Science and Mathematics Education Commons^™

Pedagogies That Foster A Growth Mindset Towards Mathematics, Valorie L. Zonnefeld

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Research demonstrates that a student’s mindset plays an important role in achievement and that mindsets are domain specific. Carol Dweck claimed that mathematics needs a mindset makeover and has shown that teachers can foster a growth mindset through their pedagogical choices. This paper shares how one university trains preservice teachers in mathematics pedagogies that are key to fostering a growth mindset. These practices include educating students on brain function, equitable access, metacognition strategies, feedback practices, the importance of productive struggle, and learning from mistakes.