Supporting MATH112
Students with Principles of
the LA Model
MATH112 WORKSHOP – WEEK 2
With math, a lot of students do come in, and they come in with this mindset that
they don't like math, or they just don't have a math brain. And so that is one of
the first things that we do tackle in the course, like, day one, is we talk about the
growth mindset and brain science, that our brain has ability to grow. And I share
a lot of Carol Dweck's work and Jo Boaler, who works more in math education.
She has some great videos out there about how even mathematicians have had
really hard struggles with math.
Jennifer Whitley, PhD, Lecturer of Mathematics,
Department of Mathematics, Park University
I Don’t Have a “Math Brain”
At the beginning of each semester, I share a Famous Failures YouTube video with
my students so that they can see some of the people that they really look up to
in their life that have accomplished a lot, went through many failures, and
overcame them and persevered and were still successful. I want them to make
that connection to theirs, to themselves in their own life, but particular to the
course of mathematics, which many of them may have struggled in the past.
Liza Bondurant, PhD, Associate Professor of Math,
Division of Mathematics and Sciences, Delta State University
Math a Consistent Struggle
What have you heard about “fixed” vs. “growth” mindset?

Fixed Mindset: intelligence is static

Growth Mindset: intelligence is developed
Growth Mindset
What is Growth Mindset?
Activity Time – “One Minute Paper”

Based on the video, write down words/phrases that you
1st
remember that describe Growth
Mindset

Write down as many things YOU do inside or outside
your classroom to promotendGrowth Mindset
2
Fostering A Growth Mindset
The Power of Language
The Power of Supporting
Your Students

Help students set achievable micro-goals
to encourage consistent, incremental
progress

When students succeed, praise their
efforts and strategies as opposed to their
intelligence

Help students focus on and value the
process of learning

Design classroom activities that involve
cooperative--rather than competitive or
individualistic—work

Finley (2014)
The Power of
Flexibility
Final Thoughts…
WHAT WILL YOU COMMIT TO DOING TO PROMOTE A GROWTH MINDSET?
Questions & Discussion