Core Beliefs

At Fairhaven Middle School, and the 6^th Grade Mathematics Department, we believe in developing the whole student.

The following list is a subjective culmination from numerous conversations with teacher, professors, and professionals we’ve had about what it means to be a math learner. These traits of learning are also common threads woven throughout literature pertaining to the learning of mathematics.

Traits of a Mathematics Learner and Powerful Thinker:

· Curious

o Formulating a question is often as difficult as finding a solution

· Tenacious

o When confronted with a difficult question, it is looked at as a challenge to be pursued

· Focused on process not product of learning

o The language of the student focuses on learning the topic, not the grade received.

·Mistakes are valued and viewed as stepping stones to understanding

·Learners reflect on their own mathematical practice

·Gaining individual knowledge is a collective process

o Learners are actively engaged learning cooperatively with the peers and teachers

·Learning is an enjoyable and sustainable process

• For another take on a global purpose of Math in Education. Take a look at the article attached below.