Five Principles of Extraordinary Math Teaching | Dan Finkel | TEDxRainier

In this perspective-expanding and enjoyable talk, Dan Finkel invites us to approach learning and teaching math with courage, curiosity, and a sense of play.
Dan Finkel wants everyone to have fun with math. After completing his Ph.D. in algebraic geometry at the University of Washington, he decided that teaching math was the most important contribution he could make to the world. He has devoted much of his life to understanding and teaching the motivation, history, aesthetics, and deep structure of mathematics.
Dan is the Founder and Director of Operations of Math for Love, a Seattle-based organization devoted to transforming how math is taught and learned. A teacher of teachers and students, Dan works with schools, develops curriculum, leads teacher workshops, and gives talks on mathematics and education throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
Dan is one of the creators of Prime Climb, the beautiful, colorful, mathematical board game. He contributes regularly to the New York Times Numberplay blog and hosts Seattle’s Julia Robinson Math Festival annually. In his spare time he performs improv comedy in Seattle.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx

[@VicoTstr]

"Not knowing is not failure, it's the first step to understanding" BEST QUOTE EVER

[@euminkong]

Vic7or you cannot fill a cup that is already filled

[@ArtSio443]

Socrates taught that well over 2k years ago, but alright

[@nelizasevilla4794]

Vic7or I agree

[@joequinn3586]

I actually stopped the video and wrote it down, and I'm going to make it a poster for my classroom!

[@lowprofbeats5280]

Vic7or no its not- Einstein lol jk but lol

[@pepperdoc4085]

I had a math teacher last year who was not just teaching lessons on the board, but bringing them to life. And despite the fact that I had a lot of trouble understanding math at first, I started to have real fun going to Math class. A pleasure that I had never experienced before since I sincerely began to like a subject in high school. This teacher, by bringing his lessons to life with a pedagogy that I have not encountered to date, opened my eyes to mathematics. I no longer considered this as a simple matter, but as a world apart, I realized the magic that stood behind mathematics, all the paths that could be walked in this area and all the geniuses that made it possible to advance our vision of the world thanks to mathematics. I also realized, thanks to this teacher that everything is mathematical, and that even in everyday objects to which we do not take any consideration, there are incredible mathematical principles hiding. So today, I'm still "in love" with this subject thanks to my teacher. So if I were to conclude this insignificant comment on the assumption that I address myself to people who do not like mathematics, I would advise them to try to be interested in this subject, and to read stories on mathematics or on mathematicians. One film that I highly recommend is "The Man who Knew Infinity". Thank you very much for reading me and good day to you!

[@conamore7887]

Incredible story mate

[@colleenelainemoodley7380]

Thank you for sharing this encouraging experience. Your teacher was amazing, no doubt, but well done for having an open mind to what he/she presented. When that partnership is in play in a Math classroom... The possibilities are endless. Thank you for sharing your story. 👍

[@amaansahab7461]

Can u plz xplain,what magic he used to do in his class??

[@elonakotarja7340]

👏👏 Respect for math teachers!

[@itssunflower3522]

Hey there! I want am actually a teacher trainee and want to become a maths teacher, could you give me an example of what your teacher did? I really want to make maths fun and interesting for my students

[@MoosaIslamic]

Summary: 1. Start with a question 2. Give students time to struggle 3. You are not the answer key.. try to figure stuff out WITH them. 4. Say yes to students' ideas and questions: take their ideas and go to conclusions. 5. Have a play mindset

[@eseheitor2035]

The real MVP

[@blerinapsota2447]

Thank you!

[@johngonzalez3634]

Thanks man!

[@bigbluebuttonman1137]

5 simple steps. I'm not sure if I want to be a teacher or not as a career, but I do want to be able to give genuine lectures at some point. And I believe this is the five fundamental steps that my best teachers used in the math classes that I enjoyed the most.

[@reksmeyok1957]

Great tip for teaching Math.❤

[@sabrinarose6348]

"When we're not comfortable with math, we don't question the authority of numbers."

[@mikefat6189]

Math has no authority, nor do numbers only magic does and that there are no rules. You create the rules you are the only authority.

[@candoteach5629]

As a math teacher myself, this is the kind of thing they should be showing us in our Teaching degrees. Phenomenal. Dan - if you ever read this - please know that I'm trying my darnedest to work your philosophies into my teaching (and KZbin videos!). I hope all math teachers can live up to your approach.

[@joequinn3586]

I am not sure what grade level you teach, but Illustrative Mathematics lends itself very well to this type of philosophy.

[@waseelmusic]

But to what end can you play? After all they are going to have exams. What if you are welcoming their ideas but will it not take all the time you have to drive them to the answer? After all they have to pass. They must know the rigjt solution to put it on the paper. I am helplessly writing this because of all the system we are bound to.

[@DougBartonLHS]

@@waseelmusic I believe the thought is that from the learning that happens through exploration and play, the teacher can help students express their understanding in a number of traditional ways. This is an idea impressed on me by Jo Boaler.

[@shwetaprabha9604]

@@waseelmusic it's just the initial struggle most of my students start performing within a month or even week of starting a new concept...give the Cues...help them arrive at their own conclusions...they won't forget it or ever get confused.

[@JobBouwman]

So how are you doing today with your intentions?

[@vsonlinemathtutoring7511]

"I know if I rush to an answer, I would have robbed you of the opportunity to learn" what a beautiful quote. This is exactly what I tell my students. "Figure it out. You can do it." Always give the question, you'll be really surprised with the answers the kids come up with :) Learned a lot of new techniques this way - even from 4th graders. Wonderful wonderful presentation. It’s like you took all the words from my mouth and put it in the most beautiful way - something that I would never have been able to do! Like someone here said - this is the "I have a dream" speech of mathematics

[@actsrv9]

This is the "I have a dream" speech of mathematicians. You read it here first :)

[@infinitesimotel]

And hopefully I won't read it again.

[@jessicalynn4415]

lmao so accurate

[@dannydazzler1549]

If you don't have anything clever to comment, don't comment at all.

[@rewrose2838]

@You Tube it's been 2 years, did anything change?

[@mentor6059]

I am a math teacher. I do exactly what he said. I never give my students an answer when they ask me a question. Discuss about it and find out how much they understood so I can suggest what could happen next. But most parents are not happy about it. They want their kids get answers immediately. A few parents are very happy because their kids develop how to study by themselves.

[@snowpunk116]

Principles: 1. Start with a question. 2. Thinking happens only when we have time to struggle. 3. You are not the answer key. 4. Say yes to your students ideas. 5. Play!

[@delaFuenteization]

One word can change the tone of everything. Posing questions is a less threatening beginning to lessons. And tellikng them I don't know. You tell me. Creates laughter giggles and "noise". Absolutely agree.

[@christianharris8509]

I paused the screen when the circles with the colors were showing and I asked my little brother (who is in 4th grade) if he could figure out what any of it meant. At first, he just said, " I don't know," and he didn't want to make an effort to try. However, after reassuring him to try, he was able to figure out what all of the colors and patterns meant within ten minutes . All I did was sat there and watched, and when he asked me if he was right on a part of its meaning, I would just ask him to explain why he came to that conclusion. In doing so, he would reassure himself of his own findings, and accomplished understanding the tasks all by himself. It was very accomplishing to watch him struggle and then figure it out through his own means. Thank you!

[@amolvson]

As a Mathematics teacher, I am 100% agree with your thoughts. You have explained five principles very well and every Mathematics teacher must have to follow them. Thanks, Dan for the video.

[@Kekoa552]

Hello I’m going to become a math teacher In bad at math But I want to be a math teacher I don’t know how to teach math only how to do the problems could you give me some advice

[@InspiredJeevanshorts]

I am a teacher and I was jumping around when I found the answer of the connection in those colors. I am just visualising how students will behave when I show them in the class and most important when they get the answer 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍 😱 Mind Boggling session 🤩🤩

[@theflaggeddragon9472]

This video is so important. I'm really disappointed with the state of math education right now when it's so easy to show how amazing it is!

[@tpstrat14]

It’s not easy at all to show that. It depends on the moment to moment patience of each teacher

[@mathsismylife6192]

@@tpstrat14 If you are interested in maths videos try my ICT enabled one I am sure that you will ask me about the software used construct figures like this this is geogebra a magical software to teach maths so students will easily understand call me if you have any doubt in its construction

[@tomgahan1407]

This teaching method applies to any subject by dealing with your students with respect. Great to see there are truly inspiring teachers out there. Loved it!

[@frankqr]

Rule number 6 -Be careful not to confuse. Be sure to summarize at the end what was correct and what wasn't and more important why.

[@46prakashs22]

4:00 Those colours indicates the factors of the number, most of the prime number has same colour some 2,3,5,7 has different colours and non prime numbers has colour of it's factor, for example, 4 is 2×2 which is indicated by using 2's colour two times and 20 is 2×2×5 which is indicated by three segments of colours two 2's colour and one 5's colour, 49 is 7×7 so two 7's colour, 44 is 2×2×11 two 2's colour segment and one 11's colour segment, 60 is 2×2×3×5 thus two 2's colour segment one 3's colour segment one 5's colour segment.

[@owenprince4823]

This does not help people who are color blind but may help find out the students who are color blind.

[@46prakashs22]

@@owenprince4823 😂

[@owenprince4823]

@@46prakashs22 I attempted to take a class in electronics. They gave me a test first to see if I could see the different color of the wires and I failed the test. They would not let me take the class. I told them it was not a fair test as they did not let me study for it (LOL)

[@mathsismylife6192]

If you are interested in maths videos try my ICT enabled one I am sure that you will ask me about the software used construct figures like this this is geogebra a magical software to teach maths so students will easily understand call me if you have any doubt in its construction

[@mathsismylife6192]

@@owenprince4823 If you are interested in maths videos try my ICT enabled one I am sure that you will ask me about the software used construct figures like this this is geogebra a magical software to teach maths so students will easily understand call me if you have any doubt in its construction

[@rahulkulkarni529]

Brilliant! Einstein once said, "If you cannot explain it simply you don't understand it well enough". Dan certainly doesn't fall in this category. I have recently started teaching Mathematics to my 12-year old daughter and her friends on weekends. And I am doing quite what he is doing. I am doing something similar and the kids are now discovering (not learning) that fractions, decimals, ratios, proportions, percentages and probability are just different dishes with the same main ingredient.

[@user-oy4vu3ck3u]

Thank you so much. Tomorrow my kids are going to spend a whole lesson with one fraction each and they are going to have to draw it and then place themselves on a number line. They are going to have to reason as to why they are in that place on the number line. We have spent 2 weeks struggling with fractions and I think playing like this, they might finally get it! I'm really excited to teach :D

[@lisablank9905]

Outstanding presentation! It has frustrated me so to have experienced math education reduced to a set of rules. Many textbooks have been fillled with formulaic, "cookbook" type content. Math should be challenging, but fun and playful at the same time. We need to empower students with the power of mathematical thinking and reasoning, not beat them down with rules and procedures. Thank you!

[@arjundevjoshi512]

exactly

[@mathsismylife6192]

If you are interested in maths videos try my ICT enabled one I am sure that you will ask me about the software used construct figures like this this is geogebra a magical software to teach maths so students will easily understand call me if you have any doubt in its construction

[@mathsismylife6192]

If you are interested in maths videos try my ICT enabled one I am sure that you will ask me about the software used construct figures like this this is geogebra a magical software to teach maths so students will easily understand call me if you have any doubt in its construction

[@qazwsxqaz3163]

Надо научить детей: 1) ставить цель жизни; 2) планировать свое развитие и жизнь: А) на короткие периоды; В) на длительные периоды.

[@JohnGolden]

Love the following the what if and ending up modular!

[@SimonGregg]

+John Golden Yes, that was a great twist, and made the point about saying yes so well!

[@SauravKumar-xg4zr]

I am a average math student, but I love love the power of math to discover new things like Q-R code using probability, finding patterns. And I knew one day I would become a great mathematician. ..........................

[@Kpelz]

I believe you will be a great mathematician

[@Jameshasblueprint]

Yes you will

[@engmohamedoman]

Excellent don't turn back. Just go forward

[@hooliganbubsy7298]

I'm currently doing my masters of teaching and I've always thought that there were several important things to be being a good teacher, 1. Life experience. I never liked those who immediately went into teaching after high school because you have nothing but high school to give back to your students. 2. Passion. If you are not passionate about the topic, why would you expect your students to be? 3. Strategy. Students all learn differently. Students all react differently to teaching styles. For maths specifically, I've always seen it as the true and unbiased representation of the natural world. In a religious school you could describe this as the true language of God. Otherwise it would be akin to a magical language that holds all the secrets of the universe. Math is no less magical than I have described yet it is rarely seen as such. Many things in science struggle to be expressed purely mathematically but it is still essential. As a new microbiologist, I was consulted by my manager who had a masters in accounting about mathematical principles relating to micriobiology because she simply didn't understand it as well. Biology is the least mathematical of the main highschool sciences and yet it's still relevant. If you go to university for science, you'll no doubt see a lot of scientific studies. What you may or may not see is that much of that statistical analysis is done by a statistician because the scientists themselves do not understand it. But that in itself presents a flaw in the process. Statistical analysis is open to interpretation and if the statistician doesn't understand the subject he won't understand how to properly represent the data.

[@aaaryaaa1]

At 4:03 this is prime factorisation of a number...... That's why prime numbers are in single colour.. 6=2x3 that's why 6 is coloured with half of colour 2 and half of colour 3..... That's a great creative play

[@nicoledeprada]

I found it satisfying to be able to memorize facts and steps as a little kid, that was how I figured out patterns all by myself. I remember realizing how it all made sense *after* I had *already* mastered basic facts.

[@donnaperry7984]

Learning math is truly not about memorizing facts. It is impossible to take things to the next step if you only memorize. The old ways brought us to being forced to get qualified people out of the USA to work in STEM jobs.

[@ashamathur8077]

Memorizing may be necessary but not sufficient for understanding and appreciating mathematics

[@shikamarunara8920]

when ever i feel like math is not for me i watch beautiful mind and then i feel like it is the coolest thing ever.

[@chellegerritsen]

I agree, respect and have a passion for what you have expressed. Now, if we can all work together to allow this to happen in a classroom, it would be beautiful. People not directly involved in education and seeing what is happening are shoveling more onto our already overfilling plates. Sadly, many teachers are spoon feeding students in order to meet the requirements. Breaks my heart. Everyone deserves to find a love for learning through struggles and successes.

[@yuliusdarmawan8962]

I just realized that what he said, is unconsciously were my POV in Math, without my teachers ever taught me. In my sight, since I like to play, Math is like a mystery game that is not to solve. Thank you for the insight

[@RobMcCreery]

Tremendously inspiring, enjoyable, and easy to understand. As a future teacher, I'm delighted to have found this video. Thank you, Dan Finkel!

[@jeffkillion3383]

I think we all would agree that Dan's philosophies are where we should all aspire. It is difficult, however, because we're all caught in this bind of trying to both do problems like this to stoke students' interest while finding enough time to give students exposure and practice for all of the "required topics". Even after 27 years teaching high school math, I'm still trying to find the right balance. But watching these inspirational videos remind me what the goal should be - to first and foremost get students to buy in...

[@stephenaryan1767]

this was my first time watching anything like this. I've struggled with certain areas in maths, I can relate to what you have said. I enjoyed this and will defiantly watch again. thank you, keep inspiring

[@alexanderkaufman3575]

This was actually AMAZING! I am studying mathematics for secondary education and I think this is a really neat approach to math.

[@sammynayagar2528]

Great ! What is more impressive is the authors' own conviction in giving space, time and scaffolding questions that cultiates mathematicians. Thank YOU Dan for your enlightenment.

[@lisanikolai3902]

I love the idea of starting a math class with a question. Allowing students to think creatively in an open ended math problem, gives them independence and confidence in their learning. I love the steps, they make a lot of sense!

[@aditimandekar8603]

This is the most interesting speech I ever heard on Math Teaching. Really very useful for aspirant math teachers. You have explained five principles very well and every Mathematics teacher must have to follow them.

[@MagicalMusic34]

Oh, wow. This is an educational gold mine. I’m starting uni next year doing a bachelor en route to a primary teaching degree and EVERYTHING said in here is going to be amazing for my assignments. It doesn’t just apply to maths, either. All of the information could apply to all aspects of learning and teaching particularly for children, as they learn predominantly through play.

[@cardenasce75]

"When we're not comfortable with math we don't question the authority of numbers", According to Decartes "what is a thinking thing: it is a thing that doubts, understands, conceives, that affirms and denies, wills and refuses, that imagines also and perceives" THIS IS THE TYPE OF THINKING WE NEED IN EVERY MATH CLASS EVERY DAY.

[@ajitanayar7393]

Great presentation! As a math teacher, couldn't agree more. I have a student returning to education after nearly a decade and half. With barely any memory of math, she came in with a lot of apprehension about learning and doing math. Today she looks forward to our math classes! Nothing can be more satisfying than that!!

[@aishamohammed3416]

This brought tears to my eyes. My 9yr old came home from school and said I'm sad I am asked him why and he said I have math homework and I can't do it. I sat him down and said son you can do it. If some kids in your class can do it. So can you. I taught him and taught him. Since that day wev'e been working math together everyday. Last week he came home with a test sheet and he scored 100%. I was like I know you can do it. I could not be more happier and him too. He is always happy when he gets a question right.

[@aishamohammed3416]

It is the mind set believe in your, work hard and you will make it

[@georgechavez2174]

"I learn to understand, not to remember." - George Chavez(a.k.a Me)

[@asadsodhar7997]

learn to understand and then memorize. as memory is also a part of intelligence

[@dansman1729]

OP's comment reminds me of a.a Lewis, the euphoric atheist "quote-maker"

[@taylorallen8933]

Read. Understand. Remember. Apply.

[@SarahAmjedA]

well i forget my own understanding sometimes so memorizing is helpful

[@Andrea-sg1ri]

Incredible presentation! If only Dan could be cloned and placed in every learning institution all over the world!!

[@fuzzyshark7513]

This opened my eyes- I'm about to tutor some kids struggling in mathematics, this will help us both!

[@kabosekoele-onlinemathtuto277]

Beautiful advice. I think the key is having the right mindset about learning. Its bigger than just attaining knowledge

[@chinleepek]

This is the most interesting speech I heard on Math Teaching. It is only if we enjoy "playing" with math than we become really good at it. Love it! Thanks for sharing!

[@mubashirsoomro6]

such a simple, easy , beautiful and elegant question. Although easy to solve it was very satisfying.

[@chichungchan6766]

I am so amazed by the moment he brought modular from the riduculous equation, full of joy and intellectual

[@matthewleitch1]

I was, and still am, quite happy to absorb the techniques devised by very smart people over the centuries without having to rediscover them, even in a small way. What I really like is being able to do useful stuff with mathematics - and I can. That started with applied maths problems at school but the rest I've had to learn for myself from real problems in life. I wish that, at school, the skills for developing notation and developing models in new areas had been taught systematically, with guidelines and techniques. That would have made it easier for me to do what I have now done.

[@BehnamEsmayli]

I had watched this once and remembered all but still couldn't help watching the whole thing again! As someone teaching math at university level I feel so bad that there is just not much room (space, time, money, etc.) to PLAY in a math class. Syllabus must be covered, exams given, and grades assigned -- all by deadlines. Despite this I have indeed taken the adventure and I have witnessed firsthand the magic that happens when you as a math teacher keep your mouth shut and become invisible for 20 minutes. The ice is broken and dialogue begins!

[@azlizzie]

As a math teacher who tries desperately to get her students to think about bigger questions and more beautiful connections I fully relate to the, "I don't consider myself a mean person but I have no problem denying you what you want," comment. Love it.

[@garethluke3850]

Watched this again, while in search of a motivating send- off for a professional development period....perfect! Thank you.

[@larrymintz5259]

Not knowing-not failure love it. I wish I knew this 20 years ago when studying certain topics in real analysis

[@sspsuman]

After watching till 8:52 I found the logic.. it shows the prime factorisation. Like 1 = white 2 = orange 3 = green 5 = blue 7 = violet Number of times the colour appear is the power of corresponding prime factor.

[@myonlychannel737]

Sir.. can I ask questions..

[@scottekim]

Beautifully crafted talk that says so succinctly what matters in math education. The key is the last point: experience math as play. That's exactly why I love math. And when I get together with other mathematicians, that's what we do: play.

[@glenbartholomew1058]

Indeed, it is time to love the beauty in math.

[@aliceliza77]

What a great talk! Thank you!

[@AndyTheESLGuy]

I'm an English teacher in China but I found this very helpful for what I do, thanks for uploading!

[@learningisecstatic9348]

Why did you stop!!!! Come back and keep enriching us. The best ever i have heard.

[@noditschi]

As a preschooler it was my greatest hobby to play with maths... until elementary school killed it. I was fortunate enough to find my way back to it later on, though.

[@vivianhobbs9474]

How refreshing -- and inspiring! I have a learning center and am going to offer $1 to each of my students (they are still young enough to appreciate $1) who watches this and brings me a list of these five principals. Then, I'll ask them how we should try to incorporate them into our program. Thanks Dan.

[@DavidAndrewsPEC]

Try mixing that with the Erdős approach: he offered sums of money for the solutions to various maths problems. Ask them stuff like: In what sort of arithmetic can 3 + 5 = 0? What kind of surface have we drawn it on if we have drawn a triangle whose internal angles (inside corners, if they're a bit young?) add up to less than you'd get in a straight line? Will they add up to the same total angle if we trace the same triangle on the other side of the surface? Can you imagine kids getting high on Riemann geometries?!

[@kaderxyz7160]

@@DavidAndrewsPEC I cant imagine kids getting high on Riemann geometrics, but I can imagine kids getting high on potenuse XD. P.S. This reply is 3 years late but I hade to make it

[@DavidAndrewsPEC]

@@kaderxyz7160 Glad you did - I got a nice chuckle out of it! :D

[@DylanMcNamee]

This is a great approach, well-described. It takes a lot of self-confidence and trust to say "I don't know" or "let's see where that leads". I like it!

[@arlinegeorge6967]

Indeed extraordinary ! Great talk . Thank you, bless you. All your dreams come true.

[@neesawharton6717]

Every parent involved in Classical Conversations should watch this video!

[@alexandrugheorghe5610]

it's sad that we live in a society where there is the need for extra, or, out of the, ordinary teaching when it should be the ordinary to have good teaching in math

[@asadsodhar7997]

yea and how that is gonna happen with low salary and less to no privileges ?

[@woodworkingaspirations1720]

Most of the time there is undue pressure, time constraints and irrelevant administrative procedures for teachers that are given more weight than teaching. Teachers also deal with large classes with a wide spectrum of student abilities. This makes it very hard to generalise teaching techniques. This is a great video, but must also be questioned, depending on context.

[@ksmyth999]

This is some of the best advice I have ever seen on how to teach maths at school. I would also add that all multiple choice answer math exams should be banned. Solving a maths problem is a journey and students should have the chance of showing what paths they took on their journey. As Dan Finkel points out major progress in maths entails taking new and unusual paths. Very little of real maths is about doing calculations or repeating rote memorized formulars.

[@ColeMathisCofc]

I like this point "The teacher is not the answer key." Growing up, I always thought the teacher knew everything, so they must know the answer to my question. This makes sense to let the student prove his point to see if they can back up their answer.

[@LaTostis]

I am in love! Thank you!

[@xavierkreiss8394]

This is addressed to people who understand maths, not to those, like me,who don't, and who feel a physical sense of horror at the very thought of maths.

[@Jake-Thunder]

You're right, it says so right in the title. It's about teaching math. Teaching it in a way that allows the next generation to love math, instead of experiencing a physical sense of horror at the very thought of math. I encourage you to not give up, you can improve, and build tenacity at the same time, one place to start is Khan academy, work a little every day and soon you could be less horrified by the thought of math.

[@daviddemar8749]

common multiples I saw it instantly and had a mathgasm-one poisonous high school math teacher robbed me of something I loved and I left my my love for decades. I rediscovered it as a middle-aged adult and have risen higher and explored deeper than I ever thought possible for myself. Salman Khan believes anyone can learn anything and based on my own Calculus journey I believe it too be true. If I can do it yourself can too!!

[@katiekat4457]

David DeMar it was easy to see the pattern. All that stuff you're saying makes you sound like some kind of flakey nut.

[@sampaththasampalayam358]

Hi David...I am in the same boat as you..loved math when i was young, but the teachers made me memorize things and use it instead of teaching how to apply them in real world..i am reading mathematics on my own now...how did you progress in your calculus journey? Which books or materials did you use to learn Algebra, Trigonometry and Calculus? Thank you for your help

[@user-iy4vf2ul5f]

David DeMar - Knew my 24x24 tables in 2nd grade with ease. Lost interest in middle school. Came back curious before my 30s ;)

[@m.t.carson1292]

no it's breaking the numbers down to the prime number multiples

[@koenth2359]

Max Carson actually it's more than just multiples, it's reflecting the fundamental theorem of arithmetic, that is writing the numbers as products of prime powers. The number of equally colored segments reflects the power. Primes bases up to 7 have their own color, higher prime factors are red.

[@sarveshkanaujia4379]

Simply amazing !!!

[@paulvoas3328]

As a teacher of 4th grade I love this. However, I wonder what the thought is about, and I believe he mentioned it, learning basic facts before 6th grade. I see the biggest struggle with students being able to play and have fun with math is that they can not easily manipulate numbers and patterns on paper or mentally with ease. We have been told by our district many times that learning basic facts is not necessary and timed tests are bad. Not I am as playful with math facts as possible and am fairly flexible with the time but I find again that students flounder when they can't manipulate numbers so they can feel comfortable taking risks and playing. Thoughts?

[@WedlerFineArt]

Dan Finkel both inspired and enlightened me. He speaks clearly and presents ideas logically. Is his penchant for math exploration the source of his creativity in improv comedy?

[@snowfolk]

The circular representation is a type of graph which can be used to depict octal bases and, as such, there is an error: have a look at the second ring where 14 is listed twice. [14 base 10 is 16 base 8]

[@spacetimemalleable7718]

I would give this talk at least a 1000 Thumbs Up. One of the best talks on mathematical education!

[@annawilliams7568]

These talks are changing my life and keen my brain challenged and growing

[@larisapolinsky8243]

What a beautiful way to discuss the prime factorization!

[@fraupunktum5988]

omg. thank u so much for this absolutely inspiring presentation. I think I have the right arguments now to convince my colleagues that this is the kind of math we should be teaching

[@koralite3953]

AMAZING!! love the video!

[@carloscolon9968]

Very good talk on the subject; it's wonderful he remembers Descartes and his discovery of the thinking subject, to see math as a thinking activity rather than a calculating task; the principles can vary: NCTM in 1980 gave a valuable document title An agenda for action that pretty much have been ignore by math teachers.

[@mdmuktadiralam8940]

I agree with you sir being a teacher we have syllabus completion responsibility and we just end up messing up with the whole idea of participative learning....

[@crazy_blessed78]

love this. students need more time to explore and play.

[@AFGautonompunk]

wow, i'm quite impressed. thanks for sharing this!

[@Bayonet300]

As an aspiring middle school math teacher, I found this very empowering.

[@Hivlik]

"Five principles.." Clever

[@mJlovato]

My number 1 issue with this IS time. The school year is too short and so are my classes. By the time students really get thinking the bell rings. Doesn't mean we can't do this stuff but the journey needs to happen on a treadmill to keep the pace.

[@elidel3299]

"What books are to reading play is to mathematics" wow

[@phoenixbird6016]

I am so grateful for you kind sir. There's hope.

[@fernandobricenopuentes4108]

What a great speech. Thank you

[@BehnamEsmayli]

The joke involving 92% was incredible!

[@playhard719]

Its literally mathematical Irony.

[@sanjayrshinde]

Excellent. It changed my perspective ! Sincere thanks.

[@mathsd1d2scientificacademy]

AS a math teacher I try to develop interest in students towards mathematics.

[@namdang540]

Most underrated Ted Talk

[@slave2truth4freedom]

Absolutely brilliant!

[@Indescribable4you]

You made my day, i really love math. I dont know it but i love studying it. I love the ‘why’ of things, it is the ‘why’ that stars it all, the thinking the ideas, the struggling…im just a nobody but i think that everything is physics and that you can never understand or conclude something without mathematics. To all the science lovers (especially math and physics lovers) i recommend you to listen to Richard Feynmans way of thinking and Walter Lewins way of proving things.

[@conceptcrystals487]

How love for math (or comfort with it) gets developed is a very mysterious thing. There is no fixed rule. What works for one kid may not work for other kids. In fact, it can potentially be counter productive. I think it is because math is connected so deeply with us that different people perceive its manifestations at different level in different forms. It doesn't click it when it is presented at some other level or form. Real love/fun starts once it 'clicks' that difference is only in the level/form but not in the core concept. Until then it is a tough road for everyone.

[@shammasmuhammed3215]

The every word came out from his mouth is to be quoted 👏

[@picklepirate]

Somehow this video helped me finally figure out the math problem I’ve been fighting with lol I always get my friend’s help and realized I can do this all on my own with some reverse thinking with my equations

[@stewd.o.5621]

This is probably the best Ted Talk I’ve ever watched!

[@wickedfaery4204]

5:21!! Yes!!