Math & Mindsets

Why is mathematics such a polarizing subject? Why is it acceptable to dislike math and be open about it? It is very rare that someone would admit to disliking reading or brag about not being good at it. This bravado is a deflection or a shield. If one states they are terrible at math, then they can’t be judged if asked to do it on demand. (Lindsay Sirois, Math and Mindsets article)

As adults, we have a powerful impact on students’ attitudes and achievement, and yet there is an open admission at times of fearing mathematics. Many researchers are investigating this phenomenon. The consensus is that a closed or fixed mindset is an important element of the problem. People who have a fixed mindset believe they fail at tasks or make mistakes because they just aren’t smart enough. This may develop traits such as avoidance of challenges, problem solving evasion and lack of perseverance.

The data below show the mindsets of our students towards mathematics, through the survey questions that were asked and collected through our EQAO data over the last years.

We have great things to celebrate. Our results are very close to those of the province, in some cases even better. However, we still have work to do. We want our students to view mathematics as important – to like it! and feel they are capable of working on difficult questions.

So, what can we do to support our students? Let’s continue to work at creating positive mindsets around mathematics. Math is exciting and frustrating and challenging. We need it to be all of those things and more. We want our students to learn to love math and persist in the face of wrong answers. Adopting a growth mindset is essential.

Future employment is at jeopardy for our young minds who don’t believe they are capable of taking prerequisite courses to enter their field of interest. If students hate and fear math – they end up leaving school without an understanding of basic mathematical concepts. This evasion hinders math-related pathways, and many career opportunities.

By providing our students with a balanced numeracy program that supports understanding and promotes factual fluency and perseverance, we are building our students’ beliefs that they are able to be successful in math.

We are all leaders providing quality education in our school communities and need to continue to ensure we are consistently portraying a positive attitude around math.

Check YOUR mathematical mindset.

“It is only natural for me to want them to be successful, but by merely telling them the answers, doing things for them, or showing them shortcuts, I relieve students of their responsibilities and deprive them of the opportunity to make sense of the mathematics they are learning.” (Author Unknown)