Math can be an exciting and rewarding subject to learn, but it can also take patience and perseverance to become proficient in math-just as it does to gain phonological awareness for budding readers or math fluency.
Because of this, students often need motivation to stay dedicated to mastering mathematics.
Every Student is Different
What motivates one child may not work for another, as no two students are alike.
Moreover, each student needs a variety of problem-solving skills. In math--as in life--there may be more than one "right" answer.
Taking into account the individual needs of students, what motivators are best to employ?
So, What Motivates Students to Learn Math?
1. Making connections to everyday life
If students think math is irrelevant to their lives, they won't be as excited or motivated.
However, when students see how math in real life situations works, they'll be more willing to stick with a problem.
Teachers need to find ways to demonstrate how math applies to their students' lives, whether it’s telling time, measuring their bedroom, or adding up the price of a desired item--tax included!
2. A thoughtful environment
Before math can really stick, kids need time to think about the problems they're solving.
Writing in a math journal is one way that students can visualize their math thinking and learn which strategies are most helpful.
Talking over strategies with teachers or peers can also encourage kids to slow down and think about the problem-solving process.
3. Intrinsic and extrinsic motivators
Human nature being what it is, sometimes old-fashioned motivators are key to math success. If students finish a particular number of lessons or meet their classroom learning goals in another way, built-in rewards can build confidence and renewed excitement.
For example, Imagine Math lessons reward students with a given number of points upon completion. Students then redeem these points in a variety of ways, from customizing their avatar to gaining extra free time during class.
4. A "mistakes are okay" class culture
It's one thing to say that mistakes are okay. But effective teachers also show students how "wrong" answers are actually just clues to solving a puzzle.
Spending a few minutes reviewing tests, homework, or class assignments can help encourage these productive conversations. Even just a few post-test inquiries about a student's thought process can shed light on where they experienced setbacks and why, opening a space for teachers to provide any additional insights or corrective instruction.
When students see mistakes as necessary to the growth process, they'll feel better about making errors--knowing they're moving along on their individual learning path.

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