Back when I was in school, Mathematics was one subject everyone delighted in. After all, it was about the only subject which required no mugging and where by ruthless application of quite commonsensical principles it was possible to get every answer correct and thereby max an examination.
Somewhere along the line, things appear to have changed and my children; they aren't alone for this is a common gripe amongst all their cohorts too, are positively terrified of the subject.
What happened? Popular culture, that's what.
Take a look at all the television, film and online content that a typical pre-teen or teen is today exposed to. Originating from, or inspired by America, it contains endless allusions to Mathematics, nearly all of which are negative. Mathematics (I hate the strange American term Math) enthusiasts are nerdy, bespectacled, wimpy social klutzes. Mathematics dislikers on the other hand are macho, cool and effortlessly bully the nerds.
This seems almost trite but do check out the stereotypes with your own kids.
Somewhere along the line, things appear to have changed and my children; they aren't alone for this is a common gripe amongst all their cohorts too, are positively terrified of the subject.
What happened? Popular culture, that's what.
Take a look at all the television, film and online content that a typical pre-teen or teen is today exposed to. Originating from, or inspired by America, it contains endless allusions to Mathematics, nearly all of which are negative. Mathematics (I hate the strange American term Math) enthusiasts are nerdy, bespectacled, wimpy social klutzes. Mathematics dislikers on the other hand are macho, cool and effortlessly bully the nerds.
This seems almost trite but do check out the stereotypes with your own kids.
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