Fostering joy in mathematics

As a math teacher, it seems to me that the “M” is consistently left out of STEM. We must know now that all the engineering classes and cardboard buildouts have not helped our country produce the number of computer scientists and engineers we need to thrive. I am betting that an increased emphasis on math will.& & In classrooms across the United States, the joy of math is often eclipsed by rote memorization and uninterested young people who aren’t compelled to learn about the disciplines their ancestors brought into the human sphere of knowledge — especially in underrepresented Black and Latino communities. To address this, educators must redefine math instruction by cultivating joy — a deliberate and passionate engagement with math that is visible in a student’s laughter, puzzlement, focus, creativity and willingness to share knowledge.& & Defining joy in math education  Joy in math education is the manifestation of an intense, focused love for a particular task that transcends traditional learning but becomes a competitive obsession. For joy in mathematics to exist, a student needs to feel like they are on the cusp of understanding. The student needs to be able to imagine themselves closing the gap because the...