Math-ish
Finding Creativity, Diversity, and Meaning in Mathematics
Mathematics is a fundamental part of life, yet every one of us has a unique relationship with learning and understanding the subject. Working with numbers may inspire confidence in our abilities or provoke anxiety and trepidation. Stanford researcher, mathematics education professor, and the leading expert on math learning Dr. Jo Boaler argues that our differences are the key to unlocking our greatest mathematics potential.
In Math-Ish, Boaler shares new neuroscientific research on how embracing the concept of “math-ish”—a theory of mathematics as it exists in the real world—changes the way we think about mathematics, data, and ourselves. When we can see the value of diversity among people and multi-faceted approaches to learning math, we are free to truly flourish.
Preorder Math-ish and join Jo Boaler for an exclusive book club series discussing the book. Click below to pre-order Math-ish and then Join Summer Book Club to redeem this offer. This is a special event for those who pre-order before May 7 to chat with Jo about the ideas in the book.
6th graders ISH numbers
This book repeatedly made me want to jump up and down with excitement, cheer out loud, and revise and enrich all my teaching materials inspired by Prof Boaler's compelling, evidence-based, highly practicable methods. I wish every educator, student, parent, and policy-maker would read it.
Mathematician Eugenia Cheng
Every once in a while, someone revolutionizes an approach to a difficult subject and changes it forever. That is what Jo Boaler has done for math. Fresh, smart, and inclusive, Jo Boaler's strategy eschews the one-size-fits-a-few approach and instead allows math to be seen and solved by everyone. A huge achievement.
From Lessons in Chemistry Author Bonnie Garmus
Too many students walk away from math classes learning one lesson above all: I don't belong here. Boaler's new book responds by showing us just how vast, beautiful, and connected mathematics is, and how much more welcoming and dynamic our teaching of it could be. The message of Math-ish couldn't be more spot on: there's a place for you in math, and we need you here."
Mathematician Dan Finkel, Founder, Math for Love
Nobody’s better at helping students love math than Jo Boaler. She's a passionate advocate for all students, and sets out a culturally responsive approach to math that is a must-read for educators and parents.
Julie Lythcott-Haims, NYT Best- selling author and candidate for Congress
Brain science is revolutionizing how we thin. Intuition, estimation, reflection, and motivation enable the growth of math competencies in young minds. This book is remarkable at capturing the energy, spirit, and unique approach that Jo Boaler brings to helping teachers re-envision how to make math come alive in the classroom in an a way that invites inclusion and acceptance.
Bruce McCandliss, Stanford professor and educational neuroscientist
Early praise for Math-ish
Mathematician Eugenia Cheng
This book repeatedly made me want to jump up and down with excitement, cheer out loud, and revise and enrich all my teaching materials inspired by Prof Boaler's compelling, evidence-based, highly practicable methods. I wish every educator, student, parent, and policy-maker would read it.
From Lessons in Chemistry Author Bonnie Garmus
Every once in a while, someone revolutionizes an approach to a difficult subject and changes it forever. That is what Jo Boaler has done for math. Fresh, smart, and inclusive, Jo Boaler's strategy eschews the one-size-fits-a-few approach and instead allows math to be seen and solved by everyone. A huge achievement.
Mathematician Dan Finkel, Founder, Math for Love
Too many students walk away from math classes learning one lesson above all: I don't belong here. Boaler's new book responds by showing us just how vast, beautiful, and connected mathematics is, and how much more welcoming and dynamic our teaching of it could be. The message of Math-ish couldn't be more spot on: there's a place for you in math, and we need you here."