Math with Bad Drawings | Ben Orlin | Talks at Google

TL;DR

Math educator and author, Ben Orlin, shares his experiences with teaching, writing, and illustrating math in a fun and accessible way.

Transcript

[MUSIC PLAYING] BEN ORLIN: Thanks, Max. And thanks, everybody, for coming. I'm really excited to be here. This is fun. I've gotten to do-- since the book came out in September, I've got to do a few different events, a lot of them at colleges, but this is my first corporate event. And it's nice, because Google is basically a big college. So I apprec... Read More

Key Insights

• ❣️ Math education needs to adapt to the changing technological environment and move away from a heavy focus on computation.
• 💄 Providing positive experiences of mathematics is crucial to overcoming math anxiety and making the subject more accessible.
• 💨 The role of math popularizers is to communicate complex technical concepts in clear and easily understandable ways, benefiting both technical and non-technical audiences.

Questions & Answers

Q: How can we remove the stigma in young children that math is hard and not worth bothering with?

One approach is to emphasize the importance of math being challenging, as this can be seen as an opportunity for growth and problem-solving. Showcasing real-world applications and inspiring stories of mathematicians can also help shift the perception of math.

Q: Has math become more popular in recent years?

Math popularization has been on the rise, with renewed emphasis on STEM communication and the accessibility of visuals through platforms like YouTube. Popular math books, such as those by Simon Singh, Jordan Ellenberg, and Eugenia Chang, have also contributed to the growing interest in math.

Q: How can we instill a sense of creativity and proof creation in math education?

Informal argumentation and problem-solving can pave the way for more formal proof understanding. Allowing students to explore their own solutions and engaging them in mathematical discussions can foster creativity and a deeper appreciation for proofs.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Ben Orlin discusses his journey from being a math teacher to starting a blog about math with bad drawings.

• He explores the challenges of math education, including math anxiety and the need to adapt to the changing technological environment.

• Orlin shares his insights on the importance of making math enjoyable and relatable, as well as the value of being comfortable with being stuck in problem-solving.