MTH101 for Children: Keep Calm and Enjoy Math

My-Linh Phan

While in most Asian countries Mathematics is viewed as an important measure for one's academic success, here in America being bad in Math can be almost socially acceptable. It has been noted that children at a young age have labeled mathematical proficiency as a trait of "nerds, geeks." To further understand the roots of this difference and challenge the known-negative mentality against this particular subject, a Southern Oregon University Education major, an international student born and raised in Asia ventured to make an impact through her research in the college and internship in Madrone Trail Public Charter School. A survey was done among 50 Southern Oregon University students including Math major to find out their impression and struggle with the subject. At the same time, an after-school Math program was introduced to a group of 5th and 6th graders. Information from the survey was used as a reference to develop lesson plans for the class. The same Math problems in American textbooks are now reintroduced to students with teaching techniques commonly used in Asia, especially Singaporean and Vietnamese schools. Students of the program were encouraged to share these new approaches, along with many hands-on activities, mathematics games with their peers to create a positive attitude among students.