Math Mindset

Some of our math students may carry a lot of negative feelings towards math when they arrive in our classrooms. What can we do to help develop a more positive math mindset with our students? This section highlights a variety of strategies used by our Quebec Continuing Education math teachers.

Modelling a Growth Mindset in math

Learn how Marieve Gagné, a teacher at ACCESS (Riverside School Board), models a positive math mindset with each new group of her adult math students.

Marieve is also featured in Chapter 3 of Jo Boaler's newest book, "Limitless Mind" (see pages 86-91)!

Download a printable copy in either PDF or Google Doc

Student and Teacher Communication Sheets

Marieve Gagné (Riverside School Board) uses student/teacher communication sheets to check-in with her students throughout the semester. The purpose is to see if they are feeling successful or overwhelmed. This allows her to provide "just-in-time" feedback and intervene when necessary.

Setting small goals to motivate students

Learn how Julie Vallée, an individualized math teacher at New Horizons (ETSB) sets small goals with her students to help them feel success and tackle more complex problems.

Growth Mindset Activities from Understood.org

Here you can find a variety of growth mindset building resources to use in your classroom.

Jo Boaler Resources

Jo Boaler is a professor of mathematics education at Stanford and the co-founder of YouCubed, which provides resources and ideas to inspire and excite students about mathematics. She is also the author of the first massive open online course on mathematics teaching and learning and the book "Mathematical Mindsets" with Carol.

This PD Mosaic article looks at changing how we think about math and addressing myths and assumptions about math with our students.

It was inspired by Jordan and Ines’ AQIFGA workshop in 2016.

Check out these math-focused pedagogical development resources from the RECIT, made with the help of Continuing Education teachers right here in Quebec.