Josh Blackburn, CEO of online tutoring company TLC LIVE, discusses how we can use mathematics as a tool for growth and inclusivity
Mathematics is more than a subject confined to classrooms; it’s a universal language that provides a unique lens through which we can better understand the world’s intricate systems, from technology to societal structures. In this article, I discuss how we can use maths as a tool for growth and inclusivity.
Imagine a society where maths isn’t just taught in schools but embraced as a key part of critical thinking, innovation, and decision-making. In this envisaged world, mathematical literacy would be as valued as our understanding of the written language, empowering individuals to analyse complex problems, make informed choices, and drive progress across all sectors. However, we are not yet at this ideal state.
Misconceptions about mathematics being too hard or only for “gifted” individuals persist, creating barriers to widespread engagement. On top of that, traditional education systems often fail to show how maths relates to the real world.
Maths has the power to foster human growth and offer solutions to some of the most pressing global issues we face today. From developing models for environmental sustainability to advancing cutting-edge technologies, maths principles support countless innovations that shape our world. Recognising and celebrating maths can spark future breakthroughs and help grow a new problem-solver generation.
Setting priorities
We need to focus on a few key areas to improve the understanding and appreciation of maths in society. These include:
- Making the basics more engaging
- The foundation of maths literacy is ensuring that core concepts are accessible and engaging for learners of all abilities. Reframing maths as something approachable and relevant rather than out of reach or disconnected from everyday life is critical.
- Connecting maths to real life
- To appreciate the power of maths, we must bridge the gap between abstract mathematical ideas and their practical applications. For instance, highlighting examples of maths being used in climate modelling, financial forecasting, healthcare innovation, and AI can demonstrate its real-world relevance. By illustrating how maths helps to build careers and create new ones, we can emphasise its broader impact on the economy.
- Recognising how maths shapes society
- It’s important to see maths not just as a tool for technology, but as a way to better understand inequality, policy-making, and how society works. Promoting maths literacy as a key component of civic engagement and informed citizenship can help create a society that is more comfortable with numbers.
Mathematics in the everyday
Maths provides a robust framework that enables us to interpret and navigate the complexities of our modern world. It allows us to make sense of vast amounts of data and tackle systemic challenges that would otherwise be overwhelming.
By applying maths principles, we can develop predictive models that forecast everything from weather patterns to economic trends through employing mathematical principles. These models help optimise transportation networks and resource allocation in urban planning, leading to more efficient and liveable cities.
Resource management benefits from maths algorithms that balance competing needs and constraints, ensuring sustainable use of resources. Furthermore, sustainable innovation often relies on maths optimisation to create more energy-efficient technologies and processes.
All these examples show how maths continues to shape and support everyday life. To harness the true power of maths, we must make it engaging beyond the confines of the classroom. Addressing issues of maths anxiety in young people is the first step towards improving outcomes.
Tutors can achieve this by creating supportive and positive learning environments, emphasising the process over “perfect” answers, and highlighting the growth mindset in mathematical thinking. Strategies can include developing interactive learning tools that allow users to experiment with mathematical concepts in dynamic, visual environments that reflect real world situations we find ourselves in.
Math inclusivity potential
To maximise the full potential of mathematics, we need to focus on inclusivity- removing barriers to access and using technology to widen educational opportunities. Celebrating the achievements of individuals like Dr Nira Chamberlain, the first Black mathematician to feature in the UK’s Who’s Who can inspire future generations and create a more welcoming environment.
A more inclusive approach to maths brings fresh perspectives to the table- something that’s essential for addressing global challenges across multiple fields. Encouraging diversity in the maths community strengthens the field and ensures its benefits are available to everyone, helping us all to better understand and shape the world.
A force for progress
As we look to the future, we must recognise the beauty and importance of maths in all aspects of life. But this isn’t enough on its own- we need to take action by investing in better maths education, encouraging collaboration across different fields, and making sure
diversity is valued within the industry.
By doing so, we unlock the full potential of maths to serve as a universal tool to help tackle some of the biggest challenges humanity faces.
