Developing habits of mind for numeracy in a low-literacy classroom: a focus on attitudes

Abstract

Many of today’s adults, both native and non-native speakers of English, do not have the necessary math skills to be considered numerate in the world around them. Their lack of skill may lead to serious anxiety about mathematical concepts or a negative attitude towards learning new concepts. Simple tasks, such as the “Math Problem of the Day,” when used deliberately to develop key “Habits of Mind,” can help students develop positive attitudes towards mathematical knowledge. This will ultimately result in a more successful mathematical experience in academics and the world around them.