- #31
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ahsanxr said:
Character is who you are when no one is looking... and if you don't know why character is important I suggest you think long and hard on the subject.
Training yourself to think mathematically (or visually)
- Thread starter ampakine
- Start date
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the different cognitive styles of visual and mathematical thinking, particularly in the context of learning and understanding concepts in chemistry and mathematics. Participants share their experiences with these thinking styles and how they affect their ability to grasp complex topics, such as physical chemistry and algebra.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Conceptual clarification
- Debate/contested
- Mathematical reasoning
Main Points Raised
- Some participants identify as visual thinkers and express difficulty in understanding mathematical formulas, particularly in physical chemistry, where they struggle to create mental representations.
- Others share experiences of transitioning from visual thinking to mathematical understanding, suggesting that practice with exercises can help develop intuition for mathematical concepts.
- One participant describes a unique method of processing auditory information by translating spoken words into visual subtitles, which aids their understanding but can be hindered by distractions.
- There are claims that visual thinkers may excel in algebra despite common beliefs that they struggle with it, with some participants noting that their efforts to visualize concepts can lead to deeper understanding over time.
- Several participants discuss the challenges of visualizing complex concepts, such as gradients and vector curls, and how these challenges can lead to breakthroughs in understanding after periods of reflection.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants generally agree on the existence of different thinking styles and their impact on learning. However, there are competing views on the effectiveness of visual versus mathematical thinking, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approaches to bridge these cognitive styles.
Contextual Notes
Participants express uncertainty about the effectiveness of their methods and the limitations of their cognitive styles in different contexts. There is a recognition that personal experiences and preferences play a significant role in how concepts are understood and internalized.