The new book Math-ish: Finding Creativity, Diversity, and Meaning in Mathematics by Jo Boaler, PhD, was released on Tuesday, May 7. Boaler is a Stanford researcher, mathematics education professor, and leading expert on math learning.
"To me, there are two versions of math—" wrote Boaler in her newsletter announcing the book, "the one that most people know is made up of methods, rules, and procedures, and has traumatized many people. But there is another version of math—one that is creative, beautiful, and diverse, that empowers all those who come to know it."
Math-ish shares what Boaler calls “mathematical diversity” and “math-ish,” which refer to the variety of ways in which people connect with math and learning in their lives. Embracing these different versions helps people come to love math, Boaler expressed, and develop new lenses that help them make sense of the world.
"For those like me, concerned about the widespread low achievement and dislike of math in the world, the book outlines concrete, research backed, solutions for change, which I’m so excited to share with you," Boaler wrote.
Math-ish is now available for purchase from multiple book sellers.
Boaler will host two free book talks this week at 6 p.m. CDT on Wed., May 8 and 10 a.m. CDT on Thurs., May 9. She will also conduct an online Parent and Guardian Night on Thurs., May 16, to introduce the concepts of mindset mathematics to students' families. Schools can purchase passes that allow families to register for free—click here to learn more.