Math-Ish - by Jo Boaler (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Mathematics is a fundamental part of life, yet every one of us has a unique relationship with learning and understanding the subject. Working with numbers may inspire confidence in our abilities or provoke anxiety and trepidation. Stanford researcher, mathematics education professor, and the leading expert on math learning Dr. Jo Boaler argues that our differences are the key to unlocking our greatest mathematics potential. In Math-ish, Boaler shares new neuroscientific research on how embracing the concept of "math-ish"--a theory of mathematics as it exists in the real world--changes the way we think about mathematics, data, and ourselves. When we can see the value of diversity among people and multi-faceted approaches to learning math, we are free to truly flourish. Utilizing the latest research on math education, Jo guides us through seven principles that can radically reframe our relationship with the subject."--

Book Synopsis

From Stanford professor, author of Limitless Mind, youcubed.org founder, and leading expert in the field of mathematics education Jo Boaler comes a groundbreaking guide to finding joy and understanding by adopting a diverse approach to learning math.

"Every once in a while, someone revolutionizes an approach to a difficult subject and changes it forever. That is what Jo Boaler has done for math. Fresh, smart, and inclusive, Jo Boaler's strategy eschews the one-size-fits-a-few approach and instead allows math to be seen and solved by everyone. A huge achievement. Math-ish is the only math book I've ever enjoyed reading in my entire life. Honestly." -Bonnie Garmus, author of Lessons in Chemistry

Mathematics is a fundamental part of life, yet every one of us has a unique relationship with learning and understanding the subject. Working with numbers may inspire confidence in our abilities or provoke math anxiety and trepidation. Stanford researcher, mathematics education professor, and the leading expert on math learning Dr. Jo Boaler argues that our differences are the key to unlocking our greatest mathematics potential.

In Math-ish, Boaler shares new neuroscientific research on how embracing the concept of "math-ish"--a theory of mathematics as it exists in the real world--changes the way we think about mathematics, data, and ourselves. When we can see the value of diversity among people and multi-faceted approaches to learning math, we are free to truly flourish. Utilizing the latest research on math education, Jo guides us through seven growth mindset principles that can radically reframe our relationship with the subject:

- The power of mindset on learning

- Utilizing a visual approach to math

- The impact of physical movement and communication on understanding

- Understanding the value of an "ish" perspective - in mathematics and beyond

- The importance of connected and flexible knowledge

- New data on inclusive teaching modes that work with different learning styles, not against them

- The value of diversity in learning mathematics--and beyond

When real-world mathematics is approached more broadly, inclusively, and with a greater sense of wonder and play--when we value the different ways people see, approach, and understand it--we empower ourselves and gain a beneficial understanding of its value in our lives.

Review Quotes

"Mainstream math education needs radical reform--whatever your politics. "Math-ish" encapsulates Jo Boaler's wide-ranging experience of delivering change in the thick of the learning process, explaining how multifaceted it must be, and how pivotal it is." - Conrad Wolfram, Author of The Math(s) Fix and founder computerbasedmath.org

"Jo Boaler's MATH-ISH is a clarion call to reimagine math education. A passionate advocate for all learners, Boaler presents a humane approach in which visualization and intuition take center stage and students are encouraged to think, conjecture, and explore -- to learn math in ways that can foster a true love of the subject. The book's message is clear: there's a place for everyone in the mathematical adventure, and you are invited to be part of it.' - Steven Strogatz, professor of mathematics, Cornell University, and author of INFINITE POWERS

"There was Ish, Black-ish and then Math-ish! Jo Boaler new book is inspirational for the Black and Brown families and students we serve. Thank you including us in the math Equity story of change!" - Yolande Beckles Executive Director The Knowledge Shop and Board President The National Association of African American Parents and Youth aka NAAAPY

"Every once in a while, someone revolutionizes an approach to a difficult subject and changes it forever. That is what Jo Boaler has done for math. Fresh, smart, and inclusive, Jo Boaler's strategy eschews the one-size-fits-a-few approach and instead allows math to be seen and solved by everyone. A huge achievement. Math-ish is the only math book I've ever enjoyed reading in my entire life. Honestly." - Bonnie Garmus, author of Lessons in Chemistry

"This book repeatedly made me want to jump up and down with excitement, cheer out loud, and revise and enrich all my teaching materials inspired by Prof Boaler's compelling, evidence-based, highly practicable methods. I wish every educator, student, parent, and policy-maker would read it." - Dr. Eugenia Cheng, Mathematician, author, Scientist In Residence: School of the Art Institute of Chicago

"When students are given the freedom to see the world of mathematics more broadly, their original thoughts being validated, and their intersectional identities affirmed; it not only increases student agency but compels them to think more deeply about the task. Jo Boaler's book will help students begin to feel comfortable in their own math-skin and believe in their own mathematical brilliance." - Christina Lincoln-Moore, Ed.S. Co-Founder of Black Womxn in Mathematics Education (BWXME)

"Nobody's better at helping students love math than Jo Boaler. She's a passionate advocate for all students, and sets out a culturally responsive approach to math that is a must-read for educators and parents." - Julie Lythcott-Haims, New York Times bestselling author of How to Raise an Adult

"Too many students walk away from math classes learning one lesson above all: I don't belong here. Boaler's new book responds by showing us just how vast, beautiful, and connected mathematics is, and how much more welcoming and dynamic our teaching of it could be. The message of Math-ish couldn't be more spot on: there's a place for you in math, and we need you here." - Dr. Dan Finkel, Mathematician and Founder, Math for Love

"Brain science is revolutionizing how we think. Intuition, estimation, reflection, and motivation enable the growth of math competencies in young minds. This book is remarkable at capturing the energy, spirit, and unique approach that Jo Boaler brings to helping teachers re-envision how to make math come alive in the classroom in a way that invites inclusion and acceptance." - Bruce McCandliss, Stanford professor of educational neuroscience

"Most kids dislike math because they have only ever seen a small part of it. Math-ish reveals the aspects of mathematics that are visual and sensory, that draw on our intuition, and that ask kids to be humans rather than robots. Math-ish can restore your students' relationship to mathematics and also your own." - Dan Meyer, Desmos, Director of Research, Amplify

"In this totally bingeable book, Jo Boaler unveils the game-changing power of diverse mathematical thinking and explores how innovative teaching can completely transform the way all students experience math. Even if you've never considered yourself to be a "math person," Boaler's insights will reshape your perspective on teaching, learning, and hey, maybe even math!" - Vanessa "The Math Guru" Vakharia, Math educator / Math Therapist