Title: A Mind for Numbers: How to Excel at Math and Science
Author: Barbara Oakley
First published July 1, 2014
336 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780399165245 (ISBN10: 039916524X)
Rating: 4.2
Overview
Are you struggling with math or science? Do you feel intimidated by these subjects and wish you could master them?
Look no further than A Mind for Numbers by Barbara Oakley. As an engineering professor who once struggled with math herself, Oakley offers a unique perspective on how to effectively learn math and science.
Contrary to popular belief, these subjects require both analytical and creative thinking, and there are often multiple ways to solve a problem. In her book, Oakley shares her secrets to mastering math and science, including stepping away from a problem to allow your brain to relax and find a creative solution.
With A Mind for Numbers, you too can excel in these subjects and unlock new career opportunities.
About the Author
Meet Barbara Oakley, PhD, an inspiring woman who has achieved great success in the field of systems engineering. She has a unique set of experiences, having embarked on adventures aboard Soviet fishing boats in the Bering Sea, served as a radio operator in Antarctica, and even risen through the ranks of the U.S. Army to become a captain.
Oakley is a talented writer as well, having chronicled her time on the Russian trawler in her book, Hair of the Dog: Tales from Aboard a Russian Trawler. Today, she is an associate professor of engineering at Oakland University in Michigan and has recently served as vice president of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society.
Her work has been featured in a wide range of publications, from The New York Times to the IEEE Transactions on Nanobioscience.
Editoral Review
A Mind for Numbers: How to Excel at Math and Science by Barbara Oakley is a must-read for anyone seeking to improve their problem-solving abilities. Published in 2014, Oakley provides insight into her own journey of overcoming math and science phobias and offers practical advice on how to learn and apply these subjects.
Oakley is an accomplished figure in the field of engineering, having received her degree through an unconventional channel after serving in the US Army. She is now a professor of engineering, and her personal experiences inform her teaching style and this book.
Summarizing the book’s content, Oakley encourages readers to rethink their approach to math and science, breaking down daunting material into manageable chunks. Throughout the book, she offers various techniques that readers can apply to learn these challenging subjects.
One of the strengths of this book is Oakley’s warm writing style, which is engaging and accessible. She maintains a positive and upbeat tone throughout the book, making it a joy to read.
Another strength is the way she breaks down complex information into bite-sized portions, which can be readily absorbed. Additionally, Oakley is mindful of reader anxiety and provides useful tips for overcoming it, such as using imagery and visualization techniques.
One weakness of A Mind for Numbers is that Oakley’s advice might be too broad or generic for some readers. Also, some may object to Oakley’s focus on science and math, which might not be of interest to everyone.
Overall I would rate this book a 4 out of 5. It is well-written, accessible, and has practical application.
However, some of the advice may not be applicable to everyone. That being said, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking to improve their problem-solving skills.
Whether in the sciences, business, or the creative arts, it is very likely to be a valuable resource.
