Willingness to Learn
A student's disposition, or attitude, toward math is integral to his or her success. The willingness to learn is demonstrated in a learner's confidence and in the ability to explore alternatives and multiple ways of solving problems. However, this willingness goes beyond knowledge or ability, but is supported through a learner's tendency to reflect on his or her own thinking and in the guidance students receive along the way from caring adults and educators.
Dr. Carol Dweck's theory of a growth mindset speaks to the attitudes and beliefs students bring to their learning. For example, a student who lacks the confidence or the belief that he or she is a "good" math student from a young age might be far more reluctant to put in effort, practice with persistence, or take risks along the way.