Negative Messages

Those negative messages come from parents, teachers, friends, siblings… “don’t worry, I’m not good at math, either” – you shouldn’t expect yourself to do well – that’s OK. When teachers showcase correct answers of some students – the others understand their work is inferior. When homework seems impossible and parents become frustrated – message: I’m dumb. There are endless subtle ways in which learners are told they’re inferior – doesn’t take long for them to avoid those situations (math learning) where they are made to feel bad about themselves.