Gonna do maths with productive failures!
~Thank you~

[WafaeBeauty]

i love maths too, it's amazing <3

[davidk]

The problem with education in this country is culture. All anybody needs is a will and access to books.

[lobnaelkatan]

i am still 16 and i used to think that math was my passion ...sth that i really love and enjoy but cz of the education system and very old curriculums i began to think that i am not good enough ..like i am not qualified. .since then i feel like i am lost and hopeless ...watching this video and thinking like i will never be like her, i am a waste to this planet sources ..zero self confidence 😔
i am an Egyptian girl ..perhaps you have already noticed that from my terrible English ..sorry 😓

[daviddemar]

You are one of new heroes Elly!
Bravo! (from a 57 yr old later in life mathlete)

[Boognish]

Glad you like math. I still hate it. Have fun doing some math.

[ChristopherBrownSkeptomai]

I want this young woman to teach math to my children with this level of passion!

[commentjudger]

The master at something has failed more times than the beginner has ever tried. Productive failure leads to success.

[tha-intersect]

I'm an Engineering Student, I love what I study but I am poor at math. That "problem solving"approach...if I was exposed to such a system, I'm certain I'd have even better things to say about studying Engieneering

[anandateertha]

Excellent video .. Very very insightful !!

[areenkalra]

love you elly as you are completely like me

[TingleTom]

I absolutely agree. Great message and outstanding presentation.

[ingman]

Love the passion and energy! Productive failure can be an approach for the science classroom too by the way. Great thoughts Elly!!

[saikrishnabandila]

I love your lecture so much.. thank you Elly

[甘木-mr]

Math is something I've earned. I have been so good at it. It's the only thing that I can be very good at. Yet everyone is telling me that is my talent, but it has slowly fainted away. My math pride. I feel like I am no longer ahead. My desire to learn....is gone. It will come back, i hope.

[prashantsingh]

Nice yaar !!! I think the same . Inspiring video .