The Book for Math Empowerment [Paperback]

Sandra Manigault (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1997

The Book for Math Empowerment: Rethinking the Subject of Mathematics deals with the psychology of learning math. It approaches the issue of math anxiety through an affimative process. It engages the reader by dealing with the issue of his/her belief system. The reader is encouraged to take a realistic look at false paradigms and to understand how these have encumbered him/her in the learning of mathematics. Study skills are enumerated in depth, along with case studies of students who lost their way. Additionally, the reader is given a personal look into why musicians often make better math students; how baggage can be created inadvertently by teachers in a classroom, and parents, in the home. This is a frank and honest look as to why mathematics has been given a false mystique in American culture and what can be done about it.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"In a clearly original approach, Professor Sandra Manigault helps students work on their own psychology so that their attitudes about themselves and mathematics are positive....Manigault takes a decidedly therapeutic and spiritual approach to helping individuals recognize, and then eliminate, their learned dislike of mathematics.... The Book for Math Empowerment is as important as it is original." -- Black Issues in Higher Education

From the Publisher

The Book for Math Empowerment is a powerful and insightful book that takes an unusual look at how to learn a difficult subject. The approach goes beyond dealing positively with math anxiety, and into how to better prepare students to succeed from the vantage points of the parent and teacher. In addition, throughout the book, the reader is encouraged, motivated, and inspired to become a more successful human being. The use of affirmations early in the book is truly unique and unlike any other book of this type on the market today. Spiritual overtones, throughout the book, add to its power and strength. The author takes risks. But, the outcome is phenomenal. That Sandra Manigault is much more than a math teacher adds to the book's quality and dimension. She is an artist, musician, and avid writer, with interests in metaphysics and healing. The talents and mutifaceted interests of this unusual woman have come together to create a beautiful and therapeutic reading experience. The Book for Math Empowerment has been written to embrace a cross-section of audiences: college students, high school students, parents, teachers, adults returning to school after many years, and the "math-scared, math-scarred" in general.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Godosan Pubns Inc (October 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0965854108
• ISBN-13: 978-0965854108
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.6 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,292,791 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Book for Math Empowerment by Sandra Manigault, November 23, 2005

By 

Sue Lawson (Stafford, VA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Book for Math Empowerment (Paperback)

This is an excellent book for math lovers and for nonmath lovers! I have bought several copies of this book over the past 8 years to give as gifts for Christmas or birthday gifts. It is a classic. I am a former high school mathematics teacher now working as an adult reference librarian. I have recommended this book to countless patrons and to staff members as a wonderful source of information concerning mathematics and life! It is a math and philosophy book.

Sue Lawson

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Expected More from the Title, July 7, 2006

By 

L. Blomqvist "lblomqvist" (Chula Vista, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Book for Math Empowerment (Paperback)

The book presents things already known to students, parents, and teachers: common sense study habits and behaviors that will help anybody be successful in school: pay attention in class, ask relevant questions, find the time and a quiet place to study, take good notes, go over notes, read the textbook, do the homework, prioritize activities, and above all maintain the FOCUS (hmmmmm, sounds familiar because for years this has been my mantra to students as their math teacher).

From an educator's standpoint, I expected many INNOVATIVE strategies that will engage and empower students. The highlights of the book (and expected more of) were the author's presenentations of certain mathematical concepts with relation to metaphysical concepts. I was particularly amused by the author's quick association of graphical relationships to "metaphysical relationships" or to things mature students can understand (i.e. relating the graphs of two lines that intersect at a points to a one-time affair and relating a step function to a "successfully recovering drug addict." I would not exactly describe such concepts as such in a high school class, but I can see the importance of presenting concepts in ways that help students easily understand and increase their RETENTION of mathematical knowledge and skills.

This books seems to be more geared for those into being whole, healed, and receptive to the gifts of the universe. In the beginning of the book, I thought I was reading a metaphysical book which could be summed up as "I have the power to do math. I can do math!... Calculations, formulas, rules, definitions, come easy to me.....I feel safe, whole, and healed from negative experiences.... and so on. Affirmations may be powerful for students who have not experienced success in previous math classes. They need to reprogram their belief systems and attitudes to be receptive to the acquisition of mathematical knowledge, competence and success.

The book seems to be simply a handy book of lists of helpful tips, suggestions, and very short anecdotes on how to be successful in a math class. From an educator's standpoint I might be expecting more: detailed reasons why students fear and have not been successful in mathematics and specific strategies which students, parents, and teachers can use. Parents and teachers might find it helpful to read the sections on what they can do to motivate and empower youngsters mathematically. These sections might affirm what many parents and teachers are already doing or remind them of their significance in fostering success of youngsters in any subject. Books could be written from these short sections alone beyond the 128 pages but presented in smaller print!

In the near future, I hope the author writes a book answering the NEVER-ENDING question, "WHY do we have to learn all this math if we are not going to use it?" She does very briefly address this later in the book, and I hope she does write a sequel which would be something to look forward to!

This book is a quick read (I read the entire book in one evening. Maybe it was the author's intention for those who lead busy and hectic lives to read this book and immediately apply these principles and be EMPOWERED in whatever they choose to accomplish!