Can Adults Learn Math? The answer, resoundingly, is yes. This article explores the remarkable journey of Barbara Oakley, who transformed from a self-proclaimed math-phobe to a professor of engineering. Her experience provides valuable insights into adult learning and the principles of neuroplasticity, demonstrating that it’s never too late to conquer mathematical concepts.
From Language Lover to Math Master: A Personal Transformation
Barbara Oakley’s story begins with a love for language and literature, a stark contrast to her aversion to math and science. After a stint in the Army and a career as a Russian translator, she realized the limitations of her skillset and yearned for a more challenging and rewarding career path. At the age of 26, she embarked on a daunting mission: to learn math, starting with remedial algebra.
This decision, born from a desire for new opportunities, led her to discover the power of adult neural plasticity. She applied principles learned from language acquisition to conquer mathematical concepts, ultimately earning a doctorate in systems engineering and becoming a professor.
Barbara Oakley
The Power of Fluency: Moving Beyond Conceptual Understanding
Oakley’s success stemmed from her emphasis on fluency, not just comprehension. She argues that true understanding in math and science arises from repeated practice and memorization, leading to the formation of “chunks,” or mental models, that can be easily recalled and applied.
This concept, borrowed from her language learning experience, proved crucial. Just as fluency in a language requires more than simply understanding vocabulary, fluency in math requires more than grasping basic concepts. It demands the ability to effortlessly manipulate equations, apply procedures, and solve problems without conscious effort.
Chunking: The Key to Mastery in Math and Beyond
The principle of “chunking” plays a pivotal role in developing expertise in any field. Experts, whether chess grandmasters or mathematicians, possess a vast repertoire of chunked knowledge stored in long-term memory. These chunks, representing patterns and procedures, allow for rapid, subconscious processing of information, enabling quick and effective problem-solving. Oakley’s personal experience underscores the importance of deliberately building these chunks through consistent practice and repetition.
Learning Math as an Adult: Lessons Learned
Oakley’s journey offers invaluable lessons for adults seeking to learn math:
- Embrace Fluency: Don’t settle for mere understanding. Strive for fluency through practice and repetition.
- Leverage Chunking: Consciously build mental models by breaking down complex concepts into manageable chunks.
- Apply Language Learning Principles: Utilize techniques from language acquisition, such as memorization and varied practice, to solidify mathematical knowledge.
- Believe in Neuroplasticity: Recognize that the adult brain is capable of change and growth, making it possible to learn new skills, even math, at any age.
Conclusion: It’s Never Too Late to Learn
Barbara Oakley’s transformation from math-averse to math master serves as a powerful testament to the capacity of adults to learn math. Her story highlights the importance of fluency, the power of chunking, and the applicability of language learning principles to mathematical mastery. So, if you’re an adult who’s always struggled with math, take heart. It’s never too late to embrace the challenge and unlock the world of mathematical understanding.
