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Misconceptions, Barriers, and Common Mistakes

Why do some people have an easier time with math than others? As it turns out, math is a subject that is surrounded by myths, misconceptions, and other barriers that can keep students from performing well.

-Kevin Anderton - (adapted from Forbes)

This page is dedicated to highlighting mathematical misconceptions and showing how Palomar’s students, faculty, and staff have reframed their views, changed their behaviors, and ultimately overcame their biggest mathematical barriers.

 

Busting Myths and Misconceptions

An info-graphic taken from the Forbes article, "The Misconceptions About Math That Are Keeping Students from Succeeding" about what student's believe is the biggest misconceptions students have about math. From 1,071 responses, statistics show 25.5% believe “Math is not applicable to real life,” 19.7% think “Math is too hard,” 18% believe “People who are good at math are born with natural ability,” 14.9% think “Not everyone is capable of being good at math,” 12.5% think “Boys are naturally better at math than girls,” 8% say “Math is all about memorization,” and the other 1.4% believe the biggest misconception about math is something else.

Help Palomar Bust Myths and Misconceptions

Do you have a personal story you would like to share with us about how you changed your beliefs about myths and misconceptions? Fill out the google form below because we would love to hear your story and find a way to include it on this website.

 

Resources for Minorities in Mathematics

We all need role models that we can relate to. Below is a short list of resources where you can find mathematical roles models who are women, Latinx, Hispanic, and Black.

Association of Women in Mathematics

The Association for Women in Mathematics (AWM) has grown into a leading society for women in the mathematical sciences.

 Mathematically Gifted and Black

This site spotlights and shares the stories of Black Mathematicians.

 

Beyond Curie

Beyond Curie is a design project that highlights "badass" women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

 

Lathisms

Lathisms mission is to provide an accessible platform that features prominently the extent of the research and mentoring contributions of Latinxs and Hispanics in different areas of the Mathematical Sciences.

 

Breaking Barriers

How did you break down your barriers?

We have all faced obstacles on our life’s journey. Even more have felt like mathematics was a barrier to their success. If you have a story to share about how you overcame your mathematical barrier to excel in school or life, fill out the google form below. We would love to hear your story and find a way to include it on this website.

 

Overcoming Common Mistakes

An info-graphic taken from the Forbes article, "The Misconceptions About Math That Are Keeping Students From Succeeding" about what student's believe the most common mistakes they make when it comes to solving math problems. From 1,076 responses, statistics show students believed 44.1% of mistakes were conceptual errors, 36.6% were careless errors, 17.3% were computational errors, while 2% believed other types of mistakes. were most common.

What common mistakes have you overcome?

We all make mistakes. Sharing our learning is the best way to teach ourselves and others. If you have a common mistake you have found ways to overcome, fill out the google form below.  We would love to hear your story and find a way to include it on this website.