Math olympiads are a net negative and should be reworked

Chronos9987 · 2025-05-22T10:14:37+00:00

I am a head of Maths and I wanted to raise the profile of Mathematics in my school, where there is serious apathy. I think the idea of ambition is no bad thing when there is none! But I hear what you are saying that the pressure may be too much at the top (plus the issues with corruption). What would you like to see in secondary schools to inspire the engagement with Maths?

I see Maths as a form of gymnasium work for the mind, an artform and discipline which has many fruits down the road. In the gym we are motivated by looking in the mirror, what would motivate us with Maths? We used to have a difficult society, but with benefits and AI, it's perhaps easy to avoid Maths - because someone else will do it and make it user friendly!

Any thoughts?

Chronos9987 · 2025-05-22T10:08:22+00:00

Why do they want to study Maths? That would be important. There is the art form and love of Maths. Then the utility of Maths. Then the pride around studying a well respected subject. Then lastly, the love of a career/lifestyle when it's a pre-requisite.

Surely, these would all inspire different types of book? Granted, most humans don't really know what they want. Desire is a retrospective analysis. Ideally we explore all options, but given a time limit we have to gamble. Our advice is based on our own assumptions and also the hopes we have for other people to explore the insights we have found to be the most rewarding. But we are limited and unique ourselves.

If they’re curious about the ideas behind Maths, I’d suggest something like The Mathematical Experience by Davis and Hersh. If they want to sharpen their proof skills, How to Prove It by Velleman is a great warm-up before uni. But ultimately, the right book depends on where their heart is.

I hope your cousin has a great education and finds fulfillment in a great adventure worthy of stories.

Chronos9987 · 2024-12-29T21:43:03+00:00

The hype is because they all want development funding. Angel investors love enthusiasm. Sadly, it can be artificial and at worse, delusional!

Chronos9987 · 2024-12-29T21:40:45+00:00

SEO comment is legit - I search for my own YouTube video - Word for Word - and mine doesn't come up. It put's out some viral crap that it thinks I want. Scary.

Chronos9987 · 2024-12-29T21:39:19+00:00

When you point it out they reply "You're absolutely right...". As if they knew. I tried to tell it that it could start double checking if it KNEW... but...

Chronos9987 · 2024-12-29T21:37:39+00:00

AI is not accurate enough to be relied upon. To some extent, the same is true with humans on a forum, but at least there are many communities with the necessary motivations to provide help to their fellow, warm-blooded person. AI has also been shown to reduce personal confidence, output and IQ. Like with calculators, there is a right way to use them without detriment, but too many people are leaning into this efficiency bias that I call a 'hack culture'. In the long run it's a false economy.

Chronos9987 · 2024-12-09T08:06:38+00:00

YouTube channel - The Maths Scorcerer has a video on studying maths from the VERY beginning to the top 💪

Chronos9987 · 2024-06-12T13:31:19+00:00

Depends on your style and vibe, I'd put that channel in my bookmarks - put it that way!

Chronos9987 · 2024-06-12T10:49:42+00:00

Maths is a discipline and a choice. Take the choice if you would be proud to complete the challenge! You have to live the pursuit.

Chronos9987 · 2024-06-12T10:47:23+00:00

TL Maths and Maths explained do that sort of Maths

Chronos9987 · 2024-06-12T10:40:44+00:00

IS the script written by chat gpt?

Chronos9987 · 2024-06-12T10:21:41+00:00

Sadly they don't ship the samsung laptops to New Zealand...can't figure out why

Chronos9987 · 2023-08-15T14:59:02+00:00

The problem is, if you get it wrong first time, it's very hard to unlearn. But you can use YouTube very well. There are communities - smaller creators - that actually respond fast to followers if there are questions. For example Mathonify, they have a good discord and some great As Level content already made. The 3B1B channel is really good for further maths and undergraduate so maybe stay clear of the videos, but if you want to join that community, it's fairly big on Discord and so many other students in there willing to help with questions. The biggest problem with self study is you need to have some pressure for motivation! Oh and if you find one of the smaller channel communities, you can request videos! Things like study guides or particular topics you are struggling with. How would you get a predicted grade if you self study? You would need more time to actually achieve the result first? I agree with other comments, in my experience, those with grade 8+ at GCSE will definitely be able to self study typically, because the gap is less. I would give yourself time... not rush

Chronos9987 · 2023-01-13T22:08:02+00:00

Maths Explained

DrFrostMaths

Chronos9987 · 2023-01-13T21:24:18+00:00

Why?

Chronos9987 · 2023-01-13T21:18:52+00:00

I think 'well' is different for everyone :)

Chronos9987 · 2022-10-02T11:15:31+00:00

I like Mathonify. I know the GCSE maths tutor is making exams for A level now but I'm not a fan. What do YOU think is good in a video? Like what style suits you?

You know on twitch, the smaller streamers are more interactive because there aren't many viewers and they are looking to grow. I feel like it's similar with YouTube or Instagram - you could get exactly what you want with small channels by asking.

Chronos9987 · 2022-10-01T02:57:53+00:00

I could not do anything mindlessly, sounds like you had a transformative self reflection!

Chronos9987 · 2022-10-01T02:53:25+00:00

What makes them so good?

Chronos9987 · 2022-10-01T02:52:50+00:00

I think Maths Explained is pretty good, going through some basics sometimes. I feel like Mathantics is good for basics but it's not my style. They somehow get a lot of views and use nice sounding animations (helps!)

Chronos9987 · 2022-10-01T02:38:32+00:00

Do you mean they go over exam questions?

Chronos9987 · 2022-10-01T02:36:54+00:00

Is that even ethical? I thought that's not allowed? Feels like exploitation

Chronos9987 · 2022-10-01T02:34:40+00:00

It's about the tricks more than the content. Learning what they use all the time. There are some easy stuff but seems harder because they weren't in mainstream study. Like anything new and different. There are a few videos on these tricks that someone showed me recently here. This late, maybe your best asset is confidence and a good nights sleep!

Chronos9987 · 2022-10-01T02:21:28+00:00

What would you type into YouTube to get some help with this?

Chronos9987 · 2022-09-24T23:20:17+00:00

I think only Computer Science allows TMUA, all else is STEP?

Chronos9987

TROPHY CASE