There is much that you can do to keep cognitively sharp.
Source: Can You Get Smarter? – The New York Times
When I wrote this I felt like I was boasting (not a pleasant feeling) but the topic is too important to not tell the truth.
Here it is.
This piece fits with my experience teaching math to students of widely varying abilities – from those at Wash. U. in St. Louis to those at a regional state school where I started. But there is a rub.
First, let me explain how I teach and how this op-ed simply confirms what most people know intuitively about students.
I tell students that getting better at math is like getting better at football. You have to do drills – and you have to scrimmage. I then lead them through the process of thinking “mathematically” – along with telling them what they need to know. That’s the essence of it. (Some of the details are on my blog inside-higher-ed .)
Now, here is a summary – from 2 anonymous students – of the effect that this has on the students and their attitude about this class – and most importantly – about themselves.
“..my problem-solving and analytical math skills were greatly enhanced..The material was challenging, but…if I put in the time to think it through, I could understand it in great depth..”
“..I loved the fact that I can now work on an unfamiliar problem and solve it, just by thinking mathematically…I feel learning to think through it logically will greatly help me in the future..”
Now, for the rub.
Not all students are pleased with having to “…put in the time…” – or having to “..think it through..”. Most administrators know that and want to please their “customers”. That’s been the demise of American education.
Recent Comments