Timely scaffolding helps students overcome obstacles, reduce frustration, and support engagement and problem-solving.
See strategies for supporting productive struggle in resources for Sustaining Effort & Persistence
With thin slicing/problem strings (see resources for Building Knowledge and Welcoming Interests & Identities)
Brain breaks promote student connection and create the climate where students will engage in discourse. Sometimes stepping away from a problem will allow students to consider it in a new way when they return to work. Review this example set of brain breaks from the University of Mississippi and try one during an upcoming lesson at a point when students seem stuck or energy is waning.
Emphasizing a growth mindset supports effort, reduces anxiety, encourages persistence, and builds confidence.
Introduce students to growth mindset beliefs to create a culture of growth.
As you consider your own practice, reflect on the implications of teacher practices with students with math anxiety.
Regular reflection helps students monitor progress, identify growth areas, and develop independent learning habits.
Facilitating students' self-reflection: Scaffolding Student Reflections, Sample Questions, sentence starters
Use these questions in specific exam situations: Pre-Exam Survey, Post-Exam Survey, Exam wrappers