Exploring the Mind | Why Math is Hard for So Many Americans, and What Parents Can Do About It

When

Monday March 11, 2024: 6:00pm to 7:30pm  Add to Calendar /   Add to Google Calendar

Where

Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room

Description

Mathematics is a daunting subject for many Americans. This talk attempts to bring together evidence from several fields to explain the source of this problem and what can be done about it. Professor Kevin Miller argues that there is some indication that this is a relatively recent phenomena. Poor understanding of mathematics reflects features of the English language, beliefs about learning, changing educational practices, and the place of mathematics in the overall ecology of ways that children might spend their time.

Mathematical development is the product of children’s own activity as well as the interventions that parents and schools provide. Therefore parents, teachers, media, and policy makers, as well as children have a role to play in improving mathematical competence. This talk will include some of the things parents can do to make mathematics more meaningful and engaging for their children (and perhaps for themselves, as well).

Kevin Miller trained as a developmental and school psychologist and is a Professor in the Combined Program in Education and Psychology at the University of Michigan, as well as the Psychology Department, School of Education, and the Center for Chinese Studies. His current research focuses on studying the processes of thinking that go on as we try to learn new things. That involves the thinking of children as they try to learn, the actions and ideas of teachers and parents, and the “frozen cognition” represented by symbol systems such as numbers and writing system. He has conducted extensive cross-cultural research between China and the United States in the areas of cognitive, mathematical, and literacy development, specifically examining the role of culture, linguistics, and classroom practices in contributing to children’s learning. At Michigan, his teaching spans the Psychology Department and School of Education, and he teaches courses in cognition, development, and research methods to both graduate and undergraduate students.

This program is in partnership with The University of Michigan Department of Psychology.