Comments on: Why You Suck At Math (Pt.I) http://mathmojo.com/chronicles/2007/02/18/why-you-suck-at-math_1/ The Official Blog of MathMojo.com - helping public school, homeschooling, unschooling students, parents, teachers and adults learn math with easy and effective methods. Sat, 22 Nov 2008 08:00:13 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.3 By: mia http://mathmojo.com/chronicles/2007/02/18/why-you-suck-at-math_1/#comment-72029 mia Thu, 19 Jun 2008 20:26:31 +0000 http://mathmojo.com/chronicles/2007/02/18/why-you-suck-at-math/#comment-72029 I really agree with what you said. I feel a little bit more inspired to work hard after reading this. I've always gotten such horrible math teachers, and if that wasn't enough, my dad threatens me if I get under A- in math (which is "not good enough" anyway, but somewhat acceptable). It's just not my thing. I got a B- this year. Wow, I'm in huge trouble now.. I won't see the light of day this summer.. I really agree with what you said. I feel a little bit more inspired to work hard after reading this. I’ve always gotten such horrible math teachers, and if that wasn’t enough, my dad threatens me if I get under A- in math (which is “not good enough” anyway, but somewhat acceptable).

It’s just not my thing. I got a B- this year. Wow, I’m in huge trouble now.. I won’t see the light of day this summer..

]]> By: Jordan http://mathmojo.com/chronicles/2007/02/18/why-you-suck-at-math_1/#comment-47721 Jordan Mon, 17 Mar 2008 04:44:57 +0000 http://mathmojo.com/chronicles/2007/02/18/why-you-suck-at-math/#comment-47721 This was very inspiring, I agree with much of your writing. Some things I do not agree with though, I believe that certain children are born to understand a certain subject better/worse than others. It may not always be the administrators, or the teachers, or even the school's policies. Those that "suck at math" may be brilliant authors. Those that are not brilliant authors, may be exceptional at biking or fishing or running. Each person has their own talent that may be in anything, even if this talent isnt in math, it will always be in your heart forever. This incredible talent makes you who you are and what you are capable of. <em>Professor Homunculus sez: </em> Jordan, I basically agree with you, too. I'd say that some people have an inborn tendency to be able to excel at one thing or another, though, not a talent. If they nurture that tendency, it's easier for them to develop that talent than other people. But those without the natural tendency can overcome anyone with it, if they invest more effort, and better methods. We see constant evidence of this in sports, music, academics, the arts, etc. The basketball player <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muggsy_Bogues" target="blank" rel="nofollow">Muggsy Bogues</a> jumps to mind (pardon the pun). He is 5'3, yet beat out thousands of talented 6 and 7-footers to get to the NBA. Also, think of Vincent van Gogh. Did you ever see his first drawings? You'd think that kid could never, ever learn to draw. I know that nature plays a part, but I think nurture is the way to bet. This was very inspiring, I agree with much of your writing. Some things I do not agree with though, I believe that certain children are born to understand a certain subject better/worse than others. It may not always be the administrators, or the teachers, or even the school’s policies. Those that “suck at math” may be brilliant authors. Those that are not brilliant authors, may be exceptional at biking or fishing or running.

Each person has their own talent that may be in anything, even if this talent isnt in math, it will always be in your heart forever. This incredible talent makes you who you are and what you are capable of.

Professor Homunculus sez:

Jordan, I basically agree with you, too. I’d say that some people have an inborn tendency to be able to excel at one thing or another, though, not a talent. If they nurture that tendency, it’s easier for them to develop that talent than other people.

But those without the natural tendency can overcome anyone with it, if they invest more effort, and better methods. We see constant evidence of this in sports, music, academics, the arts, etc.

The basketball player Muggsy Bogues jumps to mind (pardon the pun). He is 5′3, yet beat out thousands of talented 6 and 7-footers to get to the NBA.

Also, think of Vincent van Gogh. Did you ever see his first drawings? You’d think that kid could never, ever learn to draw.

I know that nature plays a part, but I think nurture is the way to bet.

]]> By: Micale http://mathmojo.com/chronicles/2007/02/18/why-you-suck-at-math_1/#comment-2905 Micale Thu, 12 Apr 2007 00:26:55 +0000 http://mathmojo.com/chronicles/2007/02/18/why-you-suck-at-math/#comment-2905 I just wanted to say, I agree with everything you said. i am a college student who is really struggling in math. I one of those student who fell through the cracks in my schooling. I just got passed on from one teacher to the next. I just wanted to say, I agree with everything you said. i am a college student who is really struggling in math. I one of those student who fell through the cracks in my schooling. I just got passed on from one teacher to the next.

]]> By: The Math Mojo Chronicles » Why You maybe don’t Suck at Math http://mathmojo.com/chronicles/2007/02/18/why-you-suck-at-math_1/#comment-41 The Math Mojo Chronicles » Why You maybe don’t Suck at Math Mon, 26 Feb 2007 00:02:03 +0000 http://mathmojo.com/chronicles/2007/02/18/why-you-suck-at-math/#comment-41 [...] though, and a reader left a very inspiring comment at it. Go check it out. It’s at the “Why you Suck at Math (Pt. I)” [...] [...] though, and a reader left a very inspiring comment at it. Go check it out. It’s at the “Why you Suck at Math (Pt. I)” [...]

]]> By: Erica http://mathmojo.com/chronicles/2007/02/18/why-you-suck-at-math_1/#comment-40 Erica Sun, 25 Feb 2007 22:37:25 +0000 http://mathmojo.com/chronicles/2007/02/18/why-you-suck-at-math/#comment-40 "You can’t blame an 11 year old that sh/e can’t add if the teacher can’t teach". I am 23 years old now and when I was in high school, my math teachers were outstanding. I definitely feel that because my math teachers brought positive reinforcement to my classmates and I, my love for math is a part of my teachers successful teaching. The way teachers present themselves in the classroom is very important to how a student progresses as time goes on throughout their school career. If it wasnt for my precalculus teacher in 12th grade, then I would probably be a psychology major. I always enjoyed helping people all my life,by giving them advice, but my math teacher inspired me to gain a love for math. He created that comfortable classroom environment for his students, so they felt special. A dedicated teacher does not only teach, but educates. I want to be that dedicated math teacher that inspires their students to love math because it is fun and interesting. “You can’t blame an 11 year old that sh/e can’t add if the teacher can’t teach”. I am 23 years old now and when I was in high school, my math teachers were outstanding. I definitely feel that because my math teachers brought positive reinforcement to my classmates and I, my love for math is a part of my teachers successful teaching. The way teachers present themselves in the classroom is very important to how a student progresses as time goes on throughout their school career. If it wasnt for my precalculus teacher in 12th grade, then I would probably be a psychology major. I always enjoyed helping people all my life,by giving them advice, but my math teacher inspired me to gain a love for math. He created that comfortable classroom environment for his students, so they felt special. A dedicated teacher does not only teach, but educates. I want to be that dedicated math teacher that inspires their students to love math because it is fun and interesting.

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