Why math sucks and how to fix it w/ Raj Shah

Math Therapy

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What is memory? Are different brains good at memorizing different things (like math vs music)? Is memorization even a good way to learn? Why don’t we teach math like we teach reading? Why do we love puzzles and escape rooms but hate math class? Is it possible to make math learning fun?? Will Vanessa ever learn how to explain how to text the podcast?!?! How does this all relate to math trauma?!?!?!

Ok. Deep breaths. Today's ep with Dr. Raj Shah was a rollercoaster, as every question spawned 10 more! Connecting the big thorny debates of math education with the humanity and complexity of what students are actually experiencing in their minds and bodies, Vanessa and Raj laughed, cried, and one of them even broke out into song (probably not the one you expected!)

If you need a triple shot of inspiration, hope, and laughter today, this episode is for you.

Show notes:

• Raj’s TED Talk "Using Video Game Principles to Improve Math Scores"
• Ted Lasso scene "Be curious, not judgmental"
• All of Me by John Legend
• Good Inside by Becky Kennedy
• Annie Fetter “Notice and Wonder”
• Math Therapy S5E06: Redefining Success
• Send us your 3 superpowers!

About Raj: (Website, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook)

Dr. Raj Shah is the founder of Math Plus Academy, a founding member of the Global Math Project, and a leading voice in making math irresistible. Raj is passionate about creating math experiences that feel joyful and accessible, drawing inspiration from everything from video game design to human psychology. Beyond math, Raj is deeply interested in spirituality and therapy, seeing connections between how we approach math, how we heal shame, and how we make sense of the world.

Connect with us:

• Vanessa Vakharia: Instagram, TikTok, Email
• Math Therapy: Website, Text the podcast, Merch Store
  • Get the book: Corwin, Amazon
  • Audiobook: Audible, Spotify

فصول

1. Intro (00:00:00)

2. Do you have to memorize a TED Talk? (00:02:03)

3. Memorizing song lyrics vs math facts (00:07:45)

4. Why we associate math w/ intelligence (00:13:08)

5. Why bother learning math? (00:15:51)

6. Learning math by playing games (00:25:40)

7. The elephant in the classroom: feelings (00:33:45)

8. Exercise: "My 3 Superpowers" (00:43:49)

9. Q1 (00:51:11)

10. Q2 (00:51:20)

11. Outro (00:51:35)