💡 2-Sentence-Summary
Jo Boaler’s Mathematical Mindsets is a book that argues that anyone can learn math and excel in the subject if they have the right mindset. Boaler advocates for a growth mindset approach to mathematics, where mistakes and challenges are seen as opportunities for learning and growth, rather than signs of fixed ability.
💭 What I think about it
I read the book while I was still a math teacher back in 2018, and it helped me so much. Boaler’s book is an excellent resource for math teachers who want to help their students develop a growth mindset when it comes to math. Boaler convincingly argues that all students can learn math, and that the key to success lies in developing a positive attitude towards the subject. Boaler provides a wealth of research-based evidence to support her claims, as well as practical strategies and tips for teachers to implement in the classroom. The book is well-structured, with each chapter focusing on a different aspect of math mindset, such as the power of mistakes, the importance of visualization, and the value of collaboration.
One of the strengths of the book is that it is written in a clear, accessible style, making it easy for both experienced and new teachers to follow. Boaler also includes a variety of engaging examples and stories to illustrate her points, making the book both informative and enjoyable to read.
🌟 Who benefits from reading this book?
I can recommend Mathematical Mindsets to math teachers who want to inspire and motivate their students to excel in math. Boaler’s message is an important one, and her practical advice will undoubtedly benefit teachers and students alike.
📚 How the book changed my life
The book likely won’t chang your life, but the lives of your students. Firstly, the book promotes a growth mindset approach to learning math, which can help students develop a positive attitude toward the subject. By teaching students that their abilities are not fixed and can be improved through effort and practice, the book can help them overcome their fear of math and develop greater confidence in their ability to learn the subject. Secondly, the book provides practical strategies for students to use when learning math. For example, Boaler emphasizes the importance of visualization and encourages students to use visual models to help them understand math concepts. By providing students with concrete tools to use in their learning, the book can help them become more effective learners and achieve greater success in math. Thirdly, the book promotes a collaborative approach to learning math. Boaler argues that students can benefit greatly from working together and learning from one another. By encouraging students to collaborate and share their ideas and strategies, the book can help them develop important social and communication skills, as well as deepen their understanding of math concepts.
✍️ My Favorite Quotes
- We all have a personal narrative that we create about our abilities and potential in math.
- Mathematics is not about following rules, it’s about making sense.