"When we teach students that mistakes and struggle are positive, it has an incredibly liberating effect on them."
This idea is crucial because many middle school students start to develop beliefs about their math ability. By reframing mistakes as a normal and valuable part of learning, a teacher can reduce math anxiety and encourage persistence. At this age students are especially sensitive to failure so creating a classroom where struggle is expected helps them take risks and try challenging problems.
This idea is crucial because many middle school students start to develop beliefs about their math ability. By reframing mistakes as a normal and valuable part of learning, a teacher can reduce math anxiety and encourage persistence. At this age students are especially sensitive to failure so creating a classroom where struggle is expected helps them take risks and try challenging problems.