Motivate Math Students

I recently read an article from the new president of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Linda M. Gojak.  She emphasized the importance of creating a classroom environment where math is valued and students aren't fixated on their preconceived idea that they are not good at math so they will never be good at math.  Gojak stressed the importance of students seeing math is a postive light in the classroom and tying this attitude to parents and the community.  How often do we hear at parent conferences that the parents aren't good at math so that is why their child struggles with math?  While this may be the truth we need to make changes in the classroom to foster a positve math attitude where students can see the relevance of their math learning.  I couldn't agree with Gojak more about her seeing the need to turn math away from a "love/hate" subject.   

Gojak offers five suggestions for "not letting your students dis math".  These suggestions include:

• "Incorporate reasoning and sense making into every mathematics lesson that you teach. From kindergarten to college, students should experience mathematics as a subject that makes sense." 
• "Whether or not you are in a state that has adopted the Common Core, keep Principles and Standards for School Mathematics as your guide. The Principles, Process Standards, and exemplars for good teaching for each grade level band continue to provide the vision for world class mathematics education for every student."
• "Help your students to value mathematics by giving them opportunities to make connections among mathematical ideas and to see how mathematics is an important part of their everyday lives."
• "Share information with parents about ways that they can learn with and support their children at home." 
• "Work with your colleagues to promote a positive image of mathematics within your school, district, and community."

Making connections between mathematical ideas and student experiences allows students the opportunity to value math because they are able to see the relevance in their learning.  It takes a lot of preparation and planning on the teacher's part to make learning relevant for students, but the hard work will pay off when students are valuing math and understanding the need to learn it.  We need to create students that see the importance of mathematics, not be experts at the subject. 


References: Gojak, L. (2012, May 03). Don't let your students dis math. Retrieved on May 8, 2012 from www.nctm.org/about/content.aspx?id=33247