Improve Math Education: Shifting from Speed to Thoughtfulness
Math often gets a bad reputation. For some, it’s a source of stress, with memories of timed tests and rigid formulas. For others, it’s an intriguing puzzle to solve. But what if we could redefine math education for everyone, making it less about speed and more about creativity, thoughtfulness, and discovery? Shanilee Sharma, Co-founder and CEO of Zearn, explores this transformative idea on the latest episode of the Learning Can’t Wait podcast.
Sharma challenges the conventional focus on speed in math, emphasizing instead the importance of patience and deep thinking. Research shows that experts approach math problems by first thoroughly understanding them, while novices tend to jump straight to calculations, often missing key insights. When educators and parents shift the focus from getting answers quickly to truly exploring problems, they open the door for students to engage in meaningful problem-solving that builds critical thinking skills.
Why Mindset is the Key to Math Success
One of the most important aspects of math education is fostering a positive and resilient mindset. Many students feel they aren’t “good at math,” and this belief often stems from early experiences where they felt they didn’t meet expectations fast enough. Instead of creating a race to the answer, educators and parents can help students see math as a process of exploration. Every mistake becomes a chance to learn, and every challenge is an opportunity to grow.
Sharma highlights the value of teaching math in ways that align with how children naturally think. For younger students, this might involve visual tools, hands-on activities, or even games that encourage curiosity. For older students, it could mean connecting math concepts to real-world applications that feel relevant and engaging. When students see math as more than numbers on a page, they are more likely to invest in understanding and appreciating its value.
Making Math Fun and Relatable
Math doesn’t have to feel intimidating or disconnected from everyday life. Parents and teachers can make math enjoyable by integrating it into practical, real-life contexts. For instance, parents can use coins to teach basic arithmetic, explore fractions by cooking together, or highlight geometry in everyday objects like furniture or buildings. Teachers can foster engagement by presenting problems through stories or scenarios that allow students to imagine themselves solving real-world challenges.
Fun is a crucial ingredient in learning. When math is approached with a sense of play, children are more likely to stay curious and engaged long enough to master the material. Games, puzzles, and interactive learning platforms like Zearn can all contribute to making math feel more approachable and rewarding.
Building Lifelong Problem-Solving Skills
Ultimately, math education should do more than teach students to calculate. It should prepare them to think critically, adapt to new situations, and tackle challenges with confidence. By helping students see the beauty and logic in math, we equip them with tools that go beyond the classroom. These skills—patience, persistence, and creativity—are invaluable in any field or career.
Parents and educators have the power to transform how children experience math. By focusing on understanding rather than speed, embracing mistakes as learning opportunities, and making math fun and relevant, they can inspire a lifelong love of problem-solving. The benefits extend far beyond math itself, nurturing skills that will serve students throughout their lives.
Dive deeper into these strategies and learn how to redefine math education by tuning into the full episode of the Learning Can’t Wait podcast featuring Shanilee Sharma. Together, we can create a future where every child sees math as a subject to enjoy and explore.