Knocking Down The Myths About Math: Math Journal Reflection 1

Write down the main messages you learned in lesson 1 for someone of your age. What are 3 important things you learned today that everyone your age should know? 

Freshman Year Me Response: 

The first important thing I learned today was that everyone has the capability to learn math. I have always struggled with math, and teachers at school even told me I wasn't very good at it.  I felt stupid, helpless, and dumb at times. Watching the videos in Lesson 1 has really encouraged me and has made me believe that I am also capable of learning math. The second important thing I think someone my age should know is our brains are so powerful! One girl had her brain removed and she still could walk, talk, and run! Third thing, exercise your brain!! Challenge yourself, read, and grow your brain.

Senior Year Me Response: 

The main messages that I took from lesson one were to not fall under stereotypes, that everyone's brain grows and changes over time, and that there is a dry and mundane way that math is normally taught. Stereotypes are a real thing, and not falling under those and recognizing those stereotypes are important to realize. For example, there is a stereotype that boys are better at math than girls. I want to remember that stereotypes like this exist so that I can break them in my class. Everyone my age should know this, even if they are not a teacher to ensure that we break these stereotypes that can be carried down generations and encourage more people to enjoy math! It's also important to note that our brains are constantly changing and developing. This affects how we see things and how we perceive math. We should also be aware that the math that is taught sometimes is mundane and boring, but being aware that there are other resources out there that can make math fun and help us learn it in a way that fits our learning style is important to be aware of!