How to Learn Math

Notice how I didn’t say “How to Teach Math”?

Although you may have been taught in a variety of ways, if you are reasonably competent at basic arithmetic, you have figured out your own way to do it.

Think about it.

How do you see the number 9?  How do you see “odd” and “even”? How do you figure out 8 + 9?  How do you remember 7 times 8?

You didn’t learn to think like this from rote memory. I don’t think that anyone learns anything by “rote.” I’m not sure that there is such a thing.

We all learn from making connections and associations.

Learning basic arithmetic is a creative process. It is the result of exploration. It comes out of experiences with numbers. It arises from real engagement.

Numbers are interesting. Like mathematician Steven Strogatz says,”Numbers have lives of their own.” They are so deeply interesting that some people devote their lives to exploring them.

The most engaging way to explore and experience numbers is through games. We just need a few different games. Some very basic ones. Like Arithmaroo.

Maybe in the future, with the right games, we can eliminate worksheets, drills, and testing altogether.

Imagine winning a game instead of passing a test.  Wow.