In this enlightening episode of the Passion Struck podcast, we dive deep into the world of mathematics with Shalinee Sharma, co-founder and CEO of Zearn, and the author of the groundbreaking book, Math Mind: The Simple Path to Loving Math. Shalinee passionately challenges the conventional approach to math education and reveals how every child can develop a love for math.
She shares proven strategies that empower students to overcome their fears and excel in math, making it accessible and enjoyable for all. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or just curious about how to transform math learning, this episode is packed with insights that will inspire and motivate you to foster a ‘math mind’ in the next generation.
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“We have to stop telling kids it’s okay to not be good at math. Instead, we need to support them, believe in them, and help them see that mistakes are just part of the learning process.”
shalinee sharma
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podcast Addict, Pocket Casts, Stitcher, Castbox, Google Podcasts, Listen Notes, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform. You can watch the interview on YouTube below.
Empowering Every Child to Succeed in Math with Shalinee Sharma
In this enlightening episode, John R. Miles sits down with Shalinee Sharma, co-founder and CEO of Zearn, to discuss her transformative approach to math education. Shalinee passionately advocates for the belief that every child can excel in math, challenging the traditional mindset that math ability is innate and fixed. Throughout the conversation, Shalinee shares actionable strategies for parents, educators, and school systems to help all students develop a strong foundation in math. Her insights are grounded in years of experience and a deep commitment to changing the way we think about and teach math. This episode offers a powerful perspective on the importance of math proficiency in today’s world and the crucial role adults play in supporting children’s mathematical development.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Every child is a math kid: Shalinee emphasizes that math ability is not an inborn trait but a skill that can be developed with the right support and mindset.
- Changing the narrative: She discusses the importance of shifting how we talk to children about math, focusing on encouragement and belief rather than excuses and resignation.
- Accountability in education: Shalinee points out the disparity in how we hold adults accountable for children’s reading versus math skills and advocates for a more balanced approach.
- Math in a digital world: She highlights the increasing importance of math proficiency as our world becomes more tech-driven and reliant on digital skills.
- Supportive environments: Shalinee shares practical tips on how parents and teachers can create environments that foster a love of math and encourage persistence through challenges.
WHY IS THIS A MUST-LISTEN?
This episode is essential for anyone who cares about the future of education and the success of the next generation. Shalinee Sharma’s insights challenge the traditional views on math education and provide a roadmap for helping every child succeed in this critical subject. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or someone interested in the evolving landscape of education, this conversation will inspire you to rethink how we approach math learning and empower children to reach their full potential.
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The Importance of Numeracy: Shalinee Sharma’s Vision for Transforming Math Education
In this insightful conversation on the Passion Struck Podcast, Shalinee Sharma enlightened us on the critical role that numeracy plays in a child’s overall education and future success. Numeracy, or mathematical literacy, is the ability to understand and work with numbers, and it’s as fundamental to daily life as reading and writing. Shalinee argues that, in our increasingly digital and data-driven world, strong numeracy skills are not just beneficial—they are essential.
Shalinee’s approach to numeracy goes beyond the conventional methods of teaching math. She challenges the long-held belief that math proficiency is an innate talent, reserved for a select few. Instead, she asserts that every child can become proficient in math if given the right support and encouragement. This belief is central to her work at Zearn and is a key theme in her book Math Mind: The Simple Path to Loving Math.
During the podcast, Shalinee discussed how numeracy is often undervalued in comparison to literacy. She pointed out that while schools and parents go to great lengths to ensure children can read, the same level of effort is not always applied to their math education. This disparity, according to Shalinee, can have long-term consequences, particularly as the demand for STEM skills continues to rise.
Shalinee also highlighted the importance of creating environments where children are encouraged to persist through challenges in math. Rather than telling a child, “It’s okay, I wasn’t good at math either,” she suggests reframing the conversation to focus on growth and learning. By setting high expectations and providing consistent support, adults can help children build a strong numeracy foundation that will serve them throughout their lives.
In addition to discussing numeracy, Shalinee touched on several other topics crucial to the development of a “math mind.” She emphasized the need for accountability in education, particularly when it comes to math instruction. Shalinee believes that educators and parents must hold themselves to the same standards in math as they do in literacy, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed.
Moreover, Shalinee underscored the significance of math proficiency in the context of our rapidly advancing tech world. As technology becomes more integrated into every aspect of life, from the workplace to daily routines, the ability to understand and work with numbers becomes increasingly vital. Shalinee’s vision is one where every child is equipped with the numeracy skills needed to thrive in this environment.
THANKS, Shalinee Sharma
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RESOURCES FROM THE SHOW WITH SHALINEE SHARMA
Please note that some of the links on this page (books, movies, music, etc.) lead to affiliate programs for which The Passion Struck podcast receives compensation. It’s just one of the ways we keep the lights on around here. Thank you so much for being so supportive!
- Shalinee’s Website
- Shalinee’s Instagram
- Rachel Rodger’s Twitter
- BUY Shalinee’s Book ‘Math Mind: The Simple Path to Loving Math’
- Passion Struck Core Value System: https://passionstruck.com/the-passion-struck-core-belief-system/
- Listen to Passion Struck’s interviews with New York Times bestselling authors Gretchen Rubin and Seth Godin.
- Check out Passion Struck’s Episode Starter Packs on Spotify or Passion Struck starter packs to get started with the podcast.
Watch my solo episode on The 6 Key Steps to Bold Risk-Taking for Personal Growth.
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Catch my interview with Jen Gottlieb on How to Create Your Own Success by Being Seen
Listen to Seth Godin on Why We Need Systems Change to Save the Planet
About Today’s Guest, Shalinee Sharma
Shalinee Sharma is a distinguished education leader, author, and advocate for transformative math education. As the co-founder and Chief Learning Officer of Zearn, Shalinee has dedicated her career to revolutionizing how math is taught and learned in schools. Her innovative approach focuses on making math accessible and engaging for every student, challenging the conventional wisdom that math proficiency is reserved for a select few.
Shalinee’s expertise is encapsulated in her acclaimed book, Math Mind: The Simple Path to Loving Math, where she shares her vision for nurturing a positive and growth-oriented mindset towards mathematics. Her work at Zearn, a leading nonprofit organization, has significantly impacted thousands of students by providing effective, research-based math instruction that supports and enriches their learning journey.
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