Number Sense and Nonsense

August 1, 2025 Number Sense and Nonsense A Conversation with Jo Boaler About Learning Math(s)   Question: Why do so many people write off math as uninteresting if not downright unpleasant, and as something they just don’t have a knack for? Answer: Years of traditional instruction with textbooks and worksheets and quizzes, memorization of math facts and algorithms, direct instruction of the approved technique for arriving at the right answer (followed by endless practice problems) that leaves you with no understanding of what you’re doing, let alone why. This extended episode of Kohn’s Zone features a spirited conversation with math educator Jo Boaler of Stanford University, who explains how we’re trapped by mistaken beliefs about how math should be taught – and what math is. RESOURCES: YouCubed.org — Boaler’s center for innovative math teaching Books by Boaler: Math-ish, Mathematical Mindsets, What’s Math Got to Do With It? A chapter by Kohn (from The Schools Our Children Deserve): “What Works Better than Traditional Math Instruction” (https://tinyurl.com/54mzvu69)   A note from Alfie Kohn: I made two decisions when I decided to start this podcast. The first was not to accept ads. The second was to avoid putting certain episodes behind a paywall (or offering special content only to those who pay). But this means that I depend on the generosity of everyone who listens to help cover the production costs. So: Can you afford a modest contribution — ideally on a regular basis, since a podcast, after all, is not a one-shot event? If so, I’d be grateful if you’d support the project with whatever amount seems fair to you. (Your generosity will also confirm the thesis of my book The Brighter Side of Human Nature.) Oh, and if you enjoy the podcast, please tell other people about it. Thanks!   Please click the button below to donate. If you don’t see a button, please go to this page (https://coff.ee/kohnszone). Donate PRODUCTION SUPPORT: Ultraviolet Audio ART: Abi Kohn