The Real Reason You Should Study Math | Samia Talbi | TEDxUoChester
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- čas přidán 1. 04. 2020
- The benefit and use of math is seriously questioned in many public debates, schools and societies today. Why should we learn mathematical concepts we never use in life, not ever at work? Amid generalizing digitalization, why should children get good at calculation? The present Ted-talk guides us through the mathematical solving process of a tricky problem beleived to be posed by North African queen Dihya. Doing so, it shows that math helps us develop an extremely valuable success skill: conditional creativity. Behind this skill lies our very ability to shape our lives, but also become an attractive person able to make a difference. Maybe for the first time in a long time of humankind’s history, the benefit and use of math is seriously questioned in public debates, schools and society. In a world of increasing automation and generalizing digitalization, why should today’s children get good at calculating? Why should we struggle learning mathematical concepts that we most probably never use in our daily life, sometimes, not ever at work? Truth it has never been as crucial to get as good as it is now. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx
The correlation between Maths and Creativity is so underappreciated! People believe that maths is a dry, linier, rigid “2+2=4’ subject but in reality, it is beautifully abstract and filled with possibilities which can lead to a greater understanding of our world and even ourselves. This is a fantastic talk about an overlooked wonder of our human experience. Thank you
So poetic! I hadn't thought about it like this before this talk
I hated math in school but I noticed almost as soon as I entered the work force how much I LOVED math. I've always been a huge fan of problem solving and finding patterns and I just had no idea how really interesting numbers were. The laws of math bring so much sense to our world.
Same!!
I totally agree! It is very much about bringing sense to our world. As I became aware of how powerful and relevant mathematical models and solutions are in understanding the world, our daily problems, I felt this aspect should be discussed way more than it is today. Thanks you so much for your positive comment Sophia!
@@samiatalbi7244 And I thank you for it! There should be more excitement for numbers in this world!
I loved math!
I agree with her. There is such a big picture understanding once you wrap your head around the patterns of numbers and all the answers they can give us
10:24 the idea that we are trained to associate creativity with the absence of boundaries was a powerful statement for me to hear. I felt that in my core, but logically I am also aware that creativity is born out of necessity and trying to find a way around those boundaries. This was so thought provoking.
Thank you for the time stamp, after reading your comment I felt it was very relatable and low and behold, that was so helpful.
I agree, this was probably one of the more powerful TED talks I've heard in terms of stretching my thinking.
At school I loved all the practical subjects like Drama and Art, and completely disregarded Maths. But when I went to Art school and learnt to paint properly the first lesson was about scale and how to grid a canvas. There are so many uses for it that we just don't think of until it's actually needed!
Mathematics can be so beautiful and perfect, especially geometry. I love looking at how it's manifested in nature.
Great to see everyone tedx talks released
There are so many different formulas and approaches to problem solving that you get to learn through studying maths, and I love the examples Samia has given for how to apply them.
I never got how to solve these kinds of tasks! Solutions for me are always WOW!
Your voice is mesmerising alongside the topic. I’m a bit inspired to go and do some more maths research.
Again, I see how important the ability to explain is. Thank you!
Numbers, patterns - all of the world's truths come in numbers! love this talk!
i really believe this!
@@AnastasiaCostcalla @Jovita. I totally agree, and the relationship between maths and the truth is highly relevant. Mathematician Cedric Villani says maths is litterally about discovering the truth. Thank you so much for your feed-back!
it all adds up, haha!
@@kamilanotthevip I am glad it does, thank you!!
@@samiatalbi7244 good talk Samia well done!
So much creativity in this space, I never really thought about it this way before. Why did they not highlight this passion in maths while I was at school.
She would be a wonderful teacher.
Maths connected to creativity is a unique approach and one I had never thought of before. There is so much to be said about pushing our minds and exploring. Great perspective!
Awesome share, this is really something!
The more people realise Math is creative the better!
I always was bad at Math, but now I understand why. I didn't have a good teacher who would explain everything in the way you do!
she's fabulous.
Thank you so much Mr. Unicorn, I am so honored you took the time to listen to my twist on math's relevance. Looking back at your experience at school, how do you think teachers should explain math to be effective?
@@sophiachandler4662
everyone has a message to deliver, virtually anyone can speak. But not everybody is capable of listening. Fabulous is what you are, for taking time and hearing out others' ideas. Thank you very much!
I get this also, good teacher!
It all adds up! haha
always been a huge fan of problem solving. the way the brain works to look for patterns and such is really so interesting and keeps us feeling young!
you're talking sudoku right? the best!
For the first time ever I wish I had taken more of an interest in Math at school. Samia, had you been my teacher I would have been so much more interested!
Fantastic explanation of the magic of Maths and all the beautiful patterns that depend on it.
Very cool, very easy to follow and understand.
What an amazing perspective! It's always presented as a critical subject and I think that can be really daunting when you have to learn it as a kid, especially if you're a creative one.
The world is beautiful in many ways, it is all about perspective
Thank you for your efforts to get this idea across. I hope more people listen to your talk and understand the importance of Math.
Thank you dear Jack for your compassionate comment. It has been a complicated journey indeed and for years, reaching out with the idea was really difficult. This made it more delightful though, to finally get to the goal of sharing this simple illustration with an audience. I agree with you and hope more people get a sense of how relevant math is
I hope this gets shared and spread futher!
I'm always so amazed by how useful mathematics actually is.
Because of lock down, my daughter studies remotely, and I help her with some of her tasks. I enjoy doing Math tasks with her, and now I have an explanation of why Math is so important. Thank you!
What a great dad. Isn't wonderful to get the possibility to engage in our children's activities and use it to give them a little bit more of what they need! This is a creative use of use circumstances at our advantage!
There so are many reasons why math is important, and if the talk provides one perspective, then I am happy - and grateful to hear your feed-back. Keep up the good remote work!!
yep still happening here down under
If only the way Maths was peddled in high school made it seem this interesting. I know it is, and I've fallen in love with mathematics ever since I left school.
I didn't do so well at maths in school, but I understood this.
this make sense Sue, thanks for sending this to me!
being honest, I was confused a lot.
Yes me too, I hated math, she would make a great teacher.
I am still confused.
Thank you for your precious feed-back Sue Baker Nottly! I was really hoping the problem could be explained clearly.
I am back again with my family's kids, I think this is a really good way to get people interested.
I had to stop and start this so many times to process what was happening. I wish I understood maths better and had a teacher like this in school.
This was appreciated.
I get this, makes sense, good way to teach!
I do but part of me doesn't want to!
Thank you dear Beth, what age do you think this concept could work for?
@@duncanhopp938 Of course Duncan :) And every time I go to the gym there is not one but many parts of me that don't want to .. It is all about forcing ourselves to do what needs to be done!
I understood this, bravo!!!
@@jettseverson Thank you very much for a precious feed-back. Clarity was a great challenge here, so if things are understood, then I feel really honored. What is the message you take from the talk with you? Again - thank you!
The story of the queen and her jeweller is so interesting and cool to think about! I wish they had of given us problems like this, might have made more people realise the importance of maths and actually paid attention!
Samia, brilliantly told and presented.
Absolutely brilliant speaker isn't she
Her passion for the subject makes me feel like it's much more beautiful subject matter than any of my teachers at school!
There is a lot to be said about problem solving giving space for stretching our creativity. It forces our minds to push limits and think outside of the expected. There are a lot of books that utilise this approach to enhance creative thinking for not only artists but also business leaders.
Bahahaha!! “After maths happens to you nothing worse can come around”. So many levels to this statement!
That is certainly how I feel about math and problem solving!
Even after such a detailed explanation I am not sure I may be good at math:)
Proud of uuuu !
This is so true
Yes math is important, but perhaps ethics and critical thinking are even more important for our children!
Thank you very much for bringing that up Piper! Notice that your view point does not contradict my take on maths, here exposed. But furthermore, I am contemplating a coming opportunity to explain how maths happens to precisely boost critical thinking. So there is no principal opposition between the message I convey and your comment.
When it comes to ethics, then I agree that maths does not have a relationship to it, in my opinion, essentially because ethics is a subjective discipline.
And it is of course extremely important for our children too, I agree!
Thank you so much for your input!
@@samiatalbi7244 Yes Samia! You are brilliant!
This is such a great story! Love the way they solved the problem
Thank you Sorina! wasn't their solution creative, elegant - flexible and cost-effective!
I LOVE THIS! I love everything about it. I love numbers and I've always thought the way it was presented in schools was BORING and never encouraged anyone.
Agreed.
Thank you Kathryn for this tremendous encouragement! Of yes, there is a great deal of work to be done in schools to change to way we transmit maths knowledge!
I remember Math class in grade 4 so very well. We were learning multiplication through the use of cue cards with different equations and the answer on the back. We would always be in pairs and take turns holding them for each other, answering as quickly as possible. This is when I found out my brain visualises the groups of numbers in order to find the answer. This helped me in more ways than multiplication, it was in that moment I finally figured out how to remember things! Since then I have always loved Math
What a great learning tool and what a nice memory you have here from your early school years Danny! Thank you so much for sharing this with us! You must have had a competent teacher, because it is truly priceless to learn things about ourselves and the way we function. It must feel empowering, and what a nice surprise that the whole thing was triggered by math. Inspiring, thank you for stopping by!
@@samiatalbi7244 It was great, and so is your talk!
All math I remember is thanks to memorization I think
@@kathrynlthomas Well memorization is a great thing though! For sure, finding the logics could be a greater and funnier way to remember. What do you think?
I so enjoyed watching this. I very much agree even though math and I did not get a long in high school.
Thank you so much for your feed-back! It is common that high school maths education does not bring back nice memories .. Did things change for you since then? What is your relationship to maths today?
Finally someone that teaches math that makes it easy to understand!
I am honored to hear that Rae. Exactly what made the understanding clearer, in your opinion, the geometry example, or the posterior analysis/comments?
Ha, this made it all so simple!
I think that Math is one of the most important sciences. And hope people who make decision understand it and never leave it out as an optional subject.
Thanks a lot Gabor. I totally agree. Unfortunately, I am not sure that all decisions makers -at least in Sweden- really know and realize the subtile and indirect impact that maths has on people, and therefore, on a nation. I find we need to build up awareness on this particular point, given that the fade away of maths basically means significant diminishing of imagination and critical thinking, on the long run.
Even that maths was able to find patterns for the most pleasing way for artwork to be structured means it is such a huge part of every facet of our lives.
it's the answer to everything! will it has the answers to everything
Indeed, there is so much work done on the relationship and creative artistic disciplines; music being probably the most stunning and famous one! Thank you for bringing that up!
Was trying to find some fun math videos for my niece and this came up. Not sure she would follow quite yet but you have just reiterated to me why I am so passionate about numbers
How old is she? I think show it to her any way
You're a good one
I love that, so good!
Math knowledge makes us see the structure of the world, that is hidden behind all the chaos - critical thinking is so important in these times.
What a beautiful way to put it! Behind the empowering dimension of math, there truly is an enhanced critical thinking. I find myself very frequently noticing what a powerful tool math is to me trying to sort out information and figure out what can be true and what does not make sense. I am so grateful for your listening and reacting Regis.
@@samiatalbi7244 I came here to say the same, as your video offered me a perspective I hadn't quite grasped before.
@@dennisdanilla How nice o of you to stop by, your feedback feels great to hear, since it was exactly my intention to present a new perspective of the benefit of maths. I hope it might be useful to anyone who wants to boost their personal development, or is trying to motivate a teen on why to struggle with maths. Thank you so much!
Very interesting idea. I've never thought about Mathematics as a tool for creativity!
Hi Dennis and many thanks for sharing your reaction! Creativity has always been important for human beings, but today probably more than ever. It hit me that maths training was an ideal platform to exercise creative thinking. I agree that this connection is not stressed enough, although true! It is unfortunate - and we would need tochange that!
@@samiatalbi7244 I am looking at it differently now, thanks!
I think the issue lies in the way it's taught. It could be such a wonderful subject if it was taught practically and creatively instead of through obscure problems in a text book.
Isn't it taught like that in early school years? I learnt about working out distances and simple maths through real life examples.
This would be a great way to learn
@@talicarson true
math is magic!!
This should be shown to kids picking electives, maybe they would be more curious about math! Definitely made me think differently.
The sentence I often hear in the US is: Math is not the only thing. It is true, but it can be understood wrong among students. Children may think they don't have to learn Math, they don't need to be good at math. Math is the core knowledge to open to many domains. Having a strong background with math can guarantee us a fairly good life. We can study things we like and study Math.
You're so right! Math coincides with so many things, like Samia said - creativity! And problem solving...
Not everyone needs to be good at maths. Sure, it helps to have a base understanding, but for every mathematician who is contributing to society, we need an artist, an athlete, a framer- it takes all kinds to create a functioning society. The key is to respect all that others offer.
Agreed. The way in which mathematics is presented to school age children isn't a good way to get them engaged
Dear American Wildlife, thank you so much for this input. "maths is not the only thing" is a common comment here ini Sweden where I live as well. Definitely, I agree on that disposing of maths as a tools for life (whatever we work with) vs not, is an enormous advantage to organize our lives better, understand the world around us, set goals and strive after them efficiently. Just like reading is needed even if you don't become a writer, math reasoning is needed even if you are not aiming to become an engineer. So yes, math might not be the only thing, but it is a huge one!
@@thesebrokendreams definitely! everyone offering anything has to be respected and valued. This is exactly why I think that everyone should exercise their mathematical problem solving skills: it is a powerful personal development tool, and thus makes everyone better at what they do!
I remember when I was 11 or 12, getting 98% on a problem solving test, seriously one of the proudest moments of my life as I was a kid who couldn't sit still or stop interrupting
Congratulations! I feel that sense of pride for you!
ha, I have some memories like that too.
@@ynktbg Sorry, I did not quite get your point, do you mind explaining it again for me please?
Well done Leo! Did you end up working in a scientific field later on?
Maths is definitely so underrated and often, misunderstood. It can be used to plan and simplify so many things, like marking out a grid on a canvas or figuring out the material needed to make something.
Mathematics is truly the language of the universe. There are so many examples of it's beauty, especially in nature and sacred geometry
I wish someone had explained the importance of maths to me in this way, maybe I would have paid more attention to it in school!
Woah! Excellent Excellent Excellent - best math lesson ever!!!
Eric! Thank you so much for your appreciation! What did you find compelling in the talk?
So engaging right!
Bästa sami
Math is the best. more people need to get involved.
I was lost right the moment the gold needed to be cut equally. Lucky for me there are people doing this stuff behind the scenes because I do not have the brain for this.
We actually all have the brain for this, just different ways of learning.
Oh believe me, if I could, then everybody can! If this problem is of matter to you, give it time and practice, you will get it!
Mathematics helps in so many ways
It is beautiful that maths is a universal language. All cultures experience love, sadness, anger fear and have words for these things. They also all experience maths. Just beautiful
hahah YES great stuff, math has been and always will be my favourite thing
Mathematics is a beautiful subject to learn! The fault has always lain with how it's taught.
Fière de toi ma chère Samia ta tata qui t'aime et qui pense a toi très fort
Where to learn math easily? The Best Source recommendation please?
Why would Sweden be so against math as a core subject? It is used in everything, I use elements of it every day. I’m not a mathematician, but I certainly see the value of me learning it, and I also see the benefit in my daily life from others studying and exploring it.
Mathematics is pretty much like magic
Math is almost always the solution to all problems. I sometimes look at my Daughter's home work and wonder if they are drying to dull their brains with these simple formulas instead of focusing on patterns and problem solving
There definitely isn't energy going into making maths interesting for children
Hi
Sometimes I wonder if problems like this are just kinda worked out on the fly and then they make up the words and rules later. That is how my mind works anyway
Maybe maths would seem more desirable to master if it was called something different? The Universal language, perhaps?
I wish people knew just how much mathematics they use in daily life! Adding up your groceries? Maths! Calculating the angle of a reverse park? Maths! Cutting a freakin cake?? MATHS
I avoided maths all I could until recently. This is not the maths I remember
How interesting Jay, this is such a nice comment. I really hope the talk influences your perception of maths for the better. How was the math you remember like? Thanks l lot for sharing!
Exact same, but now I keep looking for it!!
@@maynardsavery Sorry to ask, exactly what do you keep looking for? thanks for the input!
Validation of what I have said for years, math is easy if you know how.
I started clapping at the end - I get it I understand math much better now.
So sweet! Thank you so much for listening and getting back to me with your encouragements Princess Areeba!
7:45
In school, I hated Math and was sure it would do nothing in the real world. How wrong was I!
Thank you for sharing this Sam. Isn't that a common feeling towards the subject .. the relationship between maths and the real world are numerous and we would so benefit from teachers who can show that!
It is odd that we should need a reason to study Math, which really is at the forefront of all science!
Isn'it Nataly! Exactly, it feels really strange that we even have to have these discussions, especially nowadays where in the science and tech-based society. I totally agree and wished more people tried to understand the underlying whys of math command. Thank you so much for your clever input!
Op
My way of solving such a problem would be to fold the triangle into as many tiny triangles as I could. My brain just can't wrap itself around numbers until I'm half way through the problem.
Too funny I would do the exact same thing. I call it practical problem solving haha
Understanding Math is a gift, I think. I am not talented.
Rather, understanding maths is a matter of exercise I would say! Keep trying and you will succeed!
Mathematics and creativity? Boosting creativity with Math tasks? Well, why not?!
It's a real shame they didn't teach us this correlation in school.
Maynard Savery: Actually, and since creativity is so important to me, I would definitely look for a way to develop it. I happen to have maths in my personal tool box, but without math, I would have engaged in such a research. I assure you, it works!
@@regissanford7104 I agree and can also confirm that my education did not bring that up either. Maybe one of the few positive aspect of the criticism directed to maths and its usefullness, that we have been facing in modern times, did have an advantage: it made us explore the spirit and soul of maths and break them down to all sectors of humankind.
After math happens to you, nothing worse can happen. Yup, 13 year old be knew this and it is still true.
Haha right! And this could be the very reason maths skills us so much for life!
The problem is not math. The problem is the way we teach math.
Opp
Maybe I don't get it, well I don't. And I don't understand why we need so much math education when I will never have any use for algebra or calculus.
Math is so much more then algebra and calculus. It's problem solving, recognising patterns, be able to calculate in advance. Without these things we would struggle so much
Come at me when you try Sudoku
Dear Witty, thank you very much for the comment. I agree with you on the apparent pointlessness of many of the mathematical concepts, methods, exercices, problems and so on. The idea behind the talk was to bring an other perspective, through illustrating how creative some maths problem solving is. If we see the connexion (math/creativity), then the point is made: maths education, regardless of the practical usefullness of the subject, serves the purpose of making us more creative. And creativity is the most graceful quality we need in life!
I invite you to have a look at already basic maths problem solving and reflect on how much creativity is required in the contemplation and solving process! I can share a few links with you if you want any tips. Kindly
@@natalyaguilerafigueroa I totally subscribe to that. Patterns, analogies, predictions. Maths is the base of everything we are able to achieve. What is your relationship to maths?
I have no idea what she is talking about.
I swear Math is made as boring and repetitive as possible in grade school so that very few people find interest in them. I know many who are much more interested in Mathematics and all that numbers can do now that we are out of school.
Agreed, it became so much more interesting the moment I left grade school!
wtf porque me aparece cuando descargo alg valla mrd
I didn't know that someone may even think of leaving out Math as an optional subject! Sound like nonsense!
Where I grew up you could stop taking Math in grade 10. Which I did, wish I hadn't.
Yes Hannah, I share your confusion. In Sweden, the results monitoring maths skills have been constantly decreasing over the past 20 years or so. The country engaged in many reforms but none of them enabled to break the pattern, as they don't seem to adress the real cause. Discussing the option of leaving maths out is a way to "solve the problem" if you like. I will never emphasize enough which harm this would do to people who would choose to opt out.
@@therealmyyt Thank you for sharing this personal experience! Don't worry, it is not too late - take the opportunity now! Carry around small problems to solve, as you would do cross-words or sudokus .. maths is just a matter of practice!
The real reason, because if you aren't learning then you aren't growing as a human!
Yes Uma! As simple as that - a great way to put it. Thank you!
Anybody else really bothered by how Americans call it Math and not Maths?
I wasn't till I read this
Understanding Math is a gift, I think. I am not talented.