Math-ish

Educators must replace today’s narrow approach to mathematics with a more flexible, diverse approach.

Most people learn mathematics in a “narrow” way. In the narrow form of mathematics taught to children and young adults for over 100 years, there’s only one valid approach to a mathematical problem, and only one solution. Narrow mathematics is a stolid, plodding enterprise. It doesn’t transform numbers into something more tangible, like images or physical objects, and does not involve being creative or the free play of ideas. Students are constantly scrutinized and evaluated based on tests. The narrow mathematics approach and the performance-oriented culture it engenders has spoiled mathematics for literally millions of students. Some 60% of university students drop their science majors after taking introductory math courses — even talented, high-achieving students.

Narrow mathematics denies people the sheer joy of mathematical ideas and what they can reveal — to the detriment of society at large. Fortunately, there’s an alternative to narrow mathematics, rooted in two core ideas: “Mathematical diversity” refers...