Theme 1: Math is about learning NOT performing

Theme 2:  Math about making sense

Theme 3: Math is filled with conjectures,  creativity and uncertainty

Theme 4:  Mistakes are beautiful things

Source: New Visions for Public Schools

Goals:

• Students identify their own mindset in math and explain that one of the goals of the math course will be learning how to shift to a growth mindset through practice.

• Students build and explain the learning norms in the class, and act in accordance with them to support the idea that everyone can learn math to the highest level.

• Students chunk, change, and connect (or look for structure in) mathematical representations to think like mathematicians and use it to approach problems. Students will be introduced to an instructional routine, Contemplate then Calculate, which can be used throughout the year.

Growth Mindset Activitis & Videos:

• Believe in Yourself

Video (from 2016 YouCubed, Day 3. Duration 02:01). 

• Boosting Messages From "How to Learn Math For Students"

Video about brain plasticity and growth mindset (from YouCubed. Duration 04:15). 

• Brains Grow and Change

Video about brain plasticity (from 2016 YouCubed. Duration 02:45). 

• Growing Your Mind

Video (from Khan Academy) - brain plasticity and growing brain. 

Goals:

• Students explain that math should make sense and ask questions when math does not make sense.

• Students use different methods (visuals) to illustrate how they are “seeing” math.

• Students explain that math takes time because of deep mathematical thinking.

Growth Mindset Activitis & Videos:

• Our Brains Think of Math Visually

This video is about visual pathways and about connections. 

Goals:

• Students make conjectures and convince themselves as well as others as to why a conjecture is true; students offer different approaches when a conjecture is not true.

• Students explain how math can be creative and can give examples of creative math.

Growth Mindset Activitis & Videos:

• Speed is NOT Important 

This video is about drawing to visualize and make connections. 

Goals:

• Students set goals, create a plan, analyze results, and reflect on their learning, adjusting as they work toward meeting their goals.

• Students explain the role mistakes play in learning and growing their brains.

Growth Mindset Activitis & Videos:

• Mistakes are Powerful

This video by Jo Boaler describes the power of making mistakes. 

• Letter to a Future Student

This activity asks students to write a letter to a future student about a time they struggled at something but overcame the obstacles to succeed.