Ep. 22 - From Struggle to Success: Building Confidence in Math // Pat Murray

Christy-Faith interviews Pat Murray, a trailblazer in educational innovation, who shares his journey from being a high school math teacher to creator of groundbreaking online math programs. He emphasizes the importance of finding the best way to teach math to engage and help students succeed. Pat's short and concise videos, along with interactive pen-and-paper practice, provide effective instruction. He encourages parents to identify and fill in any gaps in their child's math foundation. Pat's approach focuses on building confidence and achieving success, which can lead to overall happiness and growth in other areas of life. Christy-Faith and Pat discuss math anxiety, the importance of patience and persistence, and the value of knowing times tables. Pat shares his thoughts on the future of artificial intelligence in math education and the need for human connection. Overall, the conversation provides insights and strategies for parents and educators to support math learning. 

Takeaways:  

• 38% of primary school teachers struggle with math themselves, highlighting the need for effective math instruction in homeschooling.
• Short and concise math videos, along with pen-and-paper practice, can help students understand and retain math concepts.
• Identifying and filling in gaps in a child's math foundation is crucial for success in math.
• Building confidence and achieving success in math can lead to overall happiness and growth in other areas of life. Math anxiety is a real issue that many students and even teachers face. Patience, persistence, and a positive attitude are key in overcoming math anxiety.
• Knowing times tables and having automaticity with math facts can boost confidence and problem-solving skills in math.
• Number filling puzzles can be a fun and engaging activity for students to practice math skills.
• Explicit instruction is essential in math education, providing clear and concise teaching that helps students build a solid foundation.
• Artificial intelligence can play a role in math education by providing personalized learning experiences and access to instructional videos.
• Human connection and interpersonal skills are important in a technology-driven world, and parents need to be intentional in fostering these skills in their children.
• CTC Math offers features such as clear teaching videos, automated lesson planning, and celebratory confetti to engage and support students in their math learning.

About today’s guest:
 
Pat Murray, an educational innovator from Sydney, began as a passionate high-school math teacher and has since pioneered globally acclaimed online math programs (CTCMath), that have become integral to homeschooling families worldwide. His programs, with combined sales over $90 million, have empowered both parents and students, making quality math education accessible to all. With over 36 years of marriage and ten children, his family values deeply influence his mission. Pat’s trailblazing spirit inspires a new generation to find joy and success in mathematics, regardless of their classroom's location.
 
 
Find Pat at: 

• CTCMath.com

 
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LINKS & RESOURCES
 
Build A Homeschool That Does Right By Your Kids: https://christy-faith.com/thrive

Find homeschool-friendly service providers (like doctors, educators, and more): https://www.christy-faiths-list.com
 
Take my FREE 5-Minute Homeschool Style Finder: https://christy-faith.com/5-minute-homeschool-style-finder