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Eliminating the Mindset of "I CAN'T DO MATH" in the Classroom!
India White • Jun 27, 2023
Eliminating the "I Can't Do Math" Mindset in the Classroom
Eliminating I CAN’T Do Math through Grit!!
As a student, it is common to feel defeated when it comes to math. The subject can be challenging, and it is easy to feel like you are not good enough. Further, some students come from families where math is not a favorable subject, and parents have a fear of math or “math phobia”. However, having a defeated mindset can hinder your progress and prevent you from achieving your goals. The good news is that you can eliminate this mindset of “I Can’t Do Math” through implementing a growth mindset through grit in the math classroom.
Grit is the ability to persevere through challenges and setbacks. It is the determination to keep going even when things get tough. In the math classroom, grit is essential for success. Students who understand how to master a growth mindset and remain gritty when the math gets tough can eliminate the opinion they possess of “I can’t do math” in the classroom. Here are some tips on how to develop grit and eliminate a defeated mindset:
1. Embrace the struggle of math during learning
Math is not easy, and it is okay to struggle. Instead of feeling defeated, embrace the struggle and see it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Every mistake in the math classroom is a chance to improve and get better. Students sometimes wallow in self-defeat, feeling like they aren’t math doers and can’t comprehend math. However, with the proper mindset, they can develop the resilience needed to plow through each problem and persist with understanding. When students become flustered and say, “I just don’t get it!” or, I can’t do it, this is the moment to lean in and help students replace a defeated mindset with a mindset of hope and grit. Help students reset mentally with new thoughts. Say, “You can do it, just put in a little more effort!” or, “Last time you struggled but pushed through, you’ll do the same with this problem!” Remind students of their ability to overcome and prevail during struggle. Continue to support them through their moments of discouragement and refuse to let them give up.
2. Set goals DURING Assignments
Setting goals is a great way to stay motivated and focused. Set realistic goals for yourself and work towards achieving them. Celebrate your successes along the way, no matter how small they may be. It is imperative that you check for understanding while students are completing the math, so they don’t feel overwhelmed or become easily defeated. Tell students that they are completing the assignment one problem at a time, and that after a while they will finish with proficiency! Take moments to set a timer and to check on students after they’ve worked on the assignment at various intervals so they will know that you are scaffolding them through the work. Then, give them compliments along the way. Sometimes, you might have to pause them as they work to clarify any misconceptions, check the pacing of how they are doing, or even provide tips and reminders so they can continue along their journey of productive struggle and math achievement.
3. Practice makes PERFECT!
Practice is key to mastering math. The more your students practice, the more confident they will become.
Remind your students not to be afraid to ask for help if they need it. You as their teacher, their personal tutor, or other classmates can be great resources. Some students will need assistance and support but might be a little shy and not know how to ask for help. Always provide moments in which you walk around and remind students that you are there to assist them. Allow them to feel comfortable asking for support whenever they can.
4. Help Them Remain Optimistic!
A positive attitude can go a long way. Instead of students focusing on what they don’t know, teach them how to focus on what they do know and build from there. Challenge them to believe in themselves and their abilities. Help students eliminate self-doubt and low-self esteem in the math classroom by building their confidence, one problem at
time! Sometimes, you have to utter positive affirmations to your students and come up with various sayings about how they CAN do math and how they are growing as math learners. Studies have shown that being optimistic boosts brain’s memory center and predicts math performance during learning.
Hence, you will find that these moments will build student momentum and rigor during productive struggle and will successfully help students conquer moments where they feel stuck.
5. Help Students Learn from Mistakes and Shortcomings
Remind your students mistakes are a natural part of the learning process in your math classroom.
Instead of dwelling on them, learn from them. Help them to analyze their mistakes and figure out what you can do differently next time. Have an open-ended whole class discussion when you can discuss various problems and even model out using student friendly language how you would have worked through the problem. Allow students to build trust with you and their peers during mathematical discourse and exchange during various parts of discussion and practice. Assure them that they are still on the right track in the midst of their mistakes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, developing grit in the math classroom can help your students eliminate a defeated mindset and achieve your goals. Remind students to embrace the struggle, set goals, practice, stay positive, and learn from your mistakes. With these tips, you can help students overcome any challenge and succeed in math. Never stop convincing them that you believe in their ability as independent math thinkers to achieve in your math classroom!
‼️So grateful for the opportunity to hear testimonials and reviews from a few rockstar educators about their takeaways and experiences from my Equitable math 🧮 practices session at MCTM in Minnesota this weekend🤩! It's inspiring to hear teachers who provide feedback and work to close the achievement gap. 🥰Let's continue learning from each other and making a difference in the lives of our students! #teacherappreciation #education #equitablemath #achievementgap #drindiawhite #teachers #tedx #equity Check out the session highlights here:
‼️Listen as a gritty Middle Eastern teacher explains how attending my Equity Keynote at the Math conference, helped her connect her experience as a BIPOC educator with her perspective on how to implement equitable practices for all students and relate to students of different cultures! #drindiawhite #tedx #equity #dei #math #education #teachers #students #bipoc #savvas #nctm #ncsm #bwxme #nabse #habse #uf
I urge you to take a moment to listen to Dr. India White's enlightening TEDx talk, "The Power of Grit," where she delves into what drives grit in the lives of leaders, teachers, and students every day. In this captivating presentation, Dr. White offers invaluable insights into the transformative potential of grit—the unwavering determination and resilience that propel individuals toward their goals, even in the face of adversity. As educators and leaders, we play a pivotal role in instilling and nurturing grit among our students and colleagues. Dr. White's talk serves as a powerful reminder of the impact we can have when we cultivate grit within ourselves and those we influence. I encourage you to watch the TEDx talk for a deeper understanding of how grit can drive success in our classrooms, workplaces, and lives.
I am beyond grateful and honored to have the opportunity to speak at UF's Alumni Gainesville reception and share the powerful message of grit with the new graduates from the University of Florida. As leaders, we have a unique platform and responsibility to inspire and empower the next generation as they embark on their journey beyond the university walls. Grit is more than just a buzzword; it is the unwavering determination and resilience that propel individuals toward their goals, even in the face of adversity. It's about facing challenges head-on, embracing failures as opportunities for growth, and never giving up on our dreams. Today, as we gather to celebrate the achievements of these remarkable graduates, let us remind them of the power they hold within themselves. Let us encourage them to cultivate grit in all aspects of their lives, knowing that with perseverance and determination, they can overcome any obstacle and achieve their wildest dreams. As leaders, let us lead by example, showing gratitude for the opportunities we've been given and inspiring others to do the same. Let us use our voices to uplift and encourage those around us, knowing that together, we can create a brighter and more resilient future for all. Congratulations to the graduates of the University of Florida! May your journey be filled with grit, determination, and endless possibilities.
I am beyond grateful and honored to have the opportunity to speak at UF's Young Alumni reception and share the powerful message of grit with the new graduates from the University of Florida. As leaders, we have a unique platform and responsibility to inspire and empower the next generation as they embark on their journey beyond the university walls. Grit is more than just a buzzword; it is the unwavering determination and resilience that propel individuals toward their goals, even in the face of adversity. It's about facing challenges head-on, embracing failures as opportunities for growth, and never giving up on our dreams. Today, as we gather to celebrate the achievements of these remarkable graduates, let us remind them of the power they hold within themselves. Let us encourage them to cultivate grit in all aspects of their lives, knowing that with perseverance and determination, they can overcome any obstacle and achieve their wildest dreams. As leaders, let us lead by example, showing gratitude for the opportunities we've been given and inspiring others to do the same. Let us use our voices to uplift and encourage those around us, knowing that together, we can create a brighter and more resilient future for all. Congratulations to the graduates of the University of Florida! May your journey be filled with grit, determination, and endless possibilities.
Join us on the Grit and Equity Talks Podcast with Dr. India White, where we will discuss spaced vs. mass practice for teachers! Visit www.india-white.com for more information #drindiawhite #grit #equity
🥳As the opening keynote at the WMC Annual conference, I had the opportunity to discuss equitable math practices with teachers. I am grateful to have gifted 30 copies of the Equity Counts book collaboration after my session! 🤩Thanks to Savvas Learning Company for making this happen🥰. The best is yet to come for Wisconsin teachers and students! #EquitableMath #Education #EquityCounts #savvas #drindiawhite #tedx #equity #WisconsinTeachers #StudentSuccess #wismath24 #nctm #ncsm… See more — at On Green Lake in Wisconsin.
Hanging out wit the tribe! I had the honor of being the opening keynote speaker at @WisMathCouncil 🤩 We applied the concept of grit in their classroom! Thanks to @SavvasLearning!! #drindiawhite #math #grit #student #teachers @wismathcouncil #wismath24 #SAVVAS #nctm #ncsm #bwxme
This morning, I had the honor of being the opening keynote speaker at WMC's Annual Math Conference. 🤩The conference was a great success, with attendees discussing the importance of grit in both teachers and students. I’m excited to see Wisconsin teachers apply the concept of grit in their classrooms and help their students develop this crucial! Thanks to Savvas Learning Company for the support and encouragement!! #drindiawhite #math #grit #student #teachers @wismathcouncil #wismath24 #SAVVAS #nctm #ncsm #bwxme
‼️Attention all Wisconsin teachers! Are you ready to enhance your teaching skills and help your students develop their grit😃? If so, don't miss out on the opportunity to purchase my Grit Workbook at a discounted price! 🤗I have 50 copies available at WMC, so come and grab your copy this week🤩! #wismath2024 #nctm #ncsm #drindiawhite #grit #education #students #teachers #wismath2024 #nctm #ncsm #drindiawhite #grit #education #students #teachers