Building math confidence is like planting a seed that grows into a sturdy tree, providing a strong foundation for all future mathematical exploration and learning. It's important because confident students are more likely to take risks, embrace challenges, and persist through difficult problems, viewing mistakes not as failures but as vital steps in the learning process. .

Confidence is key when teaching and learning math effectively. So why are so many teachers (yes...there are plenty out there)...not super confident when it comes to teaching math "effectively"?

In this episode I talk about what confident teachers do...and how vulnerability is a necessary factor in the confidence equation.

In a profession that makes all other professions possible, teachers have a lofty task. Teachers are tasked with preparing our kiddos to step out in the world and be able to function as independent members of society. What if we saw math class as a training ground to develop the life skills that every human needs, like curiosity, patience, concentration, self-confidence and perseverance. Because these are the skills that our learners will need as the step into a world that we can't even imagine.

Yup. The superintendent walked in on a fight, and witnessed, first-hand, how learners' beliefs will shift when they are given the space to express their opinions and co-create their mathematical thinking with one another.

Let's take a look.

In this episode, I revisit the belief cycle

Beliefs

Thoughts

Actions

Results

and begin to explore how simple actions we take, such as listening, can foster shifts in how students see themselves as math learners.

Imagine a student facing a complex math problem. The belief here might be, "I'm not good at math." This thought can lead to hesitancy in action, perhaps disengagement, disruptive behaviors, daydreaming. . And the result? A reinforcement of the belief, "See, I just can't do math."

In this episode, I introduce the belief cycle and how it drives how students see themselves as math learners AND how teachers see themselves as math teachers.

I reference the belief cycle and the emotion wheel to make a connection between our beliefs, our emotions and math learning and teaching.

This is just the beginning of a much larger conversation.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1whPvjgOm428F9u9Xxj4yeW8sxm-soDBY/view?usp=sharing

Navigating the Belief Cycle in Math Classhttps://medium.com/age-of-awareness/how-to-use-wheel-of-emotions-to-express-better-emotion

When we change our perspective on how mistakes help us learn, we develop hope from the struggle that is part of the problem solving process. In this episode, I explore the idea around tinkering in math and how tinkering, making mistakes and learning from those mistakes is where mathematical learning leads to hope in learners' future success.

This episode was inspired by Brene Brown and Francis Su

Brene Brown TED Talk https://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_the_power_of_vulnerability?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare

Mathematics for Human Flourishing by Francis Su

In this episode, we explore the somewhat uncharted territory of emotions in the world of math. I discuss the profound human experiences of frustration and satisfaction, showcasing how we can support learners in their emotional journey simply by not rescuing them from the uncomfortable emotions that sometimes accompany learning math.

In this episode we explore the similarities between rollercoasters and math class. People pay good money to ride rollercoasters so they can experience the thrill of the ups and downs...they pay to be scared. They pay for this experience because they feel safe.

In a math class, there are twists and turns that can sometimes make students (and teachers) feel like they just need to grab the bathroom pass and avoid the "rollercoaster" altogether.

Unless, of course, they feel safe.

We spend so much time thinking about the "right" curriculum, choosing and analyzing quarterly assessments, and designing environments for learning. What if we started paying attention to the "feelings" that happen when we do math? Come take a look. Your perspective may shift.