You are not a math person is a lie you were told
“Learning math makes you smarter” Last week, at the GOTO Copenhagen conference, my life long wish came true. Not only did I get a change to meet Barbara Oakley, I got a chance to interview her. After her opening keynote, Grokking the Brain: What AI Reveals About How You Really Learn, I sat with Barbara Oakley. We talked about the myth of math talent, Jensen Huang’s claim that kids can skip…
The idea that "learning math makes you smarter" was the subject of a recent discussion at the GOTO Copenhagen conference. Barbara Oakley, a renowned professor and bestselling author, joined the conversation after her keynote presentation, Grokking the Brain: What AI Reveals About How You Really Learn. During the interview, Oakley addressed the widespread misconception that individuals possess an innate ability for mathematics, known as math talent.
It appeared that even industry leaders, such as Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, were promoting this false notion. Huang suggested that children could potentially bypass the traditional process of learning multiplication tables and long division. Oakley challenged this assertion, emphasizing that such claims are unfounded and misleading.
Oakley, who has spent her career studying the intersection of neuroscience and social behavior, has dedicated much of her work to debunking the myth of math talent. She argues that the belief in innate mathematical ability discourages students and hampers their learning potential. To counteract this, Oakley advocates for a shift in mindset, encouraging students to view math as a skill that can be developed through consistent practice and effort.
The professor has authored several influential books on the subject, including "A Mind for Numbers: How to Excel at Math and Science (Even If You Flunked Algebra)," "Uncommon Sense Teaching," "Mindshift: Break Through Obstacles to Learning and Discover Your Hidden Potential," and "Learning How to Learn: How to Succeed in School Without Spending All Your Time Studying." These works have reached millions of learners worldwide, helping to reshape the way people approach mathematics and learning in general.
Oakley's insights at the GOTO Copenhagen conference challenged the common belief that one is either "good at math" or not. By emphasizing the importance of cultivating mathematical skills through dedication and perseverance, she sought to empower students and educators alike, proving that the statement "You are not a math person" is, in fact, a lie.
Written by urgent.news from Dev.to's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
