The Brain and Mathematics Learning

In this Oxford TEDx talk, Jo Boaler explains why mathematics is so traumatic for many people and shows a different way that people can relate to mathematics. She also shares the latest brain science to show the ways our brains process mathematics, the importance of visual learning and the importance of self belief to our learning and our experiences.  

Fixed vs. Growth Mindset

Over the years, I heard many students say that they are not good in math or are not a "math person."  After negative experiences with math in the previous years, many students are reluctant to try because they truly believe they are not good at math and "cannot do math." Yet, there are some students, who experienced success with math previously, may also refuse to try some math tasks.  However, this is due to their fear of failure, making a mistake (see the Power of Mistakes and Struggle below).  People with a growth mindset believe that their learning and intelligence can grow with time and experience.   According to Carol Dweck, people with a fixed mindset believe that their basic abilities, intelligence, and talents are fixed traits.   In Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset video, two mindsets are compared.  It also gives great visuals.  What is your mindset?  What mindset would you like to have?

The Power of Mistakes and Struggle 

Along with many teachers, I said numerous times that it is good to make mistakes because they are part of a learning process.  We learn from or own mistakes as well as other people's mistakes.  In BBC Radio broadcast, Carol Dweck, a Professor of Psychology at Stanford University states that mistakes makes you smarter.  During the year, I encourage you to take risks, to welcome the productive struggle, to make mistakes and learn from them.  In our class, I will ask you to share your mistakes for your benefit as well as for the rest of the class.  Mistakes are respected because they are invaluable.  They are expected to occur for the learning to take place.  Together we will examine mistakes and correct them.  Albert Einstein stated, "If you never failed, you've never tried anything new."  And he certainly knows something about failing.  So, this year you will be exposed to new concepts and ideas.  Embrace the struggle!

Speed is NOT Important 

In the era of timed standardized tests, students are forced to perform under pressure to the detriment of students with anxiety.  We tend to believe the myth that people who can calculate fast are smart.  However, our world's top mathematicians admit to working slowly and deeply and NOT being fast.  I always say that math is not the kind of game, where who finishes the task first wins.  I prefer for my students to think deeper and slower and to make connections between ideas.  Slow down; it is not a race!

The Importance of Hard Work and Study

In Chapter 8 of his book "Outliers:  The Story of Success,"  Malcolm Gladwell highlights cultural legacies.  He discussed the role the culture can play in "being good in math" due to hard work and perseverance.  Even the people whom we consider geniuses actually worked very hard.  "Einstein did not learn to read until he was nine, and he failed his college entrance exam, but he worked exceptionally hard and had a very positive mindset, celebrating mistakes and persistence."

Self-Assessment and Reflection

Your teachers are asked to self-assess and reflect on their practices, lessons, and strategies every year.  In our class, I expect you to do the same and to reflect on your learning.  

You are not alone! About 20% of people experience it. It is more than just being nervious about math. Maths anxiety is defined as a feeling of tension and apprehension that interferes with maths performance ability, the manipulation of numbers and the solving of mathematical problems in a wide variety of ordinary life and academic situations.