Learning to Love Math: Teaching Strategies That Change Student Attitudes and Get Results, ISBN-13: 978-1416610366

With a straightforward and accessible style, Willis shares the knowledge and experience she has gained through her dual careers as a math teacher and a neurologist. In addition to learning basic brain anatomy and function, readers will learn how to

* Improve deep-seated negative attitudes toward math.

* Plan lessons with the goal of “achievable challenge” in mind.

* Reduce mistake anxiety with techniques such as errorless math and estimation.

* Teach to different individual learning strengths and skill levels.

* Spark motivation.

* Relate math to students’ personal interests and goals.

* Support students in setting short-term and long-term goals.

* Convince students that they can change their intelligence.

With dozens of strategies teachers can use right now, Learning to Love Math puts the power of research directly into the hands of educators. A Brain Owner’s Manual, which dives deeper into the structure and function of the brain, is also included—providing a clear explanation of how memories are formed and how skills are learned. With informed teachers guiding them, students will discover that they can build a better brain . . . and learn to love math!

Table of Contents:

Acknowledgments …………….. ix
Introduction ……………………………………..1
Chapter 1. Reversing Math Negativity with an Attitude Makeover ………5
Chapter 2. Understanding and Planning Achievable Challenge …………16
Chapter 3. Examples of Differentiated Planning for
Achievable Challenge ……………………………………..33
Chapter 4. Reducing Mistake Anxiety ………………………………………….47
Chapter 5. Change Your Intelligence? Yes, You Can!………………………..69
Chapter 6. Motivating All of Your Students …………………………………..94
Chapter 7. Bringing the Real World to the Math Classroom …………..115
Chapter 8. Creating Student Goals for Motivation ………………………..139
Conclusion ……………………………………………156
Appendix A: Internet Resources ………………….159
Appendix B: Brain Owner’s Manual …………………165
Glossary ……………………………………….175
References ………………………………………..183
Index……………………………………………187
About the Author …………………………………..194