Andrew Shin | Mindfulness in Mathematics

I write about Teaching & My Life Long Learning Journey | Founding Math Department Head @billhogarthSS | From Electrical Engineering to 16+ Yrs as a HS Teacher

[Andrew Shin | Mindfulness in Mathematics @Andy_Shin_]

I think I've hindered the development of emotional self-regulation skills.

As their regulation skills got worse, I've had to cater more and more each year.

I'm in the midst of trying to correct this by teaching self-regulation skills this semester.

Let's see how it goes.

[Andrew Shin | Mindfulness in Mathematics @Andy_Shin_]

When facing adversity,
One typical emotional trap is...
Deflation.

It starts with a string of victories.
Then an unexpected setback.
Followed by disappointment.

I see my students' overconfidence,
to the abrupt shift to failure,
and some experience an identity crisis.

[Andrew Shin | Mindfulness in Mathematics @Andy_Shin_]

I have watched myself (and the education system as a whole) become overly focused on students' emotions which has led to:

Reduced Student Responsibility

By consistently catering to students' emotion...

[Andrew Shin | Mindfulness in Mathematics @Andy_Shin_]

I remember feeling prideful of my busy calendar.
I equated a packed agenda with success.
Wow, was I ever wrong.

[Andrew Shin | Mindfulness in Mathematics @Andy_Shin_]

@howie_hua this ladder is a wondrous scaffold, pun intended!

[Andrew Shin | Mindfulness in Mathematics @Andy_Shin_]

This phone ban...
Has been really effective so far at my school.
HUGE difference.

[Andrew Shin | Mindfulness in Mathematics @Andy_Shin_]

@MrsKCoulthard funniest thing...I couldn't figure out what he wrote at the bottom of his venn diagram.

What I read was 1cm....

WHY WOULD HE MEASURE OUT THE VENN DIAGRAM TO BE 1 CM?

CAPS ARE IMPORTANT FOR ACRONYMS AND FOR EXPRESSING IRRITATION! heheheheh

[Andrew Shin | Mindfulness in Mathematics @Andy_Shin_]

I don't have to adopt problems as my own to be an effective listener.

I can empathize or help them navigate without adopting them problem.

It was a good reminder of how I can increase teacher effectiveness.

[Andrew Shin | Mindfulness in Mathematics @Andy_Shin_]

Watching Inside Out 2 had me squirming in my seat as I watched teen awkwardness.

I managed to stop squirming once I told myself that

It's just something that all teens go through...

And if students ask me for help...

[Teacher with Cancer @kate_rackham]

If you’re reading this, it means I have died. But do not cry for me. I have lived my life on my own terms, the way I have wanted to. I joined X because I needed an outlet, what I got was so much more. You made me feel validated in my feelings and much less alone. Thank you ❤️

[Andrew Shin | Mindfulness in Mathematics @Andy_Shin_]

I wonder how student time is spent these days?
I really wonder what their ratio is:

(checking marks on apps + talking about marks)
VS.
(doing work + thinking about academic concepts)

[Andrew Shin | Mindfulness in Mathematics @Andy_Shin_]

It was a display of poor self-regulation.

We've transitioned from a world of the:
Survival of the fittest,
To survival of the focused.

[Andrew Shin | Mindfulness in Mathematics @Andy_Shin_]

Instead of traditional math tests,
I'm interviewing students' math.
During one particular interview,
The students' watch buzzed.
They stopped their thought process,

And checked their watch.

Their inability to say "no" to a notification,
Is a sign of their ability to focus.

[Andrew Shin | Mindfulness in Mathematics @Andy_Shin_]

A fantastic idea.

https://t.co/hFuWEkqBxg

[Val Katayev @ValKatayev]

Don't give your kids an allowance.

Pay them interest instead.

I made a system that naturally instills the power of compounding and makes them understand money. I've used it for many years.

Here's a thread on how it works, my downloadable worksheet, and the results 👇

[Andrew Shin | Mindfulness in Mathematics @Andy_Shin_]

Inspiring.

I can't imagine how much work everyone puts in.

And the depth to which these students attain in their science fair project.

https://t.co/kJwRwNbidq

[Andrew Shin | Mindfulness in Mathematics @Andy_Shin_]

@realJ_Mitchell Spheres...I say the word spheres all the time

[Andrew Shin | Mindfulness in Mathematics @Andy_Shin_]

Brad Pitt as Keith.
Fantastic performance.

[Andrew Shin | Mindfulness in Mathematics @Andy_Shin_]

By prioritizing self-care through informed dietary choices, I’ve unlocked higher levels of energy and clarity— essential tools for anyone aiming to improve both personal and professional life.

[Andrew Shin | Mindfulness in Mathematics @Andy_Shin_]

Last year, I received a wake-up call:

A diagnosis of prediabetes.

I realized I wasn't navigating these waters alone.
1 in 3 American adults are on the same path.

This diagnosis became an unexpected catalyst for change.

It presented a challenge with clear solutions:

[Andrew Shin | Mindfulness in Mathematics @Andy_Shin_]

...diabetes but also extending to cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and cardiovascular issues.

Sharing this experience isn’t about medical advice... it’s illustrating how intertwined our personal habits are with our professional output.