Imagine you’re playing a game and there are different teams. You can’t help but notice that your team is always treated fairly by the referee, while other teams may not be so lucky. It makes you feel good about being on that team, right? Well, it turns out that something similar happens in math class. A recent study shows that high school students feel a stronger connection to math when their teacher treats everyone in the class equally, especially in schools with students from different racial backgrounds. But here’s the interesting part: for black students, it didn’t matter as much how the teacher behaved. They already had a strong love for math, no matter what. This research is important because how we feel about math affects the choices we make in our education and careers. It suggests that teachers have a big role in shaping our attitudes towards math, more than we might have realized before.
A new study finds that high school students identify more with math if they see their math teacher treating everyone in the class equitably, especially in racially diverse schools. While the relationship between teacher equity and math identity was evident across races, there was an interesting exception. Black students, in general, had strong math identities, regardless of their teacher’s actions. Learning about the factors that affect student math identity is important because a student’s attitude towards the subject influences the courses that they take as well as their future career selections. This study suggests that teachers may have a larger role to play in helping students develop a positive math identity than previously recognized.
Dr. David Lowemann, M.Sc, Ph.D., is a co-founder of the Institute for the Future of Human Potential, where he leads the charge in pioneering Self-Enhancement Science for the Success of Society. With a keen interest in exploring the untapped potential of the human mind, Dr. Lowemann has dedicated his career to pushing the boundaries of human capabilities and understanding.
Armed with a Master of Science degree and a Ph.D. in his field, Dr. Lowemann has consistently been at the forefront of research and innovation, delving into ways to optimize human performance, cognition, and overall well-being. His work at the Institute revolves around a profound commitment to harnessing cutting-edge science and technology to help individuals lead more fulfilling and intelligent lives.
Dr. Lowemann’s influence extends to the educational platform BetterSmarter.me, where he shares his insights, findings, and personal development strategies with a broader audience. His ongoing mission is shaping the way we perceive and leverage the vast capacities of the human mind, offering invaluable contributions to society’s overall success and collective well-being.