# @edutopia on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/CHOen_ylOI9
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/20304180-edutopia-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/thumbnails/d48483e4c8.jpg
- **Posted:** 2020-11-05T22:42:14.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Edutopia (@edutopia) — https://gondola.cc/edutopia

## Caption

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 students can get better with effort and coaching.

• Missing the subtext: Connecting lessons to real life examples is helpful, but not always possible. When students ask “Why do we need to know this?” it’s often because they’re frustrated or bored. Acknowledge their concerns and consider coming up with a clearer or simpler explanation of the content. 

• Misreading students’ abilities: When teachers over-simplify content, or conversely, assign work that’s too difficult, it can erode student confidence. Instead, focus on “identifying what students currently know and what they need to know,” and then scaffold instruction accordingly so they can learn independently. 

• Pushing Too Hard: Occasionally teachers simply cannot motivate a student academically and may push them to withdraw further. When struggling to reach a child, seek help from a guidance counselor or other school professional, while continuing to encourage and support them. “Showing genuine concern can build trust and eventually encourage them to open up when ready,” the authors write. 

Link in bio.

#Math #MathTeacher #TheMathTeachersToolbox #TeachingStrategies #TeachersOfInstagram #TeacherTips

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 409
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 4

## Tags

teachertips, teachersofinstagram, teachingstrategies, math, themathteacherstoolbox, mathteacher

---
Copyright (c) Gondola