Introduction
Mathematics is often remembered as one of the most difficult subjects in school. For some students, the difficulty begins with a single concept. For others, unanswered questions and confusion can gradually turn into a fear of the subject.
But can that relationship change?
In Episode 021 of The Socialens Talks, Dr. Shalley Gupta shares her personal journey with mathematics—from being afraid of the subject during her school years to developing a deep interest in it and eventually building a professional career in mathematics and teaching.
In conversation with host Soumya Baniwal, Dr. Shalley discusses mathematics, education, teachers, learning, logical thinking, relationships, friendship, self-love, forgiveness and music.
Her story offers an interesting perspective on how the right guidance, questions and learning environment can change the way a person sees a subject.
From Fear of Mathematics to a Passion for Learning
Dr. Shalley recalls that mathematics was not her favourite subject during her school years. She enjoyed subjects such as Hindi, English and Sanskrit, while mathematics was something she found difficult and intimidating.
Her relationship with the subject gradually changed after Class 10.
As her academic journey progressed, she became more serious about her studies. She completed her Class 12 education in Shahjahanpur, followed by a B.Sc. in PCM, and later pursued her Master’s and PhD from Banasthali Vidyapith.
What began as a subject she once feared eventually became an important part of her professional identity.
Does Gender Have Anything to Do With Mathematics?
The conversation also explores the belief that women are naturally less capable in mathematics.
Dr. Shalley describes this idea as a myth.
According to her perspective, mathematics does not belong to one gender. When a student struggles with a concept, the difficulty may sometimes come from the way the concept has been explained or understood.
This puts the focus on learning experiences, guidance and teaching rather than assumptions about ability.
Why Do Students Develop a Fear of Maths?
Fear of mathematics can develop gradually.
A student may have one unanswered question but hesitate to ask it. Later, another concept may depend on the first one. As unanswered questions accumulate, the student can begin to feel that mathematics is simply too difficult.
Dr. Shalley believes students should feel comfortable asking questions.
A classroom where students can openly say that they do not understand something can help prevent small doubts from becoming larger learning gaps.
The Role of a Teacher in Building Confidence
Teachers can have an important influence on how students experience a subject.
Dr. Shalley talks about the teachers and family members who influenced her own learning journey. Her mother was also in the teaching profession, while her elder siblings helped teach her during childhood.
These experiences shaped her understanding of education.
For her, students should be able to approach teachers and ask questions without hesitation. At the same time, students also need to learn from their mistakes and take responsibility for their learning.
Mathematics Is More Than Numbers
One of the interesting ideas discussed during the conversation is that mathematics exists beyond textbooks and examinations.
Dr. Shalley talks about patterns found in everyday life and nature, including symmetry, flowers, leaves and the golden ratio.
She also connects mathematics with everyday activities such as measurements and cooking.
This perspective presents mathematics not simply as a school subject, but as something that can be observed in the world around us.
Different Ways of Solving a Problem
Mathematics is often associated with formulas, examinations and marks.
But learning mathematics can also involve exploration.
Dr. Shalley discusses the importance of approaching problems in different ways rather than becoming fixed on a single method.
The process of solving a mathematical problem can involve thinking, analysing and exploring possibilities.
For students, this can make mathematics more practical and interesting.
Mathematics and Logical Thinking
The conversation also looks at the relationship between mathematics and logical thinking.
Dr. Shalley explains that mathematics is not simply about getting good marks. Mathematical thinking can also influence the way a person approaches situations and decisions in everyday life.
This makes learning mathematics relevant beyond the classroom.
From University Teaching to International Schools in Jakarta
Dr. Shalley’s professional journey took another direction when she moved to Jakarta with her husband.
The language environment initially made it difficult for her to enter a university teaching position.
She eventually explored teaching in international schools, which introduced her to working with school students.
This became another important stage in her professional journey and changed her understanding of teaching.
Understanding That Every Student Learns Differently
Teaching students from different backgrounds also brought new experiences.
Dr. Shalley explains that students may not all learn mathematics in the same way.
She uses trial classes as one way of understanding whether a student is able to engage with her teaching approach and whether that approach is suitable for the learner.
The larger lesson is that teaching does not necessarily have to follow one method for every student.
Understanding the learner can be an important part of effective teaching.
Can Mathematics Explain Human Relationships?
The conversation takes an interesting turn when mathematics and relationships are discussed.
Dr. Shalley explains that relationships cannot simply be reduced to mathematical formulas because human emotions are involved.
Two people can experience the same situation but respond differently.
Mathematics can help us understand patterns, but relationships are influenced by emotions, experiences and individual perspectives.
Freedom of Expression and Communication
Another topic discussed during the conversation is freedom of expression.
Dr. Shalley talks about how people may sometimes find it difficult to express themselves openly, even within close relationships.
Being able to communicate honestly can help people feel lighter and better understood.
The conversation also highlights the importance of understanding not only what to communicate, but also how and when to communicate.
Self-Love, Forgiveness and Moving Forward
The discussion also touches on self-love and forgiveness.
Dr. Shalley speaks about creating a positive environment around yourself and learning to love yourself.
She also discusses forgiveness and the importance of not carrying unnecessary emotional burdens for too long.
From this perspective, forgiveness is not only about another person. It can also be about allowing yourself to move forward.
What Makes a Real Friend?
For Dr. Shalley, genuine friendship is connected with honesty.
A real friend may appreciate you when you do something right, but should also be able to tell you when you are wrong.
Constant agreement is not necessarily the same as genuine friendship.
She also points out that meaningful friendships can survive periods without regular communication. A genuine friendship does not always depend on speaking every day.
Advice for the Younger Generation
When asked what advice she would give to young people, Dr. Shalley returns to mathematics.
Her message is simple: do not decide that you hate mathematics without giving yourself an opportunity to understand it.
Sometimes the difficulty may not be the subject itself. It may be that the learner has not yet found the right mentor or an explanation that makes sense to them.
Music: Another Important Part of Her Life
Mathematics is not the only important interest in Dr. Shalley’s life.
Music has been part of her journey since childhood. She recalls that her parents encouraged her singing and that she received musical training.
She pursued Hindustani classical music and completed Prabhakar-level studies.
She also shares how music continued to remain an important part of her life alongside mathematics and teaching.
Her experiences show that professional identity does not always have to be limited to one interest.
What We Can Learn From Dr. Shalley Gupta’s Journey
Dr. Shalley Gupta’s conversation offers several reflections on education and learning:
- A subject that seems difficult can become interesting with the right guidance.
- Students should feel comfortable asking questions.
- Small doubts should be addressed before they become larger learning gaps.
- Teachers can influence how students experience a subject.
- Different students may need different approaches to learning.
- Mathematics can be connected with everyday life.
- Learning is not always a straight or predictable journey.
- Interests such as music and education can exist alongside each other.
Final Thoughts
The conversation with Dr. Shalley Gupta begins with mathematics but gradually becomes a broader discussion about education, teachers, relationships, communication, friendship, forgiveness and personal interests.
Her journey is particularly interesting because mathematics was once a subject she feared, yet it eventually became an important part of her identity as an educator.
The conversation also highlights the value of asking questions and finding the right guidance when something does not make sense.
Perhaps the simplest takeaway is this:
Do not decide that you are bad at something before giving yourself the opportunity to understand it.
Sometimes the right question, the right explanation and the right teacher can change the way we look at learning.
About The Conversation
This article is based on Episode 021 of The Socialens Talks, featuring Dr. Shalley Gupta in conversation with Soumya Baniwal.
Watch the full conversation on YouTube and explore the complete discussion on mathematics, education, teaching, relationships, friendship and music.
Listen to the conversation on Spotify.