Mathematics Is A Road Trip And Having Fun Getting Lost Together

Mathematics is often thought of as individual pursuit, and the trials, tribulations, and successes are often defined and experienced in relative isolation. The goal in math education has often been about success — and measuring success. But, as I have written about in previous articles, “success”, for me anyways, has very limiting and cliched definitions linked to performance and societal measurement.

I mean, viewing mathematics as an art form, what would it mean if you were a successful painter or musician? It would probably mean that you are famous/made lots of money. I know the intention of that word in math education is all well and good, but in the end, it conveys a rather hollow message as to what the broader and current goals/mandate of math education can be.

This morning, I awoke to an absolutely beautiful call by JCACS(Journal of the Canadian Association for Curriculum Studies).

Heavily implied in this call is that mathematics is, at the end of the day, a human endeavor. And, the re-sculpting of it must include the idea that mathematics is not only an attribute for interpersonal development, but intrapersonal as well. A place of “Loving and Kindness” cannot exist in a vacuum. It exists in transmission from one human to another — in ways that are thankfully immeasurable and ineffable.

Mathematics, if it is to have any humanzing power, must be a shared experience. If that is the case, then the best way to amplify that experience is ensuring that mathematics is an adventure.

And, like all good adventures, it is often best you don’t know where you are going. Sure, you are guaranteed to get lost, but that is precisely the point.

You are supposed to get lost in mathematics. I am supposed to get lost in mathematics.

WE are all supposed get lost in mathematics — while having fun!

If we aren’t getting lost, then I am afraid we are taking to many short and clearly marked paths. Sure, we are arriving at your destination on time, but what stories do we have to tell? No flat tires. No wrong turns. No crazy climb up that hill to see a stunning vista of an ocean cover. No accidental discovery of that great diner that served the absolute best Key Lime pie. What fun is there if we can’t get leisurely lost from time to time?

And really, what is the value of these destinations? What happens next?

While our current math education system is not setup to support this — testing and time pressures — there are significant changes happening. The idea of seeing mathematics as positive struggle and letting students explore mathematics with more freedom is more pervasive than it has ever been. But, this should not be seen as anything revolutionary in mathematics, as that is what mathematics has always been and will be.

Our greatest memories come from spending time on the road with our friends and meeting new friends. Laughing about the good times…and bad times.

The full disarming of mathematics as a human pursuit filled with human strengths and weaknesses is upon us. It is time to envision mathematics as road trip of milestones, mistakes, and memories of learning together…