The Power of Slowing Down

在这个什么事情都讲求“速度”的年代，我想提醒孩子们学数学要适当地“慢下来”。

偶尔听到家长互相攀比自己的孩子每天花几小时学数学或者做多少竞赛题。我并不觉得做题多做题快就有多好。我反而觉得题目留着慢慢做细细品味更有趣。遇到太简单的题目就跳过，遇到不喜欢或者没啥用的题目先放一放。做题的过程中多注重培养自己的创造力。有一批没做过的题目在手边也是一种财富。

有些孩子会担心自己答题速度不够快。我觉得“慢而准”也很好，或者更好。很多时候慢不是因为速度慢，而是因为考虑问题比较周到全面。这样的孩子往往更擅长解难题和没见过的题目，能看到别人看不到的东西。“快”有可能是熟练或者解题技巧训练的好。我觉得没必要过分强调。能“慢”是一个很好的品质。

薛老师

2023年10月29日

免责声明：我并不总是对的，但希望这些想法能为更深入的讨论提供一个起点。

In this fast-paced world, where speed is often seen as the ultimate measure of success, I want to remind both children and parents that, in math, it’s sometimes better to slow down.

I often hear parents comparing how many hours their children spend solving math problems each day or how quickly they complete competition questions. There’s this assumption that more problems and faster results are always better. But I don’t believe that’s true. The beauty of math isn’t just about getting the answer quickly—it’s about understanding the process, reflecting on the concepts, and enjoying the problem-solving journey.

Taking time to engage with a problem deeply is far more valuable than rushing through a series of questions. If a problem feels too simple, instead of moving on quickly, reflect on why it's easy—what makes it interesting or foundational? If a problem seems unappealing, it’s okay to set it aside for later. Problems left unsolved on your desk are like seeds that will grow into valuable insights when revisited.

Many children worry that they solve problems too slowly compared to their peers. However, "slow and steady" is often more effective. Speed can come from familiarity or practice, but true understanding requires thoughtful consideration. A slower approach often means a deeper, more comprehensive grasp of the material. Kids who take the time to think things through are usually better at tackling unfamiliar or complex problems. They tend to see things others miss because they are thinking more creatively and critically.

Moreover, a focus on speed can create unnecessary pressure. The constant comparison between students’ performances—whether it’s about time spent on tasks or the number of problems solved—can lead to burnout and frustration. Math isn’t a race; it's about developing a personal understanding of concepts and learning at your own pace.

Every child is different. The key to success in math is not how fast you can complete problems but how deeply you engage with the material. Curiosity, patience, and creativity are the true drivers of success. Students should be allowed to learn at their own pace, to lead their learning process, and to shine in their own unique way.

So, let's embrace the power of slowing down. By taking the time to think, reflect, and explore, children can gain a deeper understanding of math, foster creativity, and develop a love of learning that will last a lifetime.

Dr. Xue
Oct 29, 2023

Disclaimer: I’m not always right, but I hope these thoughts provide a solid starting point for insightful discussions.