Cultivating a Mathematical Mindset: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Foster It

When you hear the word “mindset,” you might think of a general attitude or outlook on life. In mathematics, mindset refers to the way we think about our abilities and potential when engaging with math. A mathematical mindset can shape how we approach challenges, process mistakes, and ultimately succeed in understanding and applying mathematical concepts.

What Is a Mathematical Mindset?

Carol Dweck, a renowned psychologist and author of Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, introduced the concepts of "fixed" and "growth" mindsets. In a fixed mindset, people believe their abilities are innate and unchangeable. In contrast, a growth mindset is grounded in the belief that abilities can be developed through effort, persistence, and learning from mistakes. Jo Boaler, a leading expert in math education and author of Mathematical Mindsets, expanded on this idea, emphasizing that students who adopt a growth mindset in math are more likely to persevere through challenges and see mistakes as opportunities to learn rather than evidence of failure.

Why a Growth Mindset Matters in Math

Mindset matters in mathematics because it directly impacts how students approach the subject. Research shows that students with a growth mindset are more likely to:

• Embrace challenges rather than avoid them (Stanford Graduate School of Education, n.d.).

• Persist in the face of difficulty (Boaler, 2015).

• Learn from feedback and mistakes (Boaler, 2015).

• Tend to engage more deeply in mathematics and be more intrinsically motivated to engage in mathematical work (Degol et al., 2017) 

• Have better math grades and test scores (Blackwell et al., 2007)

  
  

When children develop a fixed mindset about math, they may believe that they are either "good" or "bad" at math, often based on early experiences. This belief can limit their potential and lead to math anxiety, a significant barrier to learning. Conversely, nurturing a growth mindset helps children build resilience, confidence, and a love for learning that extends beyond math to other areas of life.

Tips for Building a Strong Math Mindset in Kids

Here are some practical tips to help your child develop a growth mindset in math:

1. Praise Effort, Not Just Results: Focus on your child's effort and strategies rather than their natural ability or the correctness of their answers. For example, say, "I love how you tried different ways to solve that problem," rather than, "You're so smart."

2. Encourage Mistakes as Learning Opportunities: Normalize making mistakes by emphasizing that they are a natural and valuable part of the learning process. Jo Boaler highlights that mistakes actually grow new synapses in the brain, reinforcing learning (Boaler, 2015).

3. Model a Positive Math Attitude: Children pick up on adult attitudes about math. Avoid saying things like, "I was never good at math," and instead show enthusiasm and curiosity about the subject. Remember that being “good at math,” is not just about getting the right answer or remembering lots of algorithms!

4. Shift Focus Away from Speed: Math is not about how fast you can solve problems but about understanding concepts deeply. Encourage your child to take their time and think critically. Avoid computer programs that focus on speed when doing math work.

5. Provide Opportunities for Exploration: Give your child engaging, open-ended math problems or activities that allow them to explore and discover multiple solutions. This helps them see math as creative and dynamic.

6. Use Resources That Support a Growth Mindset: Reading books like Your Fantastic Elastic Brain with your child can help support your child in developing a growth mindset. Jo Boaler’s book Mathematical Mindsets provides adults with valuable insights and strategies for fostering a positive relationship with math. Check out our book list for even more ideas!

Helping Your Child Thrive with a Growth Mindset

Developing a strong mathematical mindset is about more than just improving math skills—it’s about helping children enjoy mathematics and become confident, curious learners. By adopting practices that encourage effort, normalize mistakes, and promote curiosity, you can support your child in building confidence and resilience in math. Remember, math is not just about getting the right answers; it’s about exploring, thinking, and growing. Let’s help our children see math for the exciting and rewarding journey it can be.

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References

• Blackwell, L. S., Trzesniewski, K. H., & Dweck, C. S. (2007). Implicit theories of intelligence predict achievement across an adolescent transition: A longitudinal study and an intervention. Child Development, 78(1), 246-263. 

• Boaler, J. (2015). Mathematical Mindsets: Unleashing Students' Potential through Creative Math, Inspiring Messages and Innovative Teaching. Jossey-Bass.

• Degol, J. L., Wang, M. T., Zhang, Y., & Allerton, J. (2018). Do growth mindsets in math benefit females? Identifying pathways between gender, mindset, and motivation. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 47(5), 976-990.

• Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success. Random house.

• Stanford Graduate School of Education. (n.d.). Cultivating a Growth Mindset in Math. Retrieved from https://ed.stanford.edu