For years, parents and educators have debated whether there is a "natural" difference between boys and girls when it comes to math. A fascinating new study by researchers Sarah Lubienski, Colleen Ganley, and Martha Makowski suggests that while the results are often the same, the strategies used to get there are very different.
Here is what you need to know about how your children approach math—and why it matters for their future.
The "standard" vs. the "bold" approach
The study found that when presented with a math problem, boys and girls tend to take different paths to the solution, even if they both arrive at the correct answer.
- Girls tend to be "compliant": Girls are far more likely to use standard algorithms—the step-by-step methods taught in class (like lining up numbers vertically to add them). They often follow the rules perfectly to please teachers and avoid mistakes.
- Boys tend to be "inventive": Boys are more likely to use mental shortcuts or intuitive strategies. For example, to solve 25 x 9, a boy might think, "25 times 10 is 250, minus 25 is 225," whereas a girl might write out the multiplication equation.
Why does this matter?
At first glance, it seems like the girls are winning. Because they follow instructions and show their work, girls often get better grades in school.
However, the "bold" strategies favored by boys often pay off in the long run:
- Complex problem solving: The mental shortcuts boys practice help them develop "number sense." This makes it easier to tackle complex, unfamiliar problems later in life (like those on the SAT or in STEM careers).
- The compliance trap: By focusing on "doing it right" (compliance) rather than "figuring it out" (innovation), girls may struggle when a problem doesn't fit the standard mold they memorized.
ChildUp tips: How to encourage "bold math" at home
We know that talent is made, not born. The difference in math strategies is likely due to social pressure—girls are often praised for being "good students" who follow rules, while boys are given more freedom to experiment.
Here is how you can help your child (especially your daughter) become a bold problem solver:
- Encourage mental math: When doing simple calculations, ask your child, "Is there a faster way to do this in your head?"
- Praise creativity, not just accuracy: If your child solves a problem in a weird or new way, celebrate it! Say, "That was a clever shortcut!" rather than "That’s not how the teacher showed you."
- Play math games: Use board games or card games where "following the rules" is less important than finding a winning strategy.
- Value mistakes: Remind your child that math is messy. Taking a risk and getting it wrong is better for learning than safely following a recipe every time.
The takeaway: Don't just teach your children to follow the steps. Teach them to play with numbers. A little less compliance and a little more "boldness" can make a big difference in their future success.
Picture: Girls and boys do not solve math problems in the same way (Gemini)
