Jo Boaler: Empowering Students Through Innovative Math Education
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Jo Boaler, a Stanford University professor, featured on Guy Kawasaki's 'Remarkable People,' discusses her journey from a London math teacher to an award-winning academic and author. Her latest book, 'Mathish,' introduces seven principles for a diverse approach to learning mathematics, challenging traditional methods by emphasizing pattern recognition and complex problem-solving. Boaler's involvement in creating a new mathematics framework for California, which promotes accessibility and diversity in math education, led to public criticism from figures like Tucker Carlson and Elon Musk, and a surge of hate mail. Despite opposition, the framework received unanimous approval and support from educators across the state. Boaler advocates for a shift from 'narrow maths' to engaging students in real-world problems, citing a Stanford data science course as a successful model. She emphasizes the importance of teaching students to understand and analyze real-world data, as seen during the COVID pandemic, and advocates for a curriculum that fosters number sense and practical application. Boaler introduces the concept of 'ish' numbers, which encourage estimation and conceptual thinking, and shares anecdotes of their transformative impact in classrooms. Kawasaki and Boaler discuss the resistance to change in math education, the myth of the 'math brain,' and the benefits of diversity in learning environments. They highlight the importance of a growth mindset and metacognition in teaching math. Boaler points to resources like her YouCubed website and a new math set called 'Struggly' to help change people's relationships with math. The conversation concludes with Kawasaki's appreciation for the 'ish' concept and its broader application in life.
Jo Boaler, a Stanford University professor, featured on Guy Kawasaki's 'Remarkable People,' discusse