What is it about?
This study looks at how students feel about the way their teachers interact with them in math class and how this affects their confidence and identity as math learners. It also explores how being flexible in solving math problems plays a role in this relationship. The researchers found that when students feel their teachers encourage different ways of thinking and problem-solving, it helps them feel more capable and positive about math. In simple terms, the way teachers treat and engage with students can influence how students see themselves in math, and encouraging flexible thinking makes a big difference in boosting their confidence.
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Why is it important?
This is important because how students feel about themselves as math learners can significantly impact their success in the subject. If students develop a positive math identity and confidence in their problem-solving abilities, they are more likely to stay engaged, perform better, and even pursue math-related fields in the future. Teachers play a key role in shaping this identity through the way they interact with students. Encouraging flexible thinking in math not only helps students find multiple ways to solve problems but also builds their confidence and makes math more enjoyable. This approach can help break down the fear or frustration many students feel toward math, leading to better learning outcomes and greater long-term success.
Perspectives
From a personal perspective, I find this study important because it highlights the deep impact teachers have on how students see themselves as learners, especially in a subject like math, which can be intimidating for many. I’ve often seen how a teacher’s attitude—whether supportive and encouraging or rigid and dismissive—can make or break a student's confidence. When students are allowed to explore different approaches to solving problems, it empowers them to think creatively and feel capable, which is a game-changer. I believe that math, like any subject, should be taught in a way that opens doors for students, helping them see their potential rather than limiting them to a single “right way” of thinking. This kind of flexibility not only improves their math skills but also equips them with problem-solving tools they can use in other areas of life. For me, this approach makes learning more inclusive, enjoyable, and less stressful for students, which is crucial for their growth.
Mr Allan M Canonigo
University of the Philippines Diliman
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Teacher positioning, student mathematics identity and the mediating effects of problem-solving flexibility, Cogent Education, March 2023, Taylor & Francis,
DOI: 10.1080/2331186x.2023.2190310.
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