The Book For Math Empowerment

"My wish for you is that you will find the courage
to rethink what you have believed
and the choices you have made,
and move aside the barriers that have stood before you.
That you will incorporate into your life
affirmative means for self empowerment."
-- Sandra Manigault

Brief Synopsis

The purpose of The Book for Math Empowerment is to address the issues of math fear and mathematical learning, in a positive and therapeutic manner. Whereas about 1/3 of our population regards math as a necessary evil, little has been done from a psychological standpoint to facilitate learning math. By the use of affirmations, the author, Sandra Manigault, aims to reach the heart of the problem, which is how we think; to change perceptions and consequently, change behavior.

We are what we believe. Our ability to perform is directly proportional to the extent that we see ourselves as capable, empowered individuals. Cutting through much of what society has led us to believe about ourselves is not easy. However, we can accomplish great things with the proper information, guidance, and effort.

The Book for Math Empowerment opens with seven sets of affirmations. These are the opening vehicle toward changing the existing paradigm and bridge the gap between one's real ability and one's level of performance in analytical subjects.

As we get in touch with personal feelings and understand what drives our hidden agendas, we can discover what prevents us from walking the path to success. Chapter two examines some case studies of students who lost their way, outlines how to set priorities intelligently, as well as how to study a difficult subject.

All parents want their children to be successful. However, children cannot succeed without the structure and support of an empowering home environment. Chapter five is written directly to parents who are busy with their own careers yet struggling to raise successful children.

The Book for Math Empowerment is one of the first books to examine the connection between intra-personal intelligence and musical intelligence with mathematical ability. As a musician and mathematics teacher, Sandra Manigault, knows that the skills needed to do math and the skills mastered in learning to play a musical instrument are very closely correlated. She devotes much of chapter six to the music-math connection.

Most of us remember our best teachers and our worst. Chapter seven, addressed specifically to teachers, draws parallels between what a teacher does and how these actions are perceived by struggling students. It also addresses how we as math teachers sometimes imitate the worst of our own experiences.

The beauty of The Book for Math Empowerment is that it is applicable to many disciplines and many age levels. This is very apparent in chapter eight, which explores a new vision for dramatic achievement and dynamic living.

This book is appropriate for college and high school students, as well as adults returning to school after many years. It is invaluable for teachers and parents, and a reading treasure for anyone who has ever been math scared. For the public at large, this book suggests an alternative way to look at the subject of mathematics and get past the notion that only some folks can do it.