Math Wars

Learning mathematics should be considered first as a need of human development rather than a competition.

Are math contests necessary? Yes, no doubt! It can of course help capable students involve in mathematical field and get exposed to different topics in mathematics.

But are math contests good for everyone? Highly doubtable. For those who get frustrated in the abstract and hard-to-understand mathematics, mathematics becomes the last item they are willing to stay with. Although they are dealing with math everyday, they believe they are incapable in mathematics and thus hate math.

I learnt Olympic mathematics when I was young. I have to say I like the knowledge and of course the rewards won from contests. But behind me there are many students who failed in the tests. It is unfair to categorize me as "capable of math" and call them "math stupid" because I clearly understand there are things in math that I am not capable of and there are mathematical things these fellows are good at in their everyday practices.

Then as a teacher, what should I do? I would like to make my students feel two things. First, interests are of the top priority; second, competition are not necessary. For the second one, I would like to eliminate as much as possible any forms of competition: speed, right/wrong, score, etc.