Want to go? Check it out!

Last year, I had my trusty video camera with me, plus a few whiteboards and markers. So I asked attendees: How Do Writers Use Math? Of course, this creative bunch had a lot to say. Take a look!

If you want to know how to pump up your math skills for your writing business, check out my book, Math for Writers. It’s full of great ideas on how to tell a better story, get published and make more money.

As a writer, how do you use math? Can you think of any ideas that my colleagues didn’t mention? Learn more from my book Math for Writers, buy it here today!

The post How Do Writers Use Math? appeared first on Math for Grownups.

Plan an impromptu Pi Day Party

The good folks at Uncommon Goods have some terrific suggestions for a geeky get-together: from serving pizza to opening sodas with a π-shaped bottle opener. P.S. Uncommon Goods has an amazing selection of nerdy and not-so-nerdy gifts and housewares. Plus, the company only stocks products that are environmentally, animal- and human-friendly. Check them out next time you need something special, and click here to sign up for their This Just In newsletter to get inside intel on the newest products!

Enter the Math for Grownups Pi Day Contest!

I’m so excited about Pi Day that I’ve decided to give away five great prizes to five lucky winners. Uncommon Goods has chipped in with a darling Pi-themed plate set. Then there’s the first ever Math for Grownups T-shirt and mug. Of course, I’ll give away one of my books, and the big prize: free admission to my upcoming Stats for Writers online course. Yippee!

So how do you enter the contest? Just click here to get all of the details and enter your name and email. If you already receive my biweekly newsletter, you’re already in entered. Yippee Skippy!

Practice Piphilology

(i.e., memorizing dozens of digits of π)

Retired engineer Akira Haraguchi claims to be the master of piphilology, with 100,000 digits under his belt. How about you?

This Washington Post blog post details some strategies for memorizing pi. Or you can get some tips from this YouTube video:

Share the Pi Day Love

At the very least, tell someone Happy Ultimate Pi Day! Who knows? You could get into an interesting discussion about this very special number, and it’s place in mathematics. And you’ll be a math nerd like me, which is cool these days. (And while you’re at it, let folks know about my contest. Tweet about it! Share on Facebook!)

Whatever you choose to do, just get your greek groove on, shake your booty and celebrate that wonderful special number, π.

Photo Credit: St0rmz via Compfight cc

How do you plan to celebrate Ultimate Pi Day? Share your ideas in the comments section.

The post Party Like It’s 3-14-15 appeared first on Math for Grownups.

The more I talk to people about math, the more I realize this one simple fact: Math ability hinges on confidence. If you think you can do it, you can. And even though I don’t know you at all, I know for sure that you can do the math. Promise. Check out the video for details.

Have you subbed to my YouTube channel: mathforgrownups? There are lots more videos there.  Also, I hope you’ll share this video on Twitter, using #icandomath and post it on your Facebook page. Share the Math for Grownups love!

Do you think you can do math? What I teach you in this book will give you self-confidence.

The post You Can Do Math, Promise. (Video) appeared first on Math for Grownups.

Even certain mathematical algorithms are very useful, like the order of operations (or PEMDAS).

But in the end, I think that dictated algorithms are not so great for people, especially people who are learning a new skill, and especially when the algorithm has little to no meaning or context.

Don’t know what an algorithm is? Check out my earlier post defining algorithms. 

People Aren’t Machines

There are many different educational philosophies that drive how we teach math. For generations, teachers worked under the assumption that young minds were tabula rasas or blank slates. Some educators took this to mean that we were empty pitchers, waiting to be filled with information.

This is how teaching algorithms got such a strong-hold on our educational system. Teachers were expected to introduce material to students, who were seen as completely ignorant of any part of the process. Through instruction, students learned step-by-step processes, with very little context.

In recent years, however, our understanding of neurology and psychology has deepened. We understand, for example, that children’s personalities are somewhat set at birth. And that their brains develop in predictable ways. We are also beginning to realize that certain types of learning and teaching promote deeper understanding.

The result is a better sense of students as individuals. Instead of a class filled with homogeneous little minds, we know now that kids (and grownups) are wildly different–in the way they digest information and approach problems. (To be fair, this is closer to John Locke’s original theory of tabula rasa, in which he states that the purpose of education is to create intellect, not memorize facts.)

In terms of a moral, there’s not much I recommend in this Pink Floyd video, but I can certainly identify with the kids’ anger at being treated like cogs in the educational system. Besides, it’s cool.

A Case for Critical Thinking

Certainly critical thinking is not completely absent in the teaching of algorithms. It’s marvelous when kids (and adults) make connections within the steps of a mathematical process. But critical thinking is much more likely, when the process is more open-ended. Give kids square tiles to help them understand quadratic equations, and they’ll likely start factoring without help. Let students play around with addition of multi-digit numbers, and they’ll start figuring out place value on their own.

You can’t beat that kind of learning.

See, when someone tells us something, our brains may or may not really engage. But when we’re already engaged in the discovery process, we’re much more likely to make big connections and remember them longer.

That’s not to say that learning algorithms is bad. But think of the way you might add two multi-digit numbers without a calculator. Instead of stacking them up and adding from right to left (remembering to carry), you might do something completely different, like add up all of the hundreds and tens and ones — and add again. In many ways, you’re still following the algorithm, but in a deconstructed way.

And in the end, who cares what process you follow–as long as you get to the correct answer and feel confident.

Teaching Algorithms is Easier, Sort Of

So if discovering processes is so much better, why does much of our educational system still teach algorithms? Well, because it’s more efficient in a lot of ways. It’s easier to stand in front of a group of kids and teach a step-by-step process. It’s harder–and noisier–to let kids work in groups, using manipulatives to answer open-ended questions. It might even take longer.

But I say that based on what we now know about kids’ personalities and brains, we’re not doing them much good with lecture-style classes. So in the long run, it’s easier to teach with discovery-based methods. Kids remember the information longer and get great neurological exercise. This allows for many more connections. At that point, the teacher is more of a coach than anything else.

In the end, we all use algorithms. But isn’t it better when we decide what steps to follow, through trial and error, a gut instinct or discovering the basic concepts underlying the process? That’s where we have a big edge over machines. After all, humans are inputting the algorithms that machines use.

Photo Credit: teclasorg via Compfight cc

The post Algorithms: Good for machines, bad for people appeared first on Math for Grownups.

Math is black-and-white, all about right and wrong answers. Right? Well, not really. In fact, math is a lot more like writing than hitting on the correct answers. Turns out, focusing on the concepts might just help you learn to like math a little more! Check out the video for details.

Have you subbed to my YouTube channel: mathforgrownups? There are lots more videos there.  Also, I hope you’ll share this video on Twitter, using #norightanswers and post it on your Facebook page. Share the Math for Grownups love!

As always, I’d love to hear what you think. Ask your questions or share your feedback in the comments section. Were you surprised by anything in the video? What do you think about math being a competition? Tell us!

The post Math is about Concepts, not Right Answers (Video) appeared first on Math for Grownups.

If you’ve ever been stuck in a grocery store wondering if you have enough cash in your pocket to cover what you need, you’re probably pretty familiar with the power of estimation. In this video, I show you how to estimate and why it’s such a big deal.

Have you subbed to my YouTube channel: mathforgrownups? There are lots more videos there.  Also, I hope you’ll share this video on Twitter, using #powerinestimation and post it on your Facebook page. Share the Math for Grownups love!

As always, I’d love to hear what you think. Ask your questions or share your feedback in the comments section. Were you surprised by anything in the video? How do you use estimation in your everyday life? Tell us!

The post Estimation is a Powerful Math Tool (Video) appeared first on Math for Grownups.

Oh, the math competitions! From speed math to scrambling to get the correct answer, competing with math can be a very bad idea. In this video, I talk about when competition and math are a bad mix. Take a look!

Have you subbed to my YouTube channel: mathforgrownups? There are lots more videos there.  Also, I hope you’ll share this video on Twitter, using #slowmath and post it on your Facebook page. Share the Math for Grownups love!

As always, I’d love to hear what you think. Ask your questions or share your feedback in the comments section. Were you surprised by anything in the video? What do you think about math being a competition? Tell us!

The post Math is Not a Competition (Video) appeared first on Math for Grownups.

What’s the best way to learn new math ideas? The answer might surprise you. But like learning a foreign language or that the little brake light on your dashboard means get to the mechanic — now! — getting the hang of math may require a little bit of discovery, rather than listening to boring lectures or reading books. And getting your Christopher Columbus on means failing a few times too. Here’s how discovery and failure play an important role in math education.

More videos are coming, so please subscribe to my YouTube channel: mathforgrownups.  Also, I hope you’ll share this video on Twitter, using #failureisok and #discovermath and post it on your Facebook page. Share the Math for Grownups love!

As always, I’d love to hear what you think. Ask your questions or share your feedback in the comments section. Were you surprised by anything in the video? What do you think about having to fail in order to learn? Share in the comments section!

The post We Learn Math Best Through Discovery — And Failure (Video) appeared first on Math for Grownups.

And I hope you’ll spend a few moments celebrating your own wins. (Share them in the comments section, so we can all cheer for you!)

Publication of Math for Writers

I had plans for this book since Math for Grownups published in 2011. Fear and a lot of anxiety kept me from my goal for a long time, but I finally pulled it together and got down to work. The writers I know are such smart people, and I wanted to give you all a little boost of confidence in your math abilities. As the subtitle says, with math writers can tell a better story, get published and make more money.

I’m also really proud that I self-published Math for Writers. I knew that finding a publisher would be tricky, and I wanted the autonomy of making my own decisions. It’s been a really amazing process, and I couldn’t have done it without the help of three folks: Jennifer Lawler, development editor; Sandra Hume, copy editor; and Caitlin Proctor of Design Cat Studios, who designed the cover. I highly recommend them all!

Redesign of www.mathforgrownups.com

As my reach expanded to writers and parents and teachers, I decided to put a new face on the Math for Grownups website. And with that redesign, I added more content, like quizzes, the Math Manifestoand even video. I also created a cool free gift to subscribers: a guide to overcoming math anxiety. (If you haven’t snagged yours, be sure to sign up in the bright yellow box on the right!)

Again, I owe a big debt to someone who is much smarter than I. Patrick McCarty of evolv design has been my designer for years and years. I asked for pops of color and a playful look — and that’s exactly what he gave me. Thanks, Patrick!

Named one of GO Magazine’s 100 Women We Love in 2014

You could have knocked me over with a feather when I found out about this honor! Yep, that’s me, up there with Lily Tomlin, Robin Roberts, Mary Lambert and Ellen Page. Each year, GO chooses 100 lesbians who are making waves. To be on this list means more than just personal recognition — though that’s pretty darned cool! The best part was sharing the math message to a generation of women: girls can do math! (Check out my profile in the magazine.)

Hired a Virtual Assistant

This was a huge step. I’ve been a one-girl shop since I started out on my own in 2005. But with all of my big ideas, I knew I needed to step things up. Kelly Case with Time on Hand Services has been a god-send. Since the spring, she’s hanlded all of the Math at Work Monday interviews, and in the fall, she took over the newsletter. Look for her name to show up more in 2015! I’m so glad to have her on my tiny team of two.

Began Producing Video Online

Perhaps the most fun I’ve had this year is writing and producing my own video. The Math Manifesto series has been a blast. I’ve been writing math video scripts for several years, but this was my first chance to strike out on my own. And while I cringe a little seeing my face and hearing my voice, I feel really great about this accomplishment. The point is to ratchet down the anxiety and demonstrate how simple the math can be. (And sometimes I have to ratchet down my own anxiety about being on camera!)

Coming in 2015

So the best part about reviewing the previous year is the inspiration that comes. (Try it for yourself!) I’ve got big plans for next year, and I hope you’ll join me. Here’s a taste of what may come:

• More video! I have a great new tool that I’m excited to use. Look for Khan Academy-like learning videos from Math for Grownups.
• An online stats course for writers. This has been in the works for a while. Stay tuned for the details!
• In-person speaking events. I’m showing up at a few writers conferences in 2015 (including the American Society for Journalists and Authors (ASJA) in the spring), and it looks like I’ll be working with public school teachers on implementing in-depth, project-based lessons in the classroom. I can’t tell you how excited I am to be teaching again!
• New resources — for teachers and for writers. I’m developing some special items just for these audiences, and I can’t wait to share them.
• A new book? This one is a little scary to announce, but I do have plans for two books. Most likely, only one will get done in 2015. Which one will be be? Not sure yet. (And I’m not spilling the beans about either one!)

Of course, I hope you all will stay with me throughout the next year. Invite your friends to subscribe, too! Math for Grownups is on the verge of something really great. Don’t miss out!

Photo Credit: jeff_golden via Compfight cc

Now it’s your turn. What would you like to see here at Math for Grownups? Please share your ideas with me, in the comments section to via email: laura@mathforgrownups.com. 

The post Celebrate Good (Math) Times appeared first on Math for Grownups.

If your hands get sweaty, heart starts to race and your brain shuts down at the thought of doing math, you might have math anxiety. This is a very real condition with very real consequences — from making more mistakes to avoiding math altogether.

But there’s really great news. You can get over math anxiety. And, if you have kids, you can help them avoid getting it in the first place. This video shares a few tips. And if you want more, sign up for my free resource, Multiply Your Math Moxie: A Painless Guide to Overcoming Math Anxiety. Check out the yellow box to the right!

More videos are coming, so please subscribe to my YouTube channel: mathforgrownups.  Also, I hope you’ll share this video on Twitter, using #mathanxiety and post it on your Facebook page. Share the Math for Grownups love!

As always, I’d love to hear what you think. Ask your questions or share your feedback in the comments section. Were you surprised by anything in the video? Do you have your own stories to share about your or your kids’ math anxiety? Share in the comments section!

The post Math Anxiety Is Bad News, and You Can Get Over It (Video) appeared first on Math for Grownups.