Encourage Hesitant Students to Love Math

Somewhere along the way, certain groups of people seem to accept the belief that they are not as good at math as others. While it may be true that individuals have different academic strengths, often the reason lies not in aptitude, but in attitude. As educators, we can work to dispel the myths surrounding mathematic ability and inspire confidence in all our students.

Boosting Their Confidence

Significant research and academic discussions have addressed the idea that many girls believe they cannot excel at mathematics because of their gender. As an example, the National Science Foundation report on “Women, Minorities and Persons with Disabilities in Science and Engineering” discovered that:

“The most striking difference between boys and girls are not in achievement or opportunities to learn, but in their attitude toward science and mathematics. Even when girls have similar exposure to courses and similar achievement levels, they are less confident of their ability and less interested in science and engineering careers.”

This confidence and attitude issue is not just a challenge with regard to encouraging girls in mathematics. Confidence and attitude are also issues for many minorities, “at risk”, special needs, frequently bullied, and generally disenfranchised groups of students. We, as educators, must not only possess the belief that anyone and everyone can succeed in mathematics, but we must also nurture confidence in all individuals as we promote a positive attitude towards mathematics. 

Actions to Take in the Classroom

• Use fun math manipulatives and games that encourage an investigative and playful attitude with mathematics. This is crucial for mathematicians of all ages.    
• Be aware of what certain groups’ perceptions, experiences, and attitudes toward mathematics may be.
• Encourage everyone to participate mathematically. Avoid simply calling on the most enthusiastically extroverted pupil who regularly volunteers.
• Facilitate fairness and contribution by everyone in the classroom and in collaborative work.
• Invite career professionals who use mathematics into the classroom to provide strong role models. For instance, ask accountants, engineers, scientists, and professors to share their career experiences. This is especially impacting if these professionals are women, minorities, or have physical challenges.
• Study mathematics in relation to concepts of gender and other inequalities in a sensitive and objective manner.
• Research, acknowledge, and discuss math anxiety with pupils and parents.
• Create “math circles” and “math clubs” to foster fun and passion in association with mathematics.
• Allow kids the time to write about their feelings in connection with mathematics.
• Show that mathematics is not just connected to science, technology, and engineering. Demonstrate that it may also be instrumental to art, architecture, literature, and the social sciences.

Researching People of Substance

Other assignments and strategies can also be beneficial to those who are resistant to learning math. For example, each student could be assigned an advanced web-based research project about a pioneer in technology, science, or math. This project may involve an investigation of a person who made significant contributions, and also happens to be a woman, minority, or a person who faced challenging circumstances. In creating a classroom culture, educators should maintain an environment that nurtures, encourages, and offers support and confidence to individuals who seem reluctant to stick with a problem and need motivation to persevere. Other research has indicated that girls might have optimal learning opportunities in math, science, and technology when grouped or paired with other girls. In co-ed groups, for instance, boys may dominate or assert themselves as the leaders by monopolizing discussions or group work. Teachers should consider these possibilities. Depending on their particular classroom dynamic, they can implement rotating group assignments when determining project groups.

Relevant lessons to help promote mathematical security and equality: 

Will Girls and Boys be Equal?

Perform experiments, plot, and analyze data. Learners model word problems and create a box and whisker graph. They also analyze the graph and its attributes with one another.

Women in Math

Research women in mathematics on the Internet. Next, compile important contributions by women. Then explore the math and science programs at some favorite colleges/universities.

Woman Power!!! Mathematics Camp

A great way to promote mathematics through researching stereotypes. Young mathematicians participate in discussions in which they identify traditional careers based on their own gender. Females attend summer camp and complete mathematical problem-solving activities in order to overcome certain stereotypes.