by Aren Lew<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of my favorite mathematical college memories is of a math test. (Yes, you read that right. I have a cherished memory of a math test.) We had a week-long test my professor called a \u201cpyramid exam.\u201d On Monday, we worked on our own on the test for the whole class period. It was hard!<\/em> My professor let us know that it was much too hard and too much work for us to complete in one class period, so we could do what we could without feeling pressure to finish. I felt free to fully engage with the questions, not worrying about time, knowing this was just my first attempt and that I\u2019d have more time to think later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the end of the class, we handed in our work and took home a fresh copy of the test to work on individually for two days, now using notes and books. On Wednesday, we handed in that work (still not having finished) and got into groups to work together on the test for the next two days. By the time we got to class on Friday, we had it pretty much figured out. On that final day of the test, we discussed the problems as a whole class, and everyone left fully understanding them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The main thing I remember from the whole week is the powerful feeling that came with being challenged, working hard, and having time<\/em> and appropriate support\u2014not to mention the pride and satisfaction from figuring out something that had seemed almost impossible on day one. I came away from the experience with increased confidence about my own problem-solving abilities. (That professor who did the pyramid exam also did a TED Talk that explores what math class can be like free of the pressures that often weigh on it. You can see it here:<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n