Math anxiety

Here’s a new video from Jo Boaler at YouCubed.org.

Boaler’s Four Key Research-Based Messages

• Everyone can learn math to high levels.
  Studies have shown that our brains are capable of tremendous growth as we study and learn new things.
• Believe in yourself.
  When we believe in our potential for growth, our brains respond differently from those who believe their ability is fixed.
• Struggle and mistakes are really important.
  The brain ponders a mistake and fires a spark, even if we don’t notice it consciously. Our students need to be challenged — work that is too easy stifles growth.
• Speed is not important.
  When we emphasize speed, we discourage deep thinking. And the stress due to time pressure can cause mental blocks, making performance worse.
• Check out more research about the brain and learning math.

There is a huge elephant standing in most math classrooms, it is the idea that only some students can do well in math. Students believe it, parents believe and teachers believe it. The myth that math is a gift that some students have and some do not, is one of the most damaging ideas that pervades education in the US and that stands in the way of students’ math achievement.

—Jo Boaler
Unlocking Children’s Math Potential

A Wealth of Resources

The YouCubed site is full of encouragement and help for families learning math.

• Browse through their collection of mathematical tasks.
• Learn how to help students build number sense.
• Take a free online Stanford course on how to learn math.

— and plenty more!