Millions of adults struggle with maths, and for many school students, it's a subject which causes considerable anxiety. Why do some people 'get it' while others don't? Is there such a thing as a maths brain? What canÌýwe do to ensure that all children learn to love maths? To discuss the issues Jane is joined by Jo Boaler, the Marie Curie Professor of Mathematics Education at the University of Sussex and author of ‘The Elephant in the Classroom’ and Alice Onion, Ìýan independent education adviser who was formerly the head of Maths at the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority.
"The Elephant in the Classroom: Helping Children Learn and Love Maths" by Jo Boaler is published by Souvenir Press ISBN 978-0-285-63847-1
PROBLEM: You’ve got a three litre jar and a five litre jar and an unlimited supply of water… but you need to measure 4 litres of water. How do you do it?
SOLUTION: Start with both jars empty. First fill the 5 litre jar. Then pour this water into the 3 litre jar – that leaves you 2 litres. Now tip away the contents of the 3 litre jar. Next.. pour the 2 remaining litres from the 5 litre into the 3 litre jar – that leaves room for one more litre. Now fill the five litre jar again. Use this water to top up the 3 litre jar.. that uses one litre… and that leaves you with 4!
