Create a safe mathematical community through leader posture, absence of negative feedback, and fun without negative competition¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · 6 claims (6 for) · 3 studies (2 qualitative, 1 theoretical), q1–q2 · 1 of 3 report an effect size · 6 claims rest on one study

Description¶

To create a positive environment for students whose prior mathematics experiences may have been negative, the circle leaders used practices the article found useful: considering students' prior experiences such as stereotype threat and poor prior achievement, an open and engaging leader posture, absence of negative feedback, leaders expressing love and enjoyment of the subject, and an environment of fun without negative competition. Leaders also had a teacher accompany students so they were removed from the role of disciplinarian and responded to all students with encouragement.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• A teacher from the school attends meetings to handle discipline, freeing leaders to encourage rather than discipline

Constraints¶

• The article frames these practices as findings from one exploratory case study, not systematically manipulated factors

Target Learners¶

• low-income minority middle school students with potentially negative prior mathematics experiences

Target Learning Goals¶

• willingness to take risks and engage difficult mathematical challenges
• positive participation in mathematical tasks

Affordances¶

• Math Circle Enculturation Theory

Claims¶

• Competition was a constant source of enjoyment for math circle participants, with evaluation focused on the task rather than the individual [+W]
• Math circle participants reported positive mathematics attitudes, with most respondents indicating mathematics was important, interesting, liked, and that they felt confident solving problems [+W]
• Most surveyed participants reported they had not enjoyed mathematics classes in the past [+W]
• Structured observations showed students were frequently engaged in on-task behaviors during circle meetings [+W]
• Honours community members perceive a safe and supportive environment that facilitates exploring new ideas [+W]
• Trauma-informed practices such as safe environments and positive relationships can mitigate the effects of trauma and promote resilience [+W]

Related Strategies¶

• Playground Pickup Sports and Jam Sessions
• Building Trusting Relationships
• Classroom Climate Routines
• Positive Classroom Climate

Examples¶

-

Key Sources¶

• Eugene Kennedy & Lawrence Smolinsky (2016). Math Circles: A Tool for Promoting Engagement among Middle School Minority Males. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science & Technology Education, 12(4), 717-732. https://doi.org/10.12973/eurasia.2016.1223a