One of the seminal people researching in the area of my driving question is Jo Boaler. Boaler discusses the importance of a positive math mindset in her book, “Mathematical Mindsets: Unleashing Students’ Potential Through Creative Math, Inspiring Messages, and Innovative Teaching.” Jo Boaler has incredible insights into how a positive math mindset empowers students for deeper learning. She discusses equitable strategies which include encouraging students to think deeply about mathematics through hands-on experiences, project-based curriculum, curriculum with real-life applications, and providing opportunities for students to work together. Jo Boaler’s insights support what Carol Dweck says about mindsets.
Carol Dweck is a Stanford psychologist who coined the terms “Growth” and “Fixed” mindsets. She discusses how students with a growth mindset are more willing to work on challenging problems, and stick with that challenge, despite setbacks. This is especially important in math. Sarah Sparks discusses the power of a growth mindset in mathematics. She states how having a positive math mindset not only helps student become more confident in math, it also allows them to prime their brains to think more effectively A positive math mindset is necessary for effective inquiry instruction to take place. Providing students with meaningful questions will give them the opportunities to have deeper levels of discussion. During discussions students can use their positive math mindsets to make discoveries and increase understanding. Increasing each child’s math mindset will make my entire unit of study more effective. Inquiry will lead to greater student understanding, and prepare students to successfully engage in the “4 Cs”: Creativity, Collaboration, Communication, and Critical Thinking.
6 Comments
Tess Giner
10/14/2018 05:56:52 pm
I like the trend toward more positive mindsets in Math. I'm from the generation when we actually had a Barbie that said, "I hate Math." Wow. Good job, Mattel.
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Julie
10/14/2018 06:11:33 pm
Jennifer Jo Boaler is totally an amazing research source I am also using her insight I am excited that she is helping create a math revolution. Are you reading articles that she posts on her youcubed.org sight ? Are you using her lessons in your class ?
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Jennifer Perkins
10/16/2018 08:14:26 pm
Hi Julie! I agree that Jo Boaler is helping create a math revolution! For my driving question, I have been looking on youcubed.org at her "growth mindset" section and have found it very helpful!
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10/15/2018 10:22:10 am
I think having a positive mindset is the most important thing! I think it is half of the battle - if students want to learn and can see the benefits of learning our subject, it makes our job as a teacher so much easier and encourages us to break out and try new activities to keep students motivated. How do we go about ensuring our students have a positive mindset? I have not heard of Jo Boaler but am interested to go & read some of her articles. Hands-on experiences seem to be the way to go, making things relevant to students' everyday lives. I'm trying to do that in my language classes, but sometimes it's really hard to do that all the time especially when teaching grammar. I'd love to hear about activities you have tried that motivated students.
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Caitlin Mitchell
10/15/2018 03:54:01 pm
Hi Jenn!
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Jennifer Perkins
10/16/2018 08:18:13 pm
Hi Caitlin! I am using the growth mindset with my entire class! I am giving my students a pre-test about using a math mindset at beginning of my study, and a post-test at the end.
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