Math education has long been a subject of debate and concern, with many students struggling to grasp concepts and develop a love for the subject. Shalinee Sharma, co-founder of educational nonprofit Zearn, has been on a mission to change this narrative. In her book, “Math Mind: The Simple Path to Loving Math,” Sharma shares her journey from a successful career at Bain & Company to launching Zearn in 2012, with the goal of providing high-quality math teaching to children for free.
Zearn started as a digital mathematics curriculum and learning platform, offering a wide range of resources for students and teachers. Teachers across the country have reported using Zearn regularly, with over 14 billion math problems solved on the platform. Sharma’s experiences visiting thousands of classrooms have led her to the conclusion that the current math education system is broken, making learning math a frustrating and unpleasant experience for most students. However, she believes that with the right support from parents and educators, all children can not only learn math but also come to love it.
One of Sharma’s key insights is the importance of fostering a growth mindset in students, a concept popularized by Stanford psychology professor Carol Dweck. Sharma emphasizes the need to combat stereotypes and negative beliefs about math, ensuring that students feel empowered to tackle challenges and learn from their mistakes. She also advocates for a more creative approach to problem-solving, encouraging students to explore different methods and strategies rather than focusing solely on algorithms.
In her book, Sharma shares her favorite recommendation for supporting students when they’re stuck: offering pictures, especially brightly colored ones. This approach, known as the “Concrete, Pictorial, Abstract” method, draws on theories of instruction from the 1960s and has been shown to be effective in engaging students and enhancing their understanding of math concepts. Sharma also calls for an end to traditional worksheets with unrelated problems, advocating instead for meaningful practice that reinforces key concepts and skills.
Another important aspect of Sharma’s approach is the idea of trying a different way when students face challenges. She recounts a debate with economist Steve Levitt, where Zearn’s analysts found that offering an easier approach to a question after a student makes an error can be more effective than focusing on foundational skills. This approach, while unconventional, has been supported by research studies and has shown promising results in helping students overcome obstacles in their math learning.
Despite her focus on innovative teaching methods, Sharma acknowledges the limitations of technology in education. While Zearn has been successful in reaching a wide audience and providing valuable resources to students and teachers, Sharma believes that a more comprehensive approach is needed to truly transform math education. She calls for a new system that combines the best aspects of technology with effective teaching practices, creating a more inclusive and engaging learning environment for all students.
In conclusion, Shalinee Sharma’s book “Math Mind: The Simple Path to Loving Math” offers valuable insights and recommendations for improving math education and helping students develop a love for the subject. By emphasizing the importance of a growth mindset, creative problem-solving, and meaningful practice, Sharma aims to empower students to succeed in math and overcome the challenges they may face. While technology plays a significant role in supporting math education, Sharma believes that a holistic approach that combines innovative teaching methods with traditional practices is key to creating a more effective and engaging learning experience for all students.
