Math is dumb. The negative math mentality of high school students

"Math is dumb." "I suck at math." "I hate math."

Why are these phrases and thoughts something that the majority (or so it seems) of school aged kids believe? What has made them so damn jaded towards the most important subject in school? What can teachers do, if anything, to help rid students of these thoughts? Why is my burrito so hot?

These are the things I think about on a near, day-by-day basis. Especially the last one.

It seems this issue has perhaps been amplified by my current employment status...substitute teacher. As a sub, I get to experience a new math class at a different school almost daily, and along with this, comes the inherent attitudes of those unique classes. You know what they say..."A math class is like a box of chocolates... it can be pretty sweet, but every once and a while you get one with that stupid gross cherry in it." Basically, what I'm saying, is that it's a sweet gig (pun intended) that has lots of challenges... the main challenge being the attitude students bring with them to math class.

Most students has given up and/or failed the class before they have even stepped through the classroom door. They enter thinking, "I hate this, I'm no good, why am I here?" As teachers, we all know what we want them to think, but what needs to happen to make that mind shift? I'm not saying I have all the answers, but I have experienced some success with creating a shift in students' minds, and that involves a lot of work from you (the teacher) and a bit of work from them (the student).

*DISCLAIMER* I'm not a doctor.

The issue needs to be addressed. Directly. Seriously. Enthusiastically.

For the first 3-4 weeks of classes, I would start each lesson the same way. I would tell them if they are coming into class with this idea they suck at math, or they hate math, that they have doomed themselves already. I was pretty harsh about this sometimes, but they took it well. I tell them they only way they will be successful in this class is if they lose the negativity before they walk in, and start to adopt the mindset that they WILL be successful, and they WILL have an open mind about what they are learning any given day.

This is like pulling teeth, but trust me, worth it.

In addition to pushing this new, positive attitude, you (the teacher), need to show those Negative Nancys that they really can be "good at math". Do your lesson, give the assignment (whatever you would normally do), but while you do these regular tasks, be sure to watch...watch the Negative Nellies. Take note with who they are, what they are or are not reacting to, where you lose them, etc. I know this seems like a pain in the class, but it's a crucial step.

Once you've identified the Negative Nadias, these are the ones you need to stick with. I'm talkin' like...that weird sticky spot you've got on your kitchen counter, stick with! When you're done that legendary lesson of yours and have handed out some practice, GET TO THOSE KIDS! Check with them on how the lesson went, and get them to start on that work. When they give up, ask them to read the question. That's it. I would say the majority of times students "don't get" something, it's because they haven't read the question (properly, and haven't made the connection to the lesson. So that's part two...show them the connection between what they are trying to do, and what you've already done in class as a lesson.

If all else fails, baby them through an identically set up question so they have an exemplar to work off. From there, repetition. Repetition is STILL the most important task to learn and become a master in a concept. Drill it in their minds until they can't stand your face near them one second longer.

This was my daily routine for a big chunk of my classes for a while...though slowly but surely, the number of students who needed me as an annoying sticky spot...decreased.

I'm not saying this will work for everyone. I'm a very upbeat, positive, energetic, and passionate math teacher when I get in front of a class. Like, I get borderline crazy up there. I firmly believe teachers need to show, at least, elements or glances of those previously listed qualities... if not, your actions are done as a token, not as a meaningful gesture. Students WILL pick this up.

If you keep up this strategy with your class, you will see results. The kids may hate you for what you're doing for them (even though you love the hell outta them and want them to succeed), but personally, I don't mind them hating on me if it means the hate is off of the math they are now champions at.

You got dis. I believe in you. You're all Rock-stars and Legends and I love you.

#classroom #Math #teacher #teaching #mathematics #education