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Mathematics Reading List For High School Students?
Troy writes "I'm a high school math teacher who is trying to assemble an extra-credit reading list. I want to give my students (ages 16-18) the opportunity/motivation to learn about stimulating mathematical ideas that fall outside of the curriculum I'm bound to teach. I already do this somewhat with special lessons given throughout the year, but I would like my students to explore a particular concept in depth. I am looking for books that are well-written, engaging, and accessible to someone who doesn't have a lot of college-level mathematical training. I already have a handful of books on my list, but I want my students to be able to choose from a variety of topics. Many thanks for all suggestions!"
http://www.amazon.com/Godel-Escher-Bach-Eternal-Golden/dp/0465026567/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1234132982&sr=8-1 Godel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid Very interesting book and should get students of that age excited about math and science IF they are predisposed to that sort of thing.
It seems likes kids only do what you tell them not to do, so this advice may seem wise. However, this is a form of confirmation bias; adults notice when kids don't listen because mainly because they usually do.
If you tell someone a student some skill is difficult, they will believe you. You have set them up to expect failure. This expectation is easy to meet, and most students will give up early.
If you tell a student something is easy, they are likely to believe you. Believing a subject is easy, they are more likely to follow through to mastery because they have been set up to expect success.
Reverse psychology is a trick. Tricking students is a way to alienate them; it may work on the few, but the many will respond better to affirmative attitudes.
Being about "how not to use math" and about math as such are pretty different things. It's like you were teaching a class on car repair and assigning a book on consumer fraud.
No. It's like you were teaching a class on car repair and telling your students how to not screw up. e.g. "Do not ever adjust the stabilizer based on popular arguments such as ___ and ___ because it will only screw with the engine and may even cause permanent damage." It's actually very relevant, especially in the early stages of learning.
No. Simply no. There is no better way to turn a student off of math than to make them work SAT problems ad nauseum. It's so far removed from what an undergrad pursuing a degree in math will learn.