QuoteProject
But in the new (math) approach, the important thing is to understand what you're doing, rather than to get the right answer.
Tom Lehrer
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Understanding the process is more valuable than simply finding the correct answer.

This quote emphasizes the importance of comprehension over mere correctness in learning, particularly in mathematics. It suggests that a deep understanding of concepts facilitates better problem-solving abilities and fosters a genuine interest in the subject rather than a focus solely on achieving the right results.

Themes

UnderstandingEducationMathLearningProcess

In practice

Example use cases

During a math workshop, a facilitator could use this quote to encourage participants to focus on the concepts instead of just the answers.

More from Tom Lehrer

All books can be indecent books, though recent books are bolder._x000D_ _x000D_ For filth, I'm glad to say, is in the mind of the beholder._x000D_ _x000D_ When correctly viewed, everything is lewd._x000D_ _x000D_ I could tell you things about Peter Pan_x000D_ _x000D_ and the Wizard of OZ, there's a dirty old man!
Tom LehrerRead
You can make fun with Saddam Hussein jokes ... but you can't make fun of, say, the concentration camps. I think my target was not so much evil, but benign stupidity people doing stupid things without realising or, instead, thinking they were doing good.
Tom LehrerRead
Political satire became obsolete when they awarded Henry Kissinger the Nobel Peace Prize.
Tom LehrerRead
You can't be satirical and not be offensive to somebody.
Tom LehrerRead
In my youth there were words you couldn't say in front of a girl; now you can't say 'girl.'
Tom LehrerRead

Similar quotes

Coaching is the great passion of my life, and the job to me has always been an opportunity to work with our student athletes and help them discover what they want.
Pat SummittRead
Take the example of my daughter. A lot of people were speaking out about education when the Taliban were bombing schools in Swat Valley, but Malala's voice was like a crescendo. It spread all around the world. She was the smallest but her voice was the biggest, because she was speaking for herself.
Ziauddin YousafzaiRead
A university is a place where ancient tradition thrives alongside the most revolutionary ideas. Perhaps as no other institution, a university is simultaneously committed to the day before yesterday and the day after tomorrow.
Ronald ReaganRead
Investing in better-quality education outcomes - especially in maths and science - more than pays for itself.
Julia GillardRead
The mission that unites all of the programs of the Teach For All global network is that of cultivating the leadership capacity critical to ultimately ensuring educational opportunity for all.
Wendy KoppRead
Working with children is the easiest part of educating for democracy, because children are still undefeated and have no stake in being prejudiced.
Margaret HalseyRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.