"The Math Person"...a Myth

"My kid is not a math person," "I am not a math person," "I cannot do math because I am not a math person," these are all phrases I have heard too often in my 7 years of teaching. This imaginary figure of a certain type of person who is capable to do mathematics, is just about as real as bigfoot. Although this "math person" is a make-believe figure, its effects are very real and detrimental. When students are told that they are not a math person, they stop believing in themselves, they think something in themself is lacking and therefore they cannot do math. The idea that only certain people can do math, and others can't is a lie that is fed to people every day. Can you blame students for not wanting to try anymore after they have been told that they just aren't a math person? I certainly couldn't. The last thing a parent, teacher, friend, etc. should tell someone is that they cannot achieve learning something because they aren't that "type" of person. Anyone can do math! Sure, some may learn quicker than others, but it is not a race, remember the tortoise won not the hare. Everyone's journey to learn math is different, some paths are bumpy, smooth, windy, straight, bottom line they are all unique to the learner. Learning styles vary from individual to individual, if a student does not understand how a topic is being explained then new ways of explanation must be provided, and that is one of the most beautiful parts of being a math tutor, I love helping my students find the way they understand best. Students are like flowers, they all require a unique different set of ways to help them flourish. Math is a language that everyone one can learn, I bet if a student said, " I am going to learn French!" you would not hear someone respond, " Oh but you are not a french-language person?" Qoui!? That would be absurd, so why is it that people can discourage others by saying exactly the same phrase but about math? All it takes to learn math is practice and determination, just like learning anything else. The next time someone tells you this myth let it go in one ear out the other and keep your head held high....heck why not go on and send them this post (wink).

Sincerely,

That Math Girl Kei