Math Mindsets

The mindset that mathematics is a subject understood by few and hated by many is once which continues to dominate the minds of twenty-first century academics.  Students are often reluctant in pursuing studies and careers involving mathematics due to the fear which stems from the negative connotation associated with it. Academics  have been lead to believe that unlike other subjects of study, math does not come naturally for all. These negative labels have resulted in mathematics representing a figure of intimidation enabling academics to gain true appreciation and adoration towards math. As a contemporary educator I recognize the importance of deconstructing negative ideals and instead demonstrate that no matter race, sex or intelligence everyone has the capability to thrive in mathematics.  It is an individuals willingness to expand their knowledge which allows for their success. When educators provide students with an inclusive, nurturing learning environment they are better enabling their ability to academically develop. 

Throughout my academic journey I always held a very negative opinion towards mathematics. I had a  fixed mindset, unwilling to further my knowledge due to the biased, negative opinion I had constructed. As a result I struggled, I did not enjoy math and instead I became very anxious. My parents were always great supports, they always reminded me of how smart I truly was even though I often felt this to be untrue. Unfortunately however due to my inability to shift my perspective towards math I did not see the truth in their thought. Instead I was fixated on the idea that because I was not born to understand math I would never succeed with it.

The engagement of our second mathematics class focused extensively on the correlation between supporting a growth mindset through positive encouragement and academic success. Having a growth mind set, especially with mathematics, heightens their ability to grow. When an academic allows themselves to further develop their skill level they are bettering themselves in a multitude of ways.  An academics thirst for knowledge must continually be fed by those around them in order to heighten their success. Their educators become the most influential figures therefore in order to ensure their success they too must be willing to accommodate and alter their mindsets.

As a student I remember having a negative mindset in regards to mathematics. I recognized I did not excel and therefore believed it was due to my inability to be mathematically gifted. In addition my educators did not provide encouragement or support instead I was often belittled and punished due to my inability to comprehend concepts. As a result math represented an image of fear, I knew I would never be good therefore never took the time to learn more, instead I only worried about doing the bear minimum to pass.  Now as a future educator I recognize that it is my responsibility to demolish students fears against mathematics and provide them with a nurturing learning environment. The Ted Talk video examines this idea providing suggestions and straggles to better encourage student success.

The speaker Jo Boaler presented in the Ted talk video discusses the idea that all individuals have the ability to succeed in math. Her speech focuses on demolishing the negative viewpoint associated with math and examines methods and approaches educators can utilize to a heighten academic growth.  Contemporary educators must work on demonstrating to their students the positive attributions that follow from developing math skills. It is time to deconstruct the negative ideals associated with math and instead encourage academics to appreciate all which math has to offer.