Mathematics has always been a subject that has intimidated students and teachers alike. The mere mention of numbers and equations can send shivers down the spine of even the most confident individuals. Many students and teachers believe that being good at math is a talent that one is born with, and if they don’t possess it, then there is no hope for them. However, curriculum expert Phonisha Hawkins believes that anyone can be a “math person” with the right approach and mindset. And she uses a delicious example to prove her point – chocolate chip cookies.
Hawkins, who has been working in the field of education for over 15 years, has seen firsthand how students and teachers struggle with math. She has noticed that many students have a fixed mindset when it comes to math, believing that they are either good at it or not. This mindset often leads to a lack of confidence and motivation, which ultimately affects their performance in the subject. Similarly, many teachers also have a fixed mindset, believing that they are not good at math and therefore cannot effectively teach it to their students.
But Hawkins believes that this fixed mindset is a myth and that anyone can excel in math with the right approach. She uses the example of baking chocolate chip cookies to explain her theory. Just like how baking cookies requires a specific set of ingredients and steps, being good at math also requires a specific approach and mindset. And just like how anyone can follow a recipe and bake delicious cookies, anyone can follow the right approach and excel in math.
The first ingredient in Hawkins’ recipe for becoming a “math person” is a positive attitude. She believes that having a positive attitude towards math is crucial for success. Instead of saying “I’m not good at math,” students and teachers should say “I’m not good at math yet.” This simple change in mindset can make a huge difference in how one approaches the subject. It opens up the possibility of improvement and growth, rather than limiting oneself with a fixed mindset.
The second ingredient is practice. Just like how baking cookies requires practice to perfect the recipe, math also requires practice to master the concepts. Hawkins suggests setting aside a specific time each day for math practice, just like how one would set aside time for baking. She also encourages students to practice with a positive mindset, focusing on the progress they are making rather than the mistakes they are making.
The third ingredient is a growth mindset. Hawkins believes that having a growth mindset is crucial for success in math. This means believing that one’s abilities and intelligence can be developed through hard work and dedication. With a growth mindset, students and teachers can overcome any challenges they face in math and continue to improve.
The final ingredient is support. Just like how a baker may need help from others to perfect their cookie recipe, students and teachers may need support from others to excel in math. Hawkins suggests seeking help from teachers, peers, or even online resources when facing difficulties in math. She also emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive and encouraging environment in the classroom, where students feel comfortable asking for help and making mistakes.
Hawkins’ approach to becoming a “math person” is not just limited to students but also applies to teachers. She believes that teachers play a crucial role in shaping students’ attitudes towards math. By adopting a positive attitude, practicing regularly, having a growth mindset, and providing support to their students, teachers can create a classroom environment where students feel motivated and confident in their math abilities.
In conclusion, being a “math person” is not a talent that one is born with, but rather a skill that can be developed with the right approach and mindset. As Hawkins has shown, by using the example of baking chocolate chip cookies, anyone can excel in math. It’s all about having a positive attitude, practicing regularly, having a growth mindset, and seeking support when needed. So, let’s all grab a cookie and embrace our inner “math person”!
