This week in mathematics I have learned and applied my newfound growth mindset. I countered my fixed way of thinking with positivism, telling myself that if I apply myself and use my conceptual knowledge, I too can prevail in math.
When the professor attempted to explain the card trick in a mathematical formula, my mind reverted to a fixed way of thinking. My initial reaction was that I couldn't do it and I began to "check out" of the demonstration so to speak. Being a reflective practitioner and student, I realized that I needed to have more confidence in myself and my abilities. I will honestly say that it took some time for me to understand how the formula was rewritten (ie. algebraically). I did eventually come to an understanding and I think that it is evidence that my mindset is changing.
As educators we must model attitudes and behaviors for our students. If we model a progressive and optimistic attitude towards mathematics, our students could in turn internalize those attitudes and behaviors. This is how negative attitudes/experiences become cyclical in nature. As educators we must break this cycle and bring our students to a level of understanding that will benefit their mathematical abilities on the future.
I believe that building a strong conceptual understanding of mathematics for my students is central to creating positive attitudes towards mathematics. Providing them with realistic applications and making math fun and engaging is important too. The Jeopardy game that we played was an excellent example of how to add gamification to a lesson. It's important for students to recognize that math can be fun too and a subject that everyone can engage in to an extent.
City Year New York. Growth Mindset. Feb.16,2016. Sourced from:
http://bit.ly/2ffB0GL
When the professor attempted to explain the card trick in a mathematical formula, my mind reverted to a fixed way of thinking. My initial reaction was that I couldn't do it and I began to "check out" of the demonstration so to speak. Being a reflective practitioner and student, I realized that I needed to have more confidence in myself and my abilities. I will honestly say that it took some time for me to understand how the formula was rewritten (ie. algebraically). I did eventually come to an understanding and I think that it is evidence that my mindset is changing.
As educators we must model attitudes and behaviors for our students. If we model a progressive and optimistic attitude towards mathematics, our students could in turn internalize those attitudes and behaviors. This is how negative attitudes/experiences become cyclical in nature. As educators we must break this cycle and bring our students to a level of understanding that will benefit their mathematical abilities on the future.
I believe that building a strong conceptual understanding of mathematics for my students is central to creating positive attitudes towards mathematics. Providing them with realistic applications and making math fun and engaging is important too. The Jeopardy game that we played was an excellent example of how to add gamification to a lesson. It's important for students to recognize that math can be fun too and a subject that everyone can engage in to an extent.
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