Conquering Math Anxiety - The Power of Yay Math: Robert Ahdoot at TEDxAJU

[@lburget1905]

I suppose it's easier to pay attention in math class when you have a cute, agreeable, relatable math teacher like this guy. Good info.

[@urltima]

My mom homeschooled me, and especially with math she was very hard on me and had a "why can't you just understand" attitude toward me about math. She would get upset at me to the point of me crying because I directed the "why can't I understand?" Attitude at myself. Today, I have anxiety about all things and I truly firmly believe that it stemmed from those math lessons from my mother. This video makes absolute sense.

[@kenneth6731]

When I got the wrong answer, my father screamed then beat me. I think I understand.

[@alejandrojuarez-rea4899]

Yeah my dad said the same thing to me. I barely passed high school math. I was a D student. I went to Kahn academy, udemy, Coursera, books, KZbin, etc. I now have my BS in Computer Science graduated from the University of Virginia. And now work as a Software Engineer.

[@liudmilachecuh1328]

my grandma though me math and I didn't have enough of time for play so it made me hate math

[@inezitasm19]

WOW!!! Yaymath is truly amazing! I am that 42 yo mother of two that has attempted math 3 times until i found yaymath! I literally cried listening to this

[@fredschmidt4684]

Thank you for doing what you do. You make the world a better place. and the future is blessed.

[@yaymath]

Thank you for your kindness, Fred.

[@b3nisrael]

Here I am trying to face my childhood trauma, and doing some soul searching to find out what went wrong. I was so convinced I am bad at math, for a very long time now. Now I am slowly starting to realize it is not the math itself, but the people who presented it to us, and the methods followed was what realllly made it that way, made us think math is bad. Incidentally, all the math people in my life carried this arrogant attitude about them... from my father to the teachers... Robert is a gift to the Math world. We need more of him, millions of him if we are to produce great scientists and engineers again.

[@yaymath]

Your kindness is incredible, thank you for your sentiment.

[@jenniferfox8382]

Very succinctly put. You summed up my journey to this point. I had math trauma and, now at 41 and back in school I'm finally getting over the paralyzing fear of math and that deep seated belief that I just don't have a math brain. Once I recognized that it was actual trauma I was able to start healing. I still have anxiety and occasionally freeze up. It takes me 4x as long to learn a concept but, I'm actually enjoying it now. Some how along this healing journey curiosity started replacing fear. Now when its time to do math I don't start crying, I start getting a little excited. Mr. Ahdoot is one of the people that helps me get over the frustration of not understanding, which opens the door to curiosity.

[@Boywithafishtank]

Math should be treated entirely differently than it is today in our education system. Math is a skill, it requires understanding and practice. What you will see teachers do, is judge the students for doing something wrong, even though they are trying. This demotivates the students, making them have bad experiences, traumas if you will, which leads to students trying to distance themselves from those experiences and in the end the subject itself. You punish people for doing something bad in hopes of making them stop that bad thing. When you use that method against students when they are studying, you are merely contradicting the fundamental principles of teaching. Because is trying to learn math bad? No, ABSOLUTELY not. Instead, you should let them keep trying, and when they get it right, reward them by saying "good job!" and not punish them when they're doing something wrong. Punishment is effective in discipline, but its not effective in teaching. Teaching should not involve discipline as long as the students stay interested and curious. Math is beautiful in the way it can make you feel succesful when completing something difficult, and how it can solve a ton of problems. Make the students feel that! Dont let them feel stupid for trying, because that is what they actually are SUPPOSED to do. Why most teachers cannot understand this simple concept, still troubles me.

[@eoinMB3949]

Good points. What I've noticed though is that maths teachers are human beings aswell. And Im not saying that to excuse bad behavior, no way. If you are a teacher, like any other human being, you are responsible for your moods and attitudes, especially towards the students who are in your charge. I think a lot of teachers are angry and frustrated at the position they find themselves in and through a lack of self awareness they take out their frustrations on their students when really they need to stop and reflect upon their own lives and decide whether or not teaching is something that is making them happy. I would guess a lot of teachers shouldnt be teaching. They just picked that profession because it was pretty much a solid bet for a job and pension etc. They chose security over adventure and risk and when you choose security at some point a part of you that craves adventure and all those great things in life, will start to get angry and instead of recognising this a lot of teachers turn that anger outwards and create horrible environments for their students.

[@porschedixon]

Boywithafishtank you made important points. I agree with you 100%.

[@rowanbeary9771]

My anxiety developed from the teacher, I’ve never had a problem with math until this teacher

[@jasmeetkaurdhillon7955]

Boywithafishtank I agree

[@ivanbuljanvanboelken4676]

Math is mental torture.

[@phynleyjoel8163]

I literally only survive math class because of this guy. I come home almost in tears and go straight to my computer to watch his videos and get clear. He eases my stress and helps me to understand in minutes. What an incredible person! Thank God for people like Mr. Ahdoot. Honestly kids would do better watching his videos than taking a math class. I say this as a kid who just brought up her ACT math score 6 points just from watching Yaymath videos. I finish high school in two days an thank Mr. Adhoot so much for getting me through. It's almost bittersweet to be done, and I HAVEN'T EVEN MET HIM. THANK YOU. THANKKKKK YOUUUUU SOOOOO MUCHHHHH.

[@ingridzinde1909]

Thank you Mr Robert Ahdoot ...I'm taking maths I'm 58 years old teacher son I can share my skills with all my students ...thanks to you. ..I'd love this to benefit all beautiful Souls ...just like my dear Friend Mr Francis Tsuro who supports me on this journey he encourages me having both of you ! HAVING YOU YAY MATHS TEACHR IM BLESSED😊INGRID ZINDE SOUTH AFRICA PRETORIA,MAMELODI EAST. 😊

[@yaymath]

What an honor, Ingrid. Thank you.

[@tiffanyl2504]

I Love this! You are truly a Blessing. Thank you for all you do

[@robertahdoot]

You're very kind, Tiffany.

[@ricklarchmont]

Nevermind the crowd . . . Robert Ahdoot is an AWESOME teacher. Ahdoot exudes a geniune love of people.

[@bobbercat2250]

I love his charisma. Math classes need that

[@worstdreams8590]

I almost cried while watching this because of how relatable it is...Thank you for making this.

[@sabriswish]

been watching yaymath since 6th grade, hs senior now. Cant count how many times his youtube channel saved me, and even today.

[@filarchie22]

Sir Robert, you're really a great teacher. You always inspire me to learn my Geometry. Im not anymore afraid to do my assignments, seatworks, recite in class or take exams. I just say "YayMath!" before I do it . . . Thanks a lot! Maraming Salamat po, Sir!

[@joshuaimpson2553]

I am a 30-something college go-back, and I watch the yay math series quite a bit. It covers plenty of relevant material, even on the collegiate level. Ahdoot, is amazing, and his "professionalism" makes the subject much easier to follow. To the presenter: Bro! Keep up your work, you may be just a High School Math teacher (as you put it), but you've got the skills to lead a Math-e-me-nation!

[@mayrajloredo87]

I'm 29 glad to read someone else my age is back in college. I found my passion for engineering late. I hated math in high school. it was taught by other students. bad school. now I want to understand math. it is hard. this teacher videos has helped me in my precalc class.

[@Only1bellanati]

I am so thankful for Yay Math. I recently returned to college after 20 years, and have found passing my math classes difficult, yet watching these videos gave me a relaxed perspective where my mind actually has had "light bulb" moments to pass many of my exams. Yay Math!!

[@coffeepot3123]

Math is the only roadblock for me. not personal relationships or outlook on life. Just math.

[@DanWLarsen]

Robert, you sir, are a stud. Thank you for your inspired work. Your videos helped me personally and for that I am very grateful.

[@cajunaries]

I started crying a little 4 minutes in. He is describing everything I experience when I have math anxiety. I thought I was alone. 40 effin' years old and I'm just now learning that I'm capable of learning math.

[@cajunaries]

24 hours later. After watching yay math videos for over 90 minutes. The inspiration and genuine excitement to learn math is real. I cried again at this video but with feelings of hope. Thank you so much Mr. Ahdoot. You are doing angel work

[@robertahdoot]

@@cajunaries You're so kind. Welcome to the YM fam.

[@aishamohammed3416]

I hated math so badly when I was in high school in Africa. I passed d all my test with the exception of math and I could not further my education. Now I have your kids; a 10 yr old, a 5 yr old, a 4 yr old and an 18 month old. I am getting my ged and I proudly say I am in love with math. I am doing it for my kiddos. I make sure I work at less one math question before going to bed. I will be there for my kids. When I didn't get the necessary help with math when I needed it, I will reverse the operation for them. With tutors like the Khan academy organic chemistry and now Yay math we will conquer it.❤❤❤

[@royalbeebe]

I am 50 years old and I am going to college for the first time! I was passed through high school algebra without a clue as to what was going on. Most algebra taught from 6th grade through high school now was 1st and 2nd year college algebra then. So needless to say I was having trouble keeping up. I was online looking for was of learning math as a dyslexic and YAYMATH was one of the videos listed. I soon realized how much YAYMATH was helping me. I actually enjoy the spontaneous humor and energy.

[@hikingdivanerd]

thank you so much your videos are awesome. being in my thirties going back to college I had to conquer math since I didn't take math since high school and that wasn't a pleasant experience I barely passed math , just enough to graduate.now in college, your videos help me in my pre algebra , intermediate algebra and now college algebra 1. I've watched your videos the whole way along. thank you for addressing math anxiety I remember in my intermediate algebra class walking out in the middle of a test because of a panic attack thinking there was something wrong with me.

[@greyeyedone_2119]

The world of education needs more teachers like this......... He has really helped me during my college math classes... Thank you Mr Adhoot!!!!!!!!

[@Petrenko2012]

I just want to thank you for helping me and so many others who are terrified of math! You are such an inspiration and I just wish that all math teachers were as passionate, creative, and dedicated as you!

[@Sam-cq7yr]

Robert Adhoot, you are awesome! I wish I did have one great teacher like you in school, things would of been so different now. I am a continuing student, who had Anxiety math back in high school, and now I still have it in college, but watching your videos has really changed math for me and I'm really starting to understand it and enjoy it, all thanks to you. I'm grateful there are people like you out in the world. Thank you, Mr Adhoot. Samuel

[@jb121993]

I stunk at math 30 yrs. ago, regret my fear of it, and take advantage of this teachers educational/entertaining personality to fill that mathematical void I created in myself through fear.

[@TheReaIOptimusPrime]

I love yaymath and Roberts way of teaching, I am truly grateful for what he has done. Math was definitely my worst subject in High School and when I had to take Algebra in college I was stressed about it, but I found his channel on KZbin and it helped me get an A. I wish I could meet him personally to express my gratitude towards him.

[@aminerahim9249]

i'm a north african and i'm jealous of the students of this teacher he's so cool ad understanding

[@themaggattack]

I know I'm late on finding this out, but OMG, a TED Talk! He's hit the big time! Ha! I'm so happy for him, he's so friggin' awesome. YAY, MATH!

[@yaymath]

Definitely would make me have anxiety, having my wrong answer so put down.

[@revincentiii]

He is my top choice of all the teachers I have observed. He is a salesman of an idea...that math is important. He does it brilliantly.

[@Lahodsta2]

He is a great KZbin teacher him and my math ap changed my view on math you guys really should cheek out yay math in KZbin if you guys are struggling

[@ClaudiaCarranza1]

Thank you for your inspiration and support. I feel justified in all the views I have of math, that the fear of it is getting in student's way. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. YAYMATH!

[@abovedhustleaboutdmind8849]

Math anxiety is real... Mr. Robert Ahdoot put together a great power point to point that out. I'm a grandfather and would like to have my degree before I retire... I believe this guy can help me get over my fear of going back to school and math. Looking forward to studying his videos.

[@KO-nj2nk]

I am currently a student in college and I love what you have done for the math community that has anxiety from math. Keep doing what you are doing. I am a mother of three and 28 years old going back to school to get my associates degree. I am proud to admit I am receiving an A (94%) in my Math class. Thank you, Keep up the great work, it truly is amazing.

[@yaymath]

Thank you for your partnership, Kayleigh. It's very real.

[@Crowned921]

needless to say you are brilliant, so talented,now i know i wasn't understanding math because i never have the right foundations but Im building my foundations with you. i was always told if you were smart you had to be good in math. but i was blocked. thank you, you are very talented.

[@nopphere8362]

don't mind me I'm binge watching ted ed talks to clear my math anxiety

[@shirleehawkinberry9319]

I absolutely LOVE these videos. Every topic we cover in my college algebra class I search for yah math videos to go along with it. This speech defiantly describes me in multiple ways. I walk into class and my anxiety sky rockets. I blank out during tests. Thank you for making videos that are entertaining as well as informative. I am a 37 year old mother of 2 and getting through my college math classes has been a true struggle. These videos have made a world of difference. From the bottom of my heart thank you

[@alexpalomino8947]

Wow! You might not believe it... but I was just talking about my "insucess" in life, and how my math anxiety had interfered in my life, on the telefone, when I found this video. Probabality had just proved its valor to me, right now, in a metalinguistic way.

[@Abh19021]

one hell of an awesome person.

[@weginale]

Robert Ahdoot is awesome ! Thanks for Yaymath!

[@teev7]

Wow! This is so good!! I believe my son suffers from math anxiety. I am hoping he will overcome it in time. I keep telling him that math will be a required skill within the next decade because of the many jobs that are going to be created.

[@Lissagirl99]

An amazing educator! I wish he had been my teacher instead of the teacher who announced in front of the whole math class that I was flunking anyway so there was no reason for him to slow down for me to learn the material. I found Yay Math as a returning college student in my mid-twenties and it helped me finally understand key concepts. Thanks!

[@kymbukchi6964]

i dont kno if u ever read this comment..but u are the best math teacher in the world! u make such difficult topics so easy to understand..yes for sure u love ur job! if i will be successful in my endeavour i’ll owe it to u..i always whined about the iniquity of maths but i find it interesting now..accidentally fell in love with maths while watching ur videos..u make learning math an exhilarating experience..though u are on the other part of the world, u inspire me to believe in my mathematical capabilities..i am a management student and preparing for an entrance exam to pursue my post graduation..*thankyou for uploading all the videos*

[@EliteRowmaster]

Everyone I open my text book or do a math test all I see I simple questions screaming at me "you're stupid!" I absolutely can't deal with it and the problem is I'm forced to learn it WHEN I'M GOOD AT OTHER THING u love other things and want to learn other things and I respect math and think it's amazing the way I can play with numbers but it's not the learning I'm geared to or invested in. take me out of my math class and teach me about history or writing a thesis (things other students hate) and watch my eyes light up as I'm invested in that or a video editing class cause its something that I love and want to learn.

[@gracielam.8256]

+EliteRowmaster I feel you bro.

[@s_takesphotos]

You took the words right out of my mouth!!! I feel exactly like this!!!

[@iyyappansivaraman5027]

Nicole t.b I think it s bcoz u had a bad math teacher who didn't t know about the subject

[@sebastianchem978]

Math is the easiest thing on earth when you have a good teacher and you actually put time into it. All my bad experiences in elementary were because i had teachers that didn't care for me and because i didn't realize how important math is.

[@ivanbuljanvanboelken4676]

SebastianChem97 Torture

[@suadfredericks5643]

He's genius. I watch his lessons often and it really helped

[@natalielasky579]

His videos are the best! I have done Algebra I,II, and III at my old school. However, when I went back to school to continue my degree my old university's math doesn't equate to the standards with my new school. Which at first I did not understand until my first week of class. When reality hit me that I was lost. That is lost until I found his videos online! Now I am back to being one of the top students in class. As he takes what my professor teaches with the exception of making it where it is able to be understood do to his corniness. If you struggle with math look up his videos, as I am sure they will help you as they did for me!

[@yaymath]

At the fundamental survival level, we are biologically built for restoration. The only reason people partake in sometimes destructive behaviors is that humans have the power to consciously make choices that may contradict survival. Yet in general circumstances, when tired, we seek sleep. When in stressful situations, we seek solace. And when we don't consciously seek restoration and balance, we may experience indirect imbalance indicators, such as headaches, pain, depression, injuries, etc.

[@thomasalexander1563]

Thank you very much.. I learn many thing from yaymath.. Now i can conquering math anxiety.. I like this method to learn.. Make me enjoy and relax.. From your students from indonesia..

[@TreasureForeverOfficial]

Wow I'm so stoked to start watching these videos. I'm going to google yay math and figure out your website/you tube channel. I just started going back to school after years of being a server and bartender! I'm so excited to finally get into math and science: something a should have done a long time ago. Thank you.

[@deeryan4645]

OMG! I wish you were my teacher! What a great concept! Good luck to you!

[@norozco2004]

Thank you for caring.. Yay math has being a blessing in my life.

[@MetalxAssassinx]

Thank you for giving us those lectures they really helped me for my final exam, I really wish that I could be in your classroom for a week at least, it would be enjoyable!!, your students are so lucky! thanks for being awesome!!

[@andrewbroyles5030]

Every other subject is easy for me but math. However, a lot of people think I'm weird for loving it so much. Math is so beautiful because it proves the ideas and knowledge you learn to be true. I strive to learn on my own. Some people will be like " why do I have to learn math to be a musical artist".well, how do you think we understand music. logarithmic equations explain what music is doing. It doesn't matter if you are interested in math or not. Everything you come to know and love is because of math.

[@imani_8021]

I honestly don't think most people suck at math because they can't process the information but mainly because of the attitude the teacher brings in the classroom. I have had a mix of both passionate and uninspirational teachers in the past. It really does make the difference. Why would you want to work on something even your instructor looks bored of? Yaymath got me through algebra 2 during my junior year of high school when my current teacher then would make me feel like a hopeless case for not understanding a concept. I still go back now and then to watch some videos in college to refresh my memory but I really wished that teachers would watch this video and learn a thing or two from this.

[@Morgannn808]

I've had horrible math teachers my whole life. Now that I'm in college, I'm suffering even more than I did in high school. I do very well in all of my non-math related classes and have had a 3.9 GPA. Math has really ruined my life and has postponed me from getting my degree sooner 😔

[@aryavijaykumar4700]

Thank you all very much

[@beverlyfrancis8433]

You are real good man! Am in a class learning exponential equations, and the method was so unclear even though two steps were articulated by the teacher. I tuned in to you and voila, it was a clear lookig glass.

[@G0LD3NR0D]

This is why I am happy to have Mr. Ahdoot as my math teacher. no, not yay math, but at my school. HE IS THE BEST! Yay math is a great way to get people involved in the hard stuff involved with high school mathematics, while still keeping it engaging and exciting! the best part is when we are in class for filming a yay math episode.

[@stephenjones102]

I show some of his videos to MY math students.....they really enjoy them!

[@shonaharris9328]

It would have made a world of difference to have him as a math teacher in high school. 20 years later, I am conquering math anxiety and attempting to take math classes again.

[@evelynfox5573]

I've been watching Yaymath on you tube. It's very helpful and learned alot frm it.

[@QUiNTiNBANKS]

love this guy

[@thingsiwant5028]

This guy is a HERO!

[@marmite1914]

Teachers should listen to this video.

[@shonaharris9328]

April 2017 YayMath website is still up. There are free algebra videos. The introductory vid is adorable as it includes his then 2 1/2 year-old daughter "helping" him. 🤗

[@stormmanio1784]

Absolutely sharktastic and sharkmazing

[@yaymath]

Cool feedback

[@jonashansen3300]

This guy is a very nice teacher.

[@kathleenlang3747]

Math isn’t technology, it’s art-but it is an art I have to have paintbrushes for, which have been scrubbed against a tabletop very hard before they were handed to me. As a result, the paint won’t flow.

[@yaymath]

Kathleen, that's a beautiful image.

[@bugr33d0_hunter8]

That was truly awesome of you to do that. I'm so happy you did this for the world. Thanks ~Robert~

[@yaymath]

Thank you so much.

[@avarussurava9488]

I wish i had a math teacher like him, i wouldnt have dropped maths classes at grade 11 ... now o cruelly need them to do well in computer engineering since ive been admitted in it for college. Anyway im gonna do my best and catch up with his videos :)

[@vrfish87]

EXCELLENT! Well presented and inspiring. liked hearing the brain science behind "we cannot learn until we feel safe and open." I wish I had Mr. Ahdoot for my geometry teacher way back when.

[@JoyceMullins69]

This guy is awesome!!! I would love to learn math from him :)

[@coffeepot3123]

+Joy Mullins At his place if you know what i mean.

[@Psychokitten113]

my experience of maths at high school was traumatic, I don't ever want to go back there.

[@Jamieforeals]

When he said “teaching is my calling” 🥺

[@yaymath]

Thank you! It's true.

[@tracyjones2800]

Robert, I am a 42 year old non-traditional student forced to take algebra because it is required for gen ed. I hated it 25 years ago and I hate it now, but you have made this experience do-able. And as I sit here tonight stressed about quadratic equations for my final tomorrow night....I know about a negative boy who missed the party and 4 awesome chics. Thank you so much! I wish you were around when I was in High School

[@catthearts]

I'm so Happy I found this! I needed something to help me with my final tmrw!!!

[@annes.6230]

I've only had one or two instructors who taught math in a way that was effective and easy to understand. Otherwise, math seems to only be taught by number geniuses and geared toward students who pick it up easily. Those of us who do not are left in the dust.

[@jadehull6871]

oh my gosh you are awesome! I seriously want to know your IQ. You are a genius! You need to teach other teachers and breed more of you! Was just trying to get help on parabolas (in college after many many years out of school) and watched a couple videos and got to yours...Thank you so much!!!!! I have 6 children (including 2 sets of twins under 4) and it is soooo difficult to make every class and get in when I need help (which is A LOT!) Glad I found you on here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GOD BLESS YOU!!

[@alphamountain1]

Tough crowd...

[@d.weaver8271]

I think that Mr. Ahdoot's theory that bringing up the mere topic of math causes people to cringe is actually blatantly reflected in the audiences reception of his presentation. I truly believe he is on to something, and I know from personal experience that perhaps people don't actually hate math itself... instead they hate not knowing math. That was, and in many ways, still is me.

[@megatronn5816]

HAHAAHAHAH

[@mailaangela6358]

I respect you Sir! Thank you !

[@sekoukimathi6809]

I have until may 31st to pass my mathematics test to finally receive my GED. only need a 145 to pass, current score is 129 so no terribly far off. stress and anxiety about math in of itself is causing me fear. going to college will liberate me from the life i know longer want to live. passing math will open the door to a new cycle of my life. I'm struggling believing I can do, under all my current life problems. I'm angry at myself. any encouragement is highly appreciated

[@robertahdoot]

Did you make it?

[@sekoukimathi6809]

@@robertahdoot not yet

[@monikhakha]

You are responsible for my B in my College Algebra class! THANK YOU!!!!

[@rositaledesmamataromenorca1361]

I wish all teachers in the world teach like he does. I have terrible experiences with some of my sadistic math professors during college. Many of them scorn at those who pass their exams.

[@nadinepridgen4782]

OMG! Wonderful video. I am a 50 yr old nursing student and a full-time worker. I elected on-line Algebra 1 and I passed it with an A. But now I am taking on-line Algebra 2, I too developed test anxiety, don't know why exactly except that I want to excel to show my daugthers (1 in HS, 1 in College) that if you put your mind to anything you can do it. Well, I worked myself up so high and failing was not an option that when I went to campus to take my test, I didn't do well. The first test I sorta controlled the anxiety and passed it with a C. The second and third test I bombed them. During this time I went to a counselor who has helped some just by talking and understanding what my mind was going through. The 4th test, still trying to control the anxiety passed it with a C again. These grades are not what I wanted, at this late in the game I have to except them. Next week I take my 5th test. Please wish me well! And then a week after that my final exam. And as I search through "KZbin" this morning, I find Robert Ahdoot's video on anxiety. WOW! He has such compassion for teaching. He needs to be cloned for every HS in the US. My HS daughter complains about how her Algebra teach tells them that their questions they ask are stupid. So, I am going have her look at Mr. Ahdoot video's to help her. THANK YOU MR. AHDOOT!!!!!

[@marmite1914]

I hated math too. My teacher never really gave me a reason to enjoy it. But I really want to learn trig, even at my age.

[@srpskihayk]

My problems with math began about the time the alphabet got involved. No, some time sooner than that. Maybe 6th grade or so. Long division confused me, as did subtraction. Decimals tended to have their way with me as well. But when letters got involved, it was all over with. I thought I could scoot by in remedial easy math classes, then take some silly liberal arts math class in college and be happy flipping burgers with all the other LA grads. With the basic math, I was repeatedly told just keep practicing. I never seemed to develop super skills. Later in HS, I had to take algebra because the requirements were lowered for the remedial. Or raised. Either way, I no longer qualified. "Just follow the directions." They said. I did, until I got something wrong. Then it all fell apart. Usually went like this... "Why is this wrong? I followed the directions as told." "You must have missed a step. Do it again." "Yep, step by step. Wrong. Why?" "Oh, this one is different. You have to do it this way." "Is there a way to know when this happens?" "You just have to know it. You will know it when you see it." "Apparently not." And on and on. Eventually I was told that I had to learn to think outside the box. Great. When I asked them to teach me that, they said I either could do it already, or I would never be able to do it. When I said I did not know how to do it, I never heard that phrase before, they simply said I was flawed. I come from an era (or at least a school district) where teachers just gave up on students and focused on the ones who "got it." That whole order of operations would screw me up, too. I swear I was taught to competing ways at they same time. Do multiply first. Do division first. Its amazing we have advanced as a species.

[@crontsquared230]

I low key feel bad. That was a hard audience

[@brianmclogan]

awesome great job robert

[@shineekissme]

i have this math teacher who had this rounds, whenever we go wrong, she deducts from our grades. when were right, she adds. its a bit effective, although i can see the others developing math anxiety already. its like juicing out our brains or we die kinda feeling. its hard. i wish that all math teachers are like him. i learned math by watching his videos, actually.

[@aphexlane]

Goddamn I'm so glad this guy exists. I needed to hear this very badly. Im inspired to try school again.

[@jamesweaver6741]

+Ryan Purcell Music Go for it! Recently I had a stunning realization that I had forgotten how to do basic algebra, I can pass tests fairly well but I have a desire to know and fully understand math and how to use it. I want to teach it. So this has inspired me to come back and learn, that's what I'm doing today.

[@DreamxBelievexLove]

this guy gets it.

[@nararabbit1]

After experiencing intense math anxiety myself as a young person then a college student (which I have mostly overcome but it still bubbles up sometimes!), I decided to start studying math anxiety in science students and the effects it has. I hope eventually I’ll be able to have some data to show the extent of math anxiety in community college students, and what effect (if any) it has on a student’s career choice. Do students with a lot of math anxiety quit sooner or not pursue certain careers or terminal degrees because of the math involved? I have met enough people to know the answer is yes for at least some of them. Then, how to help students tackle the underlying feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and fear and build self esteem and resiliency is the next...

[@CharlotteFairchild]

IN 3rd grade I was spanked for not knowing the times table. I still have to multiply to get the 7's, especially 6, 7 and 8 times 7. Forget about doing math publicly. I cannot. Left Brain Finance for Right Brain People by Paula Ann Monroe is one solution. Music, art and fun could make a difference in Math. You remind me of Patch Adams.

[@bernardofitzpatrick5403]

you are awesome, Robert! have to love you! :-)

[@yaymath]

Thanks, Jessica! I'm glad the message resonates with you.

[@gabigham4]

I have a lot of respect for Mr. Ahdoot for being a classroom teacher and opening his classroom to anyone with internet access. That is a very brave thing to do and I commend him for helping people beyond his classroom appreciate the subject. However, I would like to critique the "Sage-on-the-stage" model of learning. In this case it is more of a "Comedian-Sage-on-the-Internet-World-Wide-Stage", but making the teacher wear more hats (both figuratively and literally) and being on a bigger stage can not replace the dynamic of student-student or student-teacher interaction. Ultimately we could imagine professional comedians and videos with professional production to teach math and make kids LOL while binge watching youtube... but would we be improving math education?

[@spagetd1526]

i’m literally fighting a panic attack right now because i have a math test tomorrow and i don’t know how to do it

[@thaynacamila3891]

I'm so anxious about math that my mind keeps trying forget about the real reason why I'm watching this video and suddenly I'm thinking "he reminds me of Phil Dunphy of Modern Family"

[@TheMwowner1]

Very well put from a psychological standpoint, that's why im taking psychology in college.