Case
Change in Vocabulary

Mr. Sams is a math teacher who is enthusiastic about math. He works with kids who haven't had a good experience with the subject. Most of the students blurt out comments like "I hate math", "Math is unnecessary", "I don't understand anything", etc. He is working hard to make students change their phrases to more positive statements. It worked for some weeks but students are falling back to their old vocabulary. Mr. Sams is looking for strategies to keep students engaged with the positive phrases. What could he do to make students fall back on the positive track?

Posted on: 10/03/18 | Views: 864
Solution #1
Top Solution
Mr. Sams can create a math jargon jar, where the students can earn a marble each time they use a positive statement related to math. This can provide the students with an incentive to work toward. If they known that they are working toward something, they will be more likely to rid themselves of the negative vocabulary and fill themselves with positive statements.

Wow I love this solution!

I agree!

WOW I love the idea of a math jargon jar! This is an amazing idea.

That is a solution I think is a really good idea to implement in the classroom.

This is a great idea for the situation.

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Solution #2
Mr. Sams should implement a positive behavior reinforcement system to encourage students to use positive language.

Yes upswing positive ilanguage in the classroom will change the environment.

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Solution #3
Mr. Sams could post signs in his classroom with positive sayings about math. He could offer Positive Behavior Support incentives if his school offers it. If they do not offer PBS, he could create his own incentives in his classroom, such as a couple of extra credit points on a test. Mr. Sams' final option would be to repeat a positive phrase and when students say, "I can't do this," his reply should be, "You can."

Positive sayings around the classroom are a nice reminder to students on what they could say!

Growth mindset! Try, you can't do it... yet, but you will!

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Solution #4
Maybe try engaging activities that help them understand math in a problem-solving way. Maybe find an interest of theirs and apply it to your lesson. I find that application is really helpful for getting students engaged.

Yes, getting students engaged can change their attitude.

Interests is a great thing to add!

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Solution #5
I would implement some simulation or problem-based learning activities. This way, students can collaborate in a manner that is engaging and productive. This will also make math more applicable to their daily lives. While students are collaborating, I would walk around the room interact with each group by conferencing and/or scaffolding. The calling out may also be a means of avoidance or attention.
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Solution #6
To keep the students more involved I would incorporate them in the lesson. Such as , having some of the students help teach the lesson. Sometimes students learn better when their peers explain it.

Love this! Peers usually see things in their perspective a whole lot better than us.

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Solution #7
Mr. Sams should use math manipulatives to get his students visually seeing math. He should also consider reading Jo Boaler's Mathematical Mindset book. It's a great help!
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Solution #8
Mr. Sams Should post pictures like pyramids in his classroom. He could do a couple of lessons of why math is so important. Ask the students what would be life like without calculations.
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Solution #9
I would just be consistent and maybe put positive phrases up around the room that remind them when they come into the classroom.
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Solution #10
I think a good idea for Mr. Sams would be to show a statistical list of improvement of scores. I am sure that Mr. Sams gave his students an assessment at the beginning of the year to see where they stood. He sounds like a fantastic math teacher. I am sure his student's have improved individually. He can show them in an individual format, but he can also do an anonymous format presentation here and there that shows how awesome they are doing and reiterate how proud he is of their progress.
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Solution #11
I love that the teacher is trying to make math a positive atmosphere! So many students struggle in math, so I think establishing a word wall with positive comments towards math would be a good idea. Have the students review or add to the wall weekly and have them turn to the wall to reference whenever they use negative words towards the subject.
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Solution #12
I would definitely introduce a positive reinforcement system. And if a student speaks negatively, then another student can "Steal" a point by correcting them in a polite and positive manner.
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Solution #13
The teacher can put up positive messages around the classroom. You can also try to incorporate more real life experiences when it comes to the math work.
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Solution #14
Mr. Sams could have students repeat positive statements as a mantra at the start of class or before tests. He could also have them do some goal setting each week where they write a series of small, manageable goals that lead to a bigger goal, and let them cross off each one as they accomplish it. This will help them build confidence in math and speak more positively, because it helps them focus on what they can do so far rather than what they cannot do yet.
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Solution #15
Giving rewards for correct answers or for choice words would help.
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Solution #16
It appears to me that Mr. Sams set an agreement previously with the class about positive statements. I would display on the list of classroom rules, something like, "Have a positive attitude" that Mr. Sams could address to the class when he hears such comments. If a particular student continues to make such comments, I would create a time to discuss with the student individually the difficulties they are having with the coursework. I would also try to use more manipulatives to address various learning styles.
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