Creating a Classroom Climate Around Positive Math Messages

Stanford professor Jo Boaler is working to change attitudes about math education. She observes that many of us grew up with these convictions: 

• Only smart people can do math.
• The right answer is the only thing that matters.
• Questions show ignorance.
• Math is about following rules and procedures.
• Math is a solitary endeavor.
• If you’re slow at math, you can’t be good at it.

Boaler counters with different messages to students:

• Everyone can learn math to the highest levels.
• Mistakes are valuable.
• Questions are really important.
• Math is about creativity and making sense.
• Math is about connections and communicating.
• Math class is about learning, not performing.
• Depth is more important than speed.

Her ideas are captured in “Setting up Positive Norms in Math Class” and make an excellent catalyst for classroom discussion as you begin the school year. 

Cynthia Hockman-Chupp is a curriculum specialist for MLC.