Book Review: Math-ish: Finding Creativity, Diversity, and Meaning in Mathematics by Jo Boaler

This review was first published by Booklist on May 1, 2024.

Math-ish is an invigorating call to reform how we teach mathematics. Math can be creative and beautiful, but you’d never know that from the way it is normally taught. Professional mathematicians report that what is taught in schools has little bearing on the math we need to drive innovation in the real world. Mathematics achievement in U.S. schools has been plummeting since the mid-twentieth century. The traditional methods of rote learning and prescribed formulae don’t work and exclude far too many people. These exclusionary methods cost us by keeping different perspectives and ideas out of STEM careers that require advanced mathematics education. Boaler, an education specialist at Stanford University, draws on evidence from educational pedagogy, neuroscience, and psychology to build strong, evidence-based arguments for how we should transform mathematics education and the benefits we could reap. Math should allow for multiple approaches to problem-solving, embrace sensory methods for interacting with concepts, and celebrate the learning that happens when people make mistakes. She presents a future for mathematics that’s more creative, diverse, and successful.