What's Math Got to Do with It?: Helping Children Learn to Love Their Least Favorite Subject--and Why It's Important for America (Hardcover)

by Jo Boaler (Author)
Key Phrases: mathematics approaches, math wars, math classrooms, Amber Hill, Phoenix Park, New York (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
“For any parent who’s ever heard a child declare, ‘I hate math.’”
—Jim Trelease, author of The Read-Aloud Handbook

“ Parents and educators alike will count this book an inspiring resource.”
—Publishers Weekly

“ Highly accessible and enjoyable for readers who love and loathe math.”
—Booklist --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Description
An alarming look at what’s wrong with math education in the United States, and what we can do to change it

The United States is rapidly falling behind the rest of the developed world in terms of math education, and the future of our economy depends on the quality of teaching that our children receive today. A recent assessment of mathematics performance around the world ranked the U.S. twenty-eighth out of forty countries in the study. When the level of spending on education was taken into account, we sank to the very bottom of the list. According to Jo Boaler, a professor of mathematics education at Stanford University, statistics like these are all too common—we have reached the point of crisis, and a new course of action is crucial.

In this straightforward and inspiring book, Boaler outlines the nature of the math crisis by following the progress of students in middle and high schools over a number of years, observing which teaching methods are exciting students and getting results. Based on her research, she presents concrete solutions that will help reverse the trend, including classroom approaches, essential strategies for students, advice for parents on how to help children enjoy mathematics, and ways to work with teachers in schools. What’s Math Got To Do With It? is an indispensable book for all parents and educators and anyone concerned about the mathematical and scientific future of our society.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Viking Adult (July 17, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0670019526
• ISBN-13: 978-0670019526
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.7 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #18,441 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #3 in	Books > Nonfiction > Education > Secondary School > Mathematics
  #10 in	Books > Nonfiction > Education > Education Theory > Reform & Policy
  #20 in	Books > Science > Mathematics > Study & Teaching

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must-read, July 26, 2008

By	Elizabeth B. - See all my reviews

This book, believe it or not, is a page-turner! As someone who works with children, I read with fascination Dr. Boaler's description of exactly what I have seen among my students, my own children, and even my friends: how math in school has alienated so many of us from its true nature and its usefulness in the real world. The first half of the book identifies problems and why they are urgent, and the last half shows some things we we can do about it. It also has a lot of references so that when I talk to parents I have some back-up. I am so glad I read it and think it is a must-read for parents and teachers.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars There is a better way to teach math, September 1, 2008

By	Martin P. Cohen "Seeker" (Langhorne, PA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

We all agree that in a global economy, mathematical skill is of increasing importance. So what would be the characteristics of an ideal math education program?

How about:
1. Students perform well on standardized tests

2. Students come to appreciate math rather than hide under the bed at the mention of the word.

3. Students of mixed abilities come to respect each other's strengths and work together on solutions

4. Students readily apply their problem solving skills to problems outside the classroom

Wishful thinking? Jo Boaler's research says otherwise. Children are born with an appreciation of math. It is not necessary to create an interest, merely to keep from doing what traditional teaching methods do - turning the students away from math. Students enjoy being challenged and being told the explanations behind the formulas. If they do what they enjoy and understand it, then it should come as no surprise that they will perform better.

If you have any interest in either mathematics or education, I urge you to read this book. We owe it to our children to reform the way we teach math.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book, June 21, 2009

By	K. Orr (Camas, WA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I found the book to be very informative. It cited some excellent data that lends credence for the need to reform the way mathematics is taught.