Re: Math Anxiety--is recovery possible?
Joan
I wrote
didn't "realize" that, I knew it all along). I was listing the ways I've heard math described
rather than saying that "music is a tool".
However, this has brought me a little closer to what I'm wondering. Come to think of it, I DO
believe that music is a "tool" for some people; that it helps them to unlock some mysteries of
the universe and understand it a bit better. And this leads me to the next part of what I'm
wondering
Betsy wrote
the Connections line, have another book called The Pinball Effect, shelved with history). I'm
aware, as is my math squirrel, of the dangers lurking in frightening math books, but I'm willing
to take a chance. Our library has wild and broadly overlapping sections on history, geography,
religion, education, science, cooking, philosophy, literature, biography, and a bunch of other
"topics". In spite of the overlaps, it helps us to locate things.In the section we could call
math are only a couple of "fun with math" type things that I bought when I was supply teaching,
and a textbook or two.
I can see the math in this and that; I even see that it IS a full infusion of the whole
universe, but are there any writers who are able to let me in on their sense of wonder, on their
AHA's and on what grips them in mathematics?
Let me try it this way,--I am touched emotionally, sometimes moved to tears by music, poetry,
prose, paintings, photographs, films, dance, plays and people's actions. I've not yet been
touched by anything that I recognize as mathematical, but I believe it to be possible. Are
there people who experience the world through mathematics and can communicate the passionate,
the beautiful or the emotional part of it? My husband suggests that math doesn't work this way,
precisely. He suggests that music and architecture ARE mathematical expressions of the beauty
and wonder of the universe, that it is, in itself, divorced from emotion and all that (I may not
have that last part quite right).
Cindy, you wrote
check out Marvin Gardner. Mathematical games and game theory stuff may not be a way in for me
(math squirrel is scratching away), but perhaps for the others living here. I'll try this.
is an actor, as was I before getting the papers to teach drama and English, so interpretting
written language and making it come alive are kind of an all-encompassing way of life around
here. But this is not exactly an interest, more something we try to keep under control.
For me, trying to figure out why people do what they do and trying to understand the world from
different people's perspectives (hence this current curiousity about making a little excursion
into mathematicians' minds). I do what comes along and am interested in most of it for a time.
Basic carpentry if there's something that needs to be built, or electricity if something it
needs rewiring, knitting a pair of socks, or sewing something, but these are not really
interests. When not working, Les reads mostly history, philosphy and literature (bridge and
chess books to relax when working on a show). They do airplane models together and talk about
the history of aviation, both in itself and as it relates to various wars and such. Ned is
interested in streetcars, airships, computer games, urban planning, transportation in general,
model trains, board games.
Plenty of math here, I think, but tool math, not gorgeous math or inspirational math or math as
the key to the universe.
Keith's thoughts made some connections for me, too. I'm going back to mulling this over, and
watching where this thread goes, but if anyone thinks of any books that might help me to flip
the switch, let me know. Thanks for the ideas.
Joan
> > I don't even know if I get what mathematics is, --a language, a philosphy, aand Sandra replied
> > human endeavour, just like music, a tool--???
> Music's a tool?Sandra, when I read your response, I realized that I hadn't been clear in my post (well, I
> (I know; in some ways it serves as one.)
didn't "realize" that, I knew it all along). I was listing the ways I've heard math described
rather than saying that "music is a tool".
However, this has brought me a little closer to what I'm wondering. Come to think of it, I DO
believe that music is a "tool" for some people; that it helps them to unlock some mysteries of
the universe and understand it a bit better. And this leads me to the next part of what I'm
wondering
Betsy wrote
> Can you recommend some enticing math books for an adult dabbler?and Sandra, you replied
> I think that generally buying "a math book" only reinforces the idea thatI appreciated that reply and the suggestions you made. We do have many of these things (and in
> math isn't a full infusion of the whole universe, but that it exists in
> frightening math books.
the Connections line, have another book called The Pinball Effect, shelved with history). I'm
aware, as is my math squirrel, of the dangers lurking in frightening math books, but I'm willing
to take a chance. Our library has wild and broadly overlapping sections on history, geography,
religion, education, science, cooking, philosophy, literature, biography, and a bunch of other
"topics". In spite of the overlaps, it helps us to locate things.In the section we could call
math are only a couple of "fun with math" type things that I bought when I was supply teaching,
and a textbook or two.
I can see the math in this and that; I even see that it IS a full infusion of the whole
universe, but are there any writers who are able to let me in on their sense of wonder, on their
AHA's and on what grips them in mathematics?
Let me try it this way,--I am touched emotionally, sometimes moved to tears by music, poetry,
prose, paintings, photographs, films, dance, plays and people's actions. I've not yet been
touched by anything that I recognize as mathematical, but I believe it to be possible. Are
there people who experience the world through mathematics and can communicate the passionate,
the beautiful or the emotional part of it? My husband suggests that math doesn't work this way,
precisely. He suggests that music and architecture ARE mathematical expressions of the beauty
and wonder of the universe, that it is, in itself, divorced from emotion and all that (I may not
have that last part quite right).
Cindy, you wrote
> I'm not sure what to recommend. I find a lot of it fascinating but I'mI'd love to have a window on your experience of math.
> also a mathematician! I learned early in my life that I thought differently
> about math than those around me - I liked it!!
> You could start with the history of mathematics - how it got started, howThe development from philosphy I know and have read a little about. I'll do some more and I'll
> it developed, etc. Check out Marvin Gardner's books - he writes (or wrote)
> a column in Scientific American about mathematical games. In fact any
> mathematical game book might be a good starting point.
check out Marvin Gardner. Mathematical games and game theory stuff may not be a way in for me
(math squirrel is scratching away), but perhaps for the others living here. I'll try this.
> Also what interests do you and your family have? Carpentry and quiltingInterests? We all enjoy reading and going to second hand bookstores or library book sales. Les
> both involve geometry for example!
is an actor, as was I before getting the papers to teach drama and English, so interpretting
written language and making it come alive are kind of an all-encompassing way of life around
here. But this is not exactly an interest, more something we try to keep under control.
For me, trying to figure out why people do what they do and trying to understand the world from
different people's perspectives (hence this current curiousity about making a little excursion
into mathematicians' minds). I do what comes along and am interested in most of it for a time.
Basic carpentry if there's something that needs to be built, or electricity if something it
needs rewiring, knitting a pair of socks, or sewing something, but these are not really
interests. When not working, Les reads mostly history, philosphy and literature (bridge and
chess books to relax when working on a show). They do airplane models together and talk about
the history of aviation, both in itself and as it relates to various wars and such. Ned is
interested in streetcars, airships, computer games, urban planning, transportation in general,
model trains, board games.
Plenty of math here, I think, but tool math, not gorgeous math or inspirational math or math as
the key to the universe.
Keith's thoughts made some connections for me, too. I'm going back to mulling this over, and
watching where this thread goes, but if anyone thinks of any books that might help me to flip
the switch, let me know. Thanks for the ideas.
Joan
[email protected]
In a message dated 12/1/2001 4:29:41 AM Pacific Standard Time,
les.carlson2@... writes:
it. But it is not "emotionally moving" the way I get moved by poetry or a
painting or dance or theater. It is different but no less amazingly wonderful.
It is excitement, thrill, sense of completion, sense of "rightness" or of
being "in tune" (there's that music analogy again) with the universe -- it is
the "brain" having an AHA moment, not the heart. It is a little or big burst
of understanding about how things work in our world and having either a
flashing moment or a slow dawning of understanding about how the universe
works in patterns that repeat and make sense at many many different levels.
This is the level at which it feels spiritual to me. It is that level of
"connectedness" and patterns and things working in a way that makes some kind
of ultimate sense and that it is something we can strive to understand while
knowing we can never fully understand. This is somehow related (and I'm sorry
that I can't express this more articulately) to my own belief that our
purpose in this life is to strive to know God - who is unknowable (and who is
not limited to the simple anthropomorphic concept of a deity that most
religions teach). So - striving to comprehend something that uncovers or
opens my eyes to patterns in the universe seems part of that spiritual
purpose. But - so is EVERYTHING else that involves learning; all things that
give us glimpses into human nature or into the nature of the universe. I
believe that we're hardwired with in inherent inner need to learn things to
get those peak moment flashes or slow dawnings of understanding and that is
why unschooling "works."
--pam
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
les.carlson2@... writes:
> Let me try it this way,--I am touched emotionally, sometimes moved to tearsI don't think it works that way either. I love math. I get those AHA's from
> by music, poetry,
> prose, paintings, photographs, films, dance, plays and people's actions.
> I've not yet been
> touched by anything that I recognize as mathematical, but I believe it to
> be possible. Are
> there people who experience the world through mathematics and can
> communicate the passionate,
> the beautiful or the emotional part of it? My husband suggests that math
>
it. But it is not "emotionally moving" the way I get moved by poetry or a
painting or dance or theater. It is different but no less amazingly wonderful.
It is excitement, thrill, sense of completion, sense of "rightness" or of
being "in tune" (there's that music analogy again) with the universe -- it is
the "brain" having an AHA moment, not the heart. It is a little or big burst
of understanding about how things work in our world and having either a
flashing moment or a slow dawning of understanding about how the universe
works in patterns that repeat and make sense at many many different levels.
This is the level at which it feels spiritual to me. It is that level of
"connectedness" and patterns and things working in a way that makes some kind
of ultimate sense and that it is something we can strive to understand while
knowing we can never fully understand. This is somehow related (and I'm sorry
that I can't express this more articulately) to my own belief that our
purpose in this life is to strive to know God - who is unknowable (and who is
not limited to the simple anthropomorphic concept of a deity that most
religions teach). So - striving to comprehend something that uncovers or
opens my eyes to patterns in the universe seems part of that spiritual
purpose. But - so is EVERYTHING else that involves learning; all things that
give us glimpses into human nature or into the nature of the universe. I
believe that we're hardwired with in inherent inner need to learn things to
get those peak moment flashes or slow dawnings of understanding and that is
why unschooling "works."
--pam
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
> This is somehow related (and I'm sorryPAM believes in God and is good at math.
> that I can't express this more articulately) to my own belief that our
>
I'm not good at math, and I'm an atheist.
Hmmmmm.....
(If I were a government researcher I could interview 200 people, prove a
correlation and induce schools to spend TONS of money. OR, someone would
say, if math leads to religion it violates the separation of church and state
and math would be relegated to after-school clubs. No math t-shirts allowed!
woohoo!!
I'm onto something!
(I'll get off of it now.)
Sandra
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
> I'm not good at math, and I'm an atheist.Same here. I have a friend who finally *got* math as an adult about the
>
> Hmmmmm.....
same time she found God.
Curious.
Deb L
Fetteroll
on 12/2/01 3:45 PM, SandraDodd@... at SandraDodd@... wrote:
Joyce
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> I'm not good at math, and I'm an atheist.Well, to throw a curve in your data, I'm an atheist and I'm good at math :-)
>
> Hmmmmm.....
Joyce
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
On Sun, 02 Dec 2001 19:25:51 -0500 Fetteroll <fetteroll@...>
writes:
Dar
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writes:
> Well, to throw a curve in your data, I'm an atheist and I'm good atMe, too. :-)
> math :-)
Dar
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groundhoggirl
I'm an atheist too and I've always loved math. I find it relaxing and
fun. I do a little almost every day.
Now, someone tell me: What does math have to do with religion? Who
brought that up? How could they possibly be related or connected to
eachother?
Mimi
fun. I do a little almost every day.
Now, someone tell me: What does math have to do with religion? Who
brought that up? How could they possibly be related or connected to
eachother?
Mimi
On Sunday, December 2, 2001, at 07:40 PM, freeform@... wrote:
>
>
> On Sun, 02 Dec 2001 19:25:51 -0500 Fetteroll <fetteroll@...>
> writes:
> > Well, to throw a curve in your data, I'm an atheist and I'm good at
> > math :-)
>
> Me, too. :-)
>
> Dar
> ________________________________________________________________
> GET INTERNET ACCESS FROM JUNO!
> Juno offers FREE or PREMIUM Internet access for less!
> Join Juno today! For your FREE software, visit:
> http://dl.www.juno.com/get/web/.
>
>
>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> [email protected]
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Nancy Wooton
on 12/2/01 6:01 PM, groundhoggirl at groundhoggirl@... wrote:
unconstitutional.
Nancy
> I'm an atheist too and I've always loved math. I find it relaxing andWe're trying to find a way to prove teaching math in schools is
> fun. I do a little almost every day.
>
> Now, someone tell me: What does math have to do with religion? Who
> brought that up? How could they possibly be related or connected to
> eachother?
unconstitutional.
Nancy
[email protected]
In a message dated 12/2/01 5:21:46 PM, fetteroll@... writes:
<< Well, to throw a curve in your data, I'm an atheist and I'm good at math
:-) >>
abberation
<< Well, to throw a curve in your data, I'm an atheist and I'm good at math
:-) >>
abberation
[email protected]
In a message dated 12/2/01 6:58:15 PM, groundhoggirl@... writes:
<< Now, someone tell me: What does math have to do with religion? Who
brought that up? How could they possibly be related or connected to
eachother? >>
It was in one of PSoroosh's posts Sunday morning or Saturday night.
I'm guessing, since you didn't read all the math posts, you're atheist.
(Joking--all joking.)
<< Now, someone tell me: What does math have to do with religion? Who
brought that up? How could they possibly be related or connected to
eachother? >>
It was in one of PSoroosh's posts Sunday morning or Saturday night.
I'm guessing, since you didn't read all the math posts, you're atheist.
(Joking--all joking.)
[email protected]
In a message dated 12/2/01 8:17:39 PM, Felicitas@... writes:
<< We're trying to find a way to prove teaching math in schools is
unconstitutional. >>
Amen!
<< We're trying to find a way to prove teaching math in schools is
unconstitutional. >>
Amen!
Pam Hartley
No need to stop with math, either. I am pretty sure it's unconstitutional to
force "pull ups or the hang" on girls like me with no upper body strength.
;)
Pam
----------
From: SandraDodd@...
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [AlwaysLearning] Re: Math Anxiety--is recovery possible?
Date: Sun, Dec 2, 2001, 8:45 PM
<< We're trying to find a way to prove teaching math in schools is
unconstitutional. >>
Amen!
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
force "pull ups or the hang" on girls like me with no upper body strength.
;)
Pam
----------
From: SandraDodd@...
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [AlwaysLearning] Re: Math Anxiety--is recovery possible?
Date: Sun, Dec 2, 2001, 8:45 PM
<< We're trying to find a way to prove teaching math in schools is
unconstitutional. >>
Amen!
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
groundhoggirl
OK. Thanks for the clarification. I do have a sense of humor.
Mimi
Mimi
On Sunday, December 2, 2001, at 10:44 PM, SandraDodd@... wrote:
>
> In a message dated 12/2/01 6:58:15 PM, groundhoggirl@...
> writes:
>
> << Now, someone tell me: What does math have to do with religion? Who
>
> brought that up? How could they possibly be related or connected to
>
> eachother? >>
>
> It was in one of PSoroosh's posts Sunday morning or Saturday night.
>
> I'm guessing, since you didn't read all the math posts, you're atheist.
>
> (Joking--all joking.)
>
>
>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> [email protected]
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
** I'm not good at math, and I'm an atheist.
Hmmmmm.....**
**Same here. I have a friend who finally *got* math as an adult about the
same time she found God. **
:) Let's expand the sample size some.
I'm good at math and enjoy it. Most days I'm agnostic (knowing that the
question of god is unknowable) but if you catch me on my arrogant days I'm an
athiest.
Deborah
Hmmmmm.....**
**Same here. I have a friend who finally *got* math as an adult about the
same time she found God. **
:) Let's expand the sample size some.
I'm good at math and enjoy it. Most days I'm agnostic (knowing that the
question of god is unknowable) but if you catch me on my arrogant days I'm an
athiest.
Deborah
Nancy Wooton
on 12/2/01 9:05 PM, groundhoggirl at groundhoggirl@... wrote:
::::ducking PamandPamandDebandJoyce's flying manipulatives::::
Nancy
--
If school works, we should all know enough algebra to be able to help our
children. If it doesn't--why should I send my child?
--Anonymous homeschooler <g>
> OK. Thanks for the clarification. I do have a sense of humor.There, there. It's a well-known fact mathies have no sense of humor.
::::ducking PamandPamandDebandJoyce's flying manipulatives::::
Nancy
--
If school works, we should all know enough algebra to be able to help our
children. If it doesn't--why should I send my child?
--Anonymous homeschooler <g>
Elizabeth Hill
When I was in college, someone pointed out that their friends who
started out as Math majors often switched to Philosophy. It seemed to
be a common progression of curiousity.
Betsy
ddzimlew@... wrote:
started out as Math majors often switched to Philosophy. It seemed to
be a common progression of curiousity.
Betsy
ddzimlew@... wrote:
>[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> > I'm not good at math, and I'm an atheist.
> >
> > Hmmmmm.....
>
> Same here. I have a friend who finally *got* math as an adult about
> the
> same time she found God.
>
> Curious.
> Deb L
Diane
Yup. I never started as a math major, but engineering and then switched to
philosophy (along with economics).
:-) Diane
Elizabeth Hill wrote:
philosophy (along with economics).
:-) Diane
Elizabeth Hill wrote:
> When I was in college, someone pointed out that their friends who
> started out as Math majors often switched to Philosophy. It seemed to
> be a common progression of curiousity.
>
> Betsy
>
> ddzimlew@... wrote:
>
> >
> > > I'm not good at math, and I'm an atheist.
> > >
> > > Hmmmmm.....
> >
> > Same here. I have a friend who finally *got* math as an adult about
> > the
> > same time she found God.
> >
> > Curious.
> > Deb L