When teachers actively focus on building students’ motivation in math class, research shows that academic achievement improves and math anxiety decreases. But motivating kids isn’t easy, write high school math teachers Bobson Wong and Larisa Bukalov, authors of The Math Teacher’s Toolbox, who share the worst mistakes they’ve made trying to motivate students—and what they did to correct them. • Using fear: Threatening or intimidating students, research shows, decreases motivation and hinders academic growth. Instead of browbeating students, try expressing disappointment or explaining how a task will lead to a desired goal, such as “Doing homework will help you know what types of questions will be on the test,” the authors suggest. • Reinforcing stereotypes: Avoid associating certain traits with particular groups or identities, such as “girls often struggle with math,” or “Asian students typically excel,” the authors write. Instead, promote a growth mindset, reinforcing that all stude...