cover image The Myth of Ability: Nurturing Mathematical Talent in Every Child

The Myth of Ability: Nurturing Mathematical Talent in Every Child

John Mighton. Walker & Company, $14.95 (216pp) ISBN 978-0-8027-7707-2

Parents whose children are struggling with math will welcome this accessible, anecdotal account of a charitable tutoring program called JUMP (Junior Undiscovered Math Prodigies) founded by Canadian author Mighton (A Short History of Night) and currently serving elementary-level students in the Toronto area. Taking an upbeat approach, Mighton argues that we're all born capable of learning anything. In part one, he explains how, as a young playwright in need of extra work, he got involved in math tutoring and was dismayed by traditional teaching methods. Part two of the JUMP approach gives specific problem-solving examples on such topics as fractions, multiplication and division, ratios and percents, and logic. The emphasis is on providing a support system and building the student's confidence and self-esteem. Patience and time are the keys to success, not standardized tests. Though he doesn't belong to the education establishment, Mighton has recently been able to get his program tested in three West Virginia schools. Readers inspired to set up a branch of JUMP in their schools can find more information at www.jumptutoring.org.