Jo Boaler (2013), a Mathematics Education Professor at Stanford University, describes a fixed mindset as the belief that either you’re smart or you’re not. On the other hand, a growth mindset is the belief that intelligence and smartness can be learned and that the brain can grow from exercise (Boaler, 2013).
Teacher attitudes and mindset about mathematics can have a profound effect on students’ attitudes about mathematics, as illustrated below:
How can teachers promote a growth mindset in their classrooms to break the cycle of having a negative attitude about mathematics?
- Check your own mindset by taking the What’s My Mindset? Online Assessment
- Build a Mathematical Mindset Community in your classroom
- Set Up Positive Norms in Math Class
- Take an Online Course for Teachers
Available courses are:
–How to learn math for Teachers (new in 2017) ($99)
–Mathematical Mindsets for Teachers ($125) self-paced, 8 sessions
–How to Learn Math for Students (free) via Stanford University online
More Resources on Mindset can be found at these websites:
T-TAC ODU Library Resources on Mindset:
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- Mathematical Mindsets: Unleashing Students’ Potential Through Creative Math, Inspiring Messages, and Innovative Teaching (authored by Jo Boaler)
- What’s Math Got to Do with It? How Parents and Teachers Can Help Children Learn to Love Their Least Favorite Subject (authored by Jo Boaler)
Reference
Boaler, J. (2013). Ability and mathematics: The mindset revolution that is reshaping education. Forum,55(1), 143. doi:10.2304/forum.2013.55.1.143
