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The Relationship between IQ, Emotional Quotient, Self-control Quotient and Mathematics.

Q1 : Are IQ and Mathematics a good leading indicator (predictor) for success in life? A1 : There is no proven relationship between IQ and success. Anecdotal research shows Emotional Quotient EQ to be a better indicator in ADULTS. The ONLY PROVEN (50+ years) predictor in 4/5-year-olds is SELF CONTROL. This is based on the MARSH MELLOW test. Some researchers have coined this the SCQ.   There is a strong correlation between high SCQ and success in work, marriage, health, sport, relationships, etc. It is debatable whether this correlation is indeed CAUSATION. Perhaps it is an ESSENTIAL condition and NOT a SUFFICIENT condition.   Q2 : Is there a relationship between IQ and SCQ? Does high IQ come with high SCQ? Does high SCQ also mean high IQ? A2 : There is no proven causal relationship.   Q3 : Is it possible that Mathematics can strengthen SCQ? A3 : Mathematicians apply defined rules in a disciplined way to solve problems. This demands a high level of Self-Control in the a

Research and Results to find a better way of teaching Mathematics

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We talked about the brain and mathematics and our present performance in the teaching of mathematics.  This week we talk about research. More specifically the RESEARCH PROJECTS that started formally in 2000. Projects: All projects have a start and an end. They are ONCE OFF activities. It is ESSENTIAL to define the OBJECTIVE of the project BEFORE starting: It MUST be defined in MEASURABLE OUTCOMES. Most projects concentrate on activities but are short of MEASURABLE OUTCOMES. Name of the project: SYFERFLUKS! Freely translated it means: Being diligent with numbers. Perhaps DILIGENT DIGITS is an appropriate translation. Eventually, it morphed into Towermaths. But that is only in 2014. The Measurable Outcome of the Syferfluks project is defined as: To have improved grade R and Grade 1 results in mathematics in at least two major Quintile 1 schools such that 80% of learners score 80% or more in the tests of the department of Education. Mathematics is NOT like other subjects.

Mathematics - Doing the right things

Albert Einstein is widely credited with saying, " The definition of insanity is doing the same thing  over and over again, but expecting different results ."   ·          Mathematics is the single most promising means of BUILDING the BRAIN and thus improving future EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES.   ·         The words MATHEMATICS and ALGEBRA creates a sense of MISTERY and EXCLUSIVENESS in many people. Probably the MOST FREQUENT PUBLIC COMMENT is: Mathematics is NOT FOR ME. Don’t ask me. I never was any good at Mathematics.   1.     The PRESENT way of TEACHING MATHEMATICS is :   ·         Outdated . Our PRESENT NUMBER CHART dates back to 1650. We still teach our foundation phase learners that the DECIMAL system consists of numbers 1-10. We still teach them that 0 is ‘nothing’. We still teach them to ‘count’ with their fingers instead of their brains. ALL present learning is ‘root’ learning which is memory-based with NO understanding (picture/pattern). ·        Unsuccessful: Statisti

Play and Failing forward in learning Mathematics

  Play The most productive way to LEARN is through PLAY. The attention span of a pre-school and Foundation Phase learner involved in ROOT learning is 10 min. The attention span of pre-school learner involved in PLAY learning is HOURS. Failing Forward Much (most) of LEARNING is through FAILING with IMMEDIATE FEEDBACK. Learning to walk is the best example. If you and I had been spanked every time we failed to walk (fall) we would NEVER have LEARNED to walk. Failing Forward should not be confused with BUMBLING BACKWARDS. The key to FAILING FORWARD is IMMEDIATE FEEDBACK. Just think of only finding out that your ball was hit outside the line an hour AFTER you played the shot. Obviously, you can not learn to play tennis this way. BUT this is what we do when learning MATHEMATICS. In Afrikaans, praat ons van Slim Gesukkel.   Mathematics is the single most important skill for future employment opportunities. ALL normal FOUNDATION PHASE learners can ENJOY learning mathematics and S

POOGI

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Once   Dr. Goldratt , the founder of the   Theory of Constraints , was challenged by an aggressive reporter to " summarize TOC in a single sentence ." Eli replied: " never mind a sentence, I'll explain in one single word: FOCUS! " Eli's   Five Focusing Steps , also known as the   Process of On-Going Improvement   or POOGI for short, serve as guideposts for driving on-going improvement. https://www.tocinstitute.org/ https://www.toc-goldratt.com/en/product/TOC-Insights

Epi-Genetics and Attention filter of the brain

  Our DNA and our GENES are always in the news. A quick look at the role that technology plays in new knowledge. We have seen that BRAIN SCANS have shown us that we did not know what we did not know. In 2001 it took 15 years and 100M$ to plot the human genome. In 2020 it takes 3 hours and $300 to do it. It is of interest that the genome is a DIGITAL system.   In the popular press, we are daily reminded that we are products of our GENES. Only 2% of our DNA produces the proteins that make up our bodies. Up to 2005, it was generally accepted that the remaining 98% are JUNK DNA that serves no purpose.   In 2008 the term Epi-genetics was coined. It REDEFINED our knowledge of GENETICS. (i)          You are NOT the victim of your genes. (ii)         Junk DNA serves to influence the way your DNA is expressing itself. Your THINKING can INFLUENCE the way your DNA expresses itself. (iii)         Acquired skills and knowledge can be (and are) passed on to the next generations. (iv)  

Neuro Plasticity

  Each person exists of about 600 billion cells that are built out of 100 000 different proteins. STEM cells are the WAREHOUSE that holds the content of EVERY one of the different cells that make up our body-functions like liver, heart, bones, kidneys, and the BRAIN. The act of THINKING transforms STEM cells into BRAIN cells called NEURONS. There are two stages of neuron growth: * Infant to individual neurons. This stage takes 20 days.    This represents working and short-term memory.    Unless these NEURONS are continuously ACTIVATED by the ACTION    of THINKING they DIE.   * Individual neurons to Network-neurons that are fully INTEGRATED   into the PRESENT NEURON NETWORK. This represents    PERMANENT or UNCONCIOUS (AUTOMATIC or PROGRAMMED)    MEMORY.   Driving your car happens AUTOMATICALLY unless something   unforeseen (unusual) happens. Like a dog running in front of the car.   ACTION is part of THINKING and LEARNING. Think of learning to play tennis o