Learning
🙂
I outlined some preliminary topics for setting up my mnemonic language and wrote some notes on my rationale for the project. The key argument is that learning a consistent vocabulary and rule set for the system would keep me from having to slow down and make them up on the fly as I’m using it. Here’s a similar sentiment about shorthand. This week I’ll continue my setup notes.
Math
😎
In Math-ish Jo Boaler makes an inspiring case for teaching students multiple ways to understand math, what she terms “math diversity.” “Math-ish” is her learner-friendly term for estimating, which she views as a key everyday math skill and a way to relieve some math anxiety. I was especially interested in her criticism of the idea that “there’s a hierarchy of sophistication where you start out with visual and physical representations and then build up to the symbolic,” and though the book only touches briefly on a visual approach to later math, it points to other sources I can look into, such as the calculus resources on her website. I was also intrigued by her focus on the central prerequisites for college math (arithmetic, data analysis, and linear equations) and her related work on California’s math standards.
Productivity
😌
Getting more sleep was such a benefit that I decided to try giving myself a weekly day off from evening productivity for an early bedtime. It’s going to take some experimenting to figure out how to make it happen.
Nature
😎
Monday I had a fascinating time at the park down the street from work. The water level had risen a bit, and taking a closer look at the creek showed me a bunch of strange little creatures. I also got a better look at the carp I dimly see all over the place, and I found some barn swallows nesting under one of the bridges.
