When I say the phrase “problem-solving” what comes to mind? Does your mind immediately jump to math class and the dreaded word problems? Or do you think about how you navigated the situation when you got a flat tire on a road trip? If you are like most people I talk to, I bet you think about word problems.
As a teacher of mathematics, I understand the panic that often arises when students are faced with a worksheet or a test that is full of word problems. Some of that panic has nothing to do with math, though. If you weren’t a strong reader, for example, you might not enjoy word problems because it took a long time for you to even figure out the words. If the test is written in a language other than your native one, you might not even understand the context of the problem. Actually, context can be a barrier even when you are reading in your native language because the problem might be talking about a situation you are not familiar with.
Let’s just say you are a great reader and you do understand the context of what’s being asked. Maybe your struggle lies in translating that information into math symbols so you can “show your work.” Even if you know the answer, communicating that in the language of mathematics, and it is like its own language, is sometimes a struggle.
I’ve often heard students complaining and asking why they can’t just do the math.
Why do we have to confuse everything by including word problems.
Did you ever feel that way?
Here’s the thing. Now that you aren’t in school anymore, you might not get a worksheet with the problem written out, but the truth is life itself is a series of word problems. Situations we have to navigate and figure out. One of the main goals of learning math is to have a framework for solving problems in everyday life. This logical thinking…what needs to happen first, next, last…and the trial and error process that often comes with, is a form of mathematical thinking. It’s the practical application of solving problems outside of math class. Do those problems sometimes include the need for mathematical calculations? Yes. Do they always? No.
Let’s go back to the situation I mentioned earlier of getting a flat on your road trip. Is there math involved in changing a flat tire? Yes. From the placement of the jack to the force required to loosen and then tighten the lugnuts, there’s math throughout the process. Do you need to make calculations to successfully change your tire? Probably not. What’s important is the process itself. There is an orderly sequence in which everything should be done to minimize damage to the car and to ensure your safety. Taking this larger problem of having a flat tire and breaking it down into the smaller pieces or steps that need to happen is a form of mathematical thinking.
So when you asked your math teacher, “when will I ever use this?” and they didn’t have a real answer for you, maybe you won’t necessarily need that specific skill in your job or in your daily life, but you will need the perseverance and the ability to try different approaches and the framework so you can find a solution to whatever problem comes your way.
What kinds of problems were you faced with today? Was your normal route to work blocked? Did you forget to set something out to thaw for tonight’s dinner? Did the toilet overflow?
We often course correct throughout the day without even thinking about it.
If you are solving problems that arise, no matter how big or small, you are a math person.
I hope this post has you thinking about the problems you face each day in a new way. I’m challenging you to notice when you are solving problems today. How are you navigating these situations? Are you breaking the problem into an ordered sequence of actions? When you find yourself in the middle of figuring something out, pause for a minute and give yourself a pat on the back for thinking mathematically and recognize yourself for the math person you are. The only way you are going to shift that belief you have going on in your head…you know the one; the one that tells you you aren’t a math person…is to provide yourself with lots of evidence that you are.
Let’s continue the conversation! Get on over to Instagram and follow me. Comment on a post or send me a message with your thoughts and questions. You can even email me if you prefer at Je******@************pi.com.
The fact you are here reading is a testament to the work you are doing. Overcoming your belief that math is not for you…a belief that limits you in ways you probably aren’t even aware…is no easy feat. I’m here to encourage you to keep going and to cheer you on along the way.
Want to listen to this post instead? Check out my podcast, I See Math People, on Spotify and Apple.
