Mathematics avoidance – what can teachers do?

Writing about web page http://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2002/03/math-avoidance.aspx

"By early adolescence, it is common for some students to become experts in avoidance strategies — avoiding asking for help when they need it, withdrawing effort and resisting novel approaches to learning — in order to deflect attention from [perceived] low ability."

Teachers can:

• emphasize learning, understanding, effort and enjoyment
• help students understand
• give opportunities to demonstrate new competencies
• provide substantial motivational support for learning.
• ensure students do not feel inadequate or ashamed when they do not understand
• model their own thinking processes
• demonstrate that being unsure, learning from mistakes, and asking questions are natural and necessary parts of learning
• discuss the important concepts in a lesson

Students can:

• take active part in discourse that stresses understanding and explanation
• expect support from teachers and peers
• support other students to learn

Article: "The Classroom Environment and Students' Reports of Avoidance Strategies in Mathematics: A Multimethod Study," Julianne C. Turner, University of Notre Dame, Carol Midgley, University of Michigan, Debra K. Meyer, Elmhurst College, Margaret Gheen, University of Michigan, Eric M. Anderman, University of Kentucky, and Yongjin Kang, University of Michigan; Journal of Educational Psychology, Vol. 94, No. 1.

Sue Johnston-Wilder : 25 Jun 2015 21:24 |  Comments (0) |  Report a problem