As a teacher of mathematics, I used to hear almost daily "I'm not any good at math" or "My mom/dad wasn't good at math and neither am I". Eye color, height, body build, hair color - these are all things that are hereditary. But since when has the ability to do mathematics become an inherited ability? I now will not allow the above mentioned phrases or similar phrases be used in my class. As soon as one of my students try to bring out the "I can't do math" card, I give them an additional problem to show them that they CAN do math and that they are actually good at it!
I couldn't agree more with NCTM's (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics) president J. Michael Shaughnessy's October 2010 Summing It Up article It's Time to Stamp Out the Phrase "I'm Bad at Math". Shaughnessy discusses how many of today’s students proudly announce that they are not good at math. He talks about how parents and educators need to start putting an end to this by demonstrating the importance of mathematics to our kids and students. We need to keep them involved and interested so they too will see the many things that can be done with at mathematics background.
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