Brain Fitness for Success (Benefits of Test Prep)
While students would like relevant content, they often view the classic high school math curriculum (algebra, geometry, trigonometry) as the least applicable topics of their courses. However, quantitative reasoning can improve metacognition (thinking about thinking) and is an excellent way to boost knowledge and skills. Math can enhance critical thinking, problem solving and confidence and the brain fitness perspective can foster student commitment and improve their college access and success. Plus it can be fun!
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Marathons (a physical challenge), unlike SATs (a mental challenge), are observable and widely celebrated. When and what was your last physical feat? Last mental feat? An interesting way to gain student perspective is to take a brain challenge. The SAT scores were released on 10/29 SAT
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Brain Teaser
1. 2^3 + 2^3 = 2^x
(2 to the power of 3 + 2 to the power of 3 = 2 to the power of x)
2. 2^10+ 2^10 = 2^y
3. 2^49 + 2^ 49 = 2^z
Answers will be in December 2009 newsletter.
Answer to October's Brain Teaser: 1 hour |
This book's subtitle says it all "How we look without seeing, forget things in seconds and are all pretty sure we are way above average". The author has many interesting examples of human error across many discplines including football, aviation, and stock picking. The inside flap reads "We forget our passwords. We pay too much to go to the gym...we think we should stick with our first answer on tests (we shouldn't)". In the conclusion of the book, Hallinan states, "a large percentage of people cannot tolerate mistakes. This is particularly true for people who believe that intelligence is fixed". Math provides plenty of opportunities to make mistakes -- this book on human error can expand perspective. 
