Education Quote by Charles Benoit
““Math. It’s your favorite subject. Which surprises you. Last year your teacher tried to convince you that you had a real “aptitude” for math, but all you got in the end was a B minus. The truth is you weren’t even trying. But then you got low Cs and Ds in all your other classes and you weren’t trying there, either, so maybe you are good at math after all. You like it because either you’re right or you’re wrong. Not like social studies and definitely not like English, where you always have to explain your answers and support your opinions. With math it’s right or it’s wrong and you’re done with it. But even that’s changing, my teacher said now you have to explain how you solved the problem and support your answer, saying that having the right answer isn’t as important as explaining how you got it and bam, just like that, you hate math.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Education Commentary, 2020
Critiques math education that shifts from right‑wrong answers to explanatory reasoning, causing frustration for some students.
In simple terms: Math teaching now demands explanation, not just correct answers.
Key Takeaway
Adapt to new expectations in math learning.
Themes
education
math
assessment
Mood
analytical
concerned
Type
educational
reflective
When to use this quote
- classroom tests
- homework assignments
- standardized exams
Key Concepts
critical thinking
explanatory skills
student motivation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can teachers balance correctness and reasoning?
- What strategies help students explain solutions?
A Different Perspective
Students may feel overwhelmed by added explanatory demands.
![“So you're not going to die, are you?" she [Astor] asked politely. "Not yet," I said. "Not until after you do your homework." She nodded, glanced toward the kitchen, and said, "I hate math." Then she wandered away down the hall, presumably to hate math at closer range.” quote by Jeff Lindsay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/818/jeff-lindsay-1259_mathematics_so-you-re-not-going-to-die-are-you-she-a_1012319.jpg)
