638. MENTAL MATH AND AUTOMATICITY

638. MENTAL MATH AND AUTOMATICITY

Author: Amy Seeley & Mike Bergin April 8, 2025 Duration: 25:25

Mental math trains working memory, boosts confidence, supports faster problem-solving, enhances number sense, and facilitates everyday calculations. So why do so many teachers deemphasize this valuable academic and life skill? Amy and Mike invited educator Mike McGibbon to explore the value of mental math and automaticity.

What are five things you will learn in this episode?

  1. Why do you need mental math if you have a calculator?

  2. What does automaticity mean and why is it important?

  3. What are some examples of higher-level problem types that depend upon automatic math skills?

  4. What is math debt?

  5. Why is mental math important in everyday life?

MEET OUR GUEST

Mike McGibbon started tutoring at Kaplan while he was a student at UC Berkeley. After graduating in 2002, he moved to NYC to study music and play the trumpet professionally.

During this time, Mike also worked for several NYC tutoring agencies, and eventually transitioned to a full-time tutoring career. He now runs his own solo tutoring practice, focusing on the ACT, SAT, and ISEE. He is also CEO and co-founder of Mathchops.com  and Grammarchops.com, adaptive math and grammar practice tools.

Today, Mike teaches in Westchester County, where he lives with his wife and three kids. He also provides free advice through articles and videos on www.nyctestprepadvice.com and the Mathchops YouTube channel.

Mike previously appeared on this podcast in episode 165 to discuss Differences Between SAT and ACT Math, episode 372 to explain Making Learning Science Work For You, episode 332 for a SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: Mathchops, episode 480 to discuss How Standardization Can Benefit Education, and in episode 532 to discuss All About Digital SAT Math.

Mike can be reached at mike@mathchops.com.

LINKS

The Top Six Reasons Why Mental Math is Important and Useful

Math Debt

RELATED EPISODES

MATHEMATICAL MATURITY & TEST SUCCESS

HIGH IMPACT STRATEGIES TO HELP STUDENTS SUCCEED IN MATH

HOW TESTS AID MEMORY

ABOUT THIS PODCAST

Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page.

ABOUT YOUR HOSTS

Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.


Navigating the complex world of college admissions can feel like a maze with ever-shifting walls. Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast, hosted by Amy Seeley and Mike Bergin, serves as a reliable guide through that maze. Instead of generic advice, their conversations delve into the nuanced realities of testing, admissions strategies, learning differences, and broader educational trends. They bring in leading experts to provide depth and clarity on the issues that matter most right now. Whether you're a parent trying to support your student, a counselor shaping guidance, or an educator within the system, this podcast offers substantive discussion that goes beyond the surface. Each episode aims to demystify the process, offering practical insights and thoughtful analysis. You'll hear honest talk about standardized tests, application essays, financial aid, and the many factors that shape decisions on both sides of the admissions desk. For anyone invested in understanding the journey to higher education-from students to consultants-this is a vital resource. Tune in for a consistently informative and straightforward take on an industry that affects so many futures.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast
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