>[Side thought: It seems pretty clear that it is extremely hard to turn a
>math-negative teacher into a math-positive teacher. (I know of no
>examples.) Is it any easier to do it for adult students?]
It is possible for math-negative people to become math-positive people (of
any age). It is my pleasure to have witnessed this. This statement,
however, reminded me of an old joke.
How many psychiatrists does it take to change a lightbulb?
Only one - but the lightbulb has to want to change.
I hope I didn't offend any pshychiatrists, but the point is that good
experiences can help math-negative people change their minds, however, the
math-negative person has to put himself or herself in a position to find
the good experience and have an open mind.
Murphy
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Murphy Waggoner
Department of Mathematics
Simpson College
701 North C Street
Indianola IA 50125
waggoner@storm.simpson.edu
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