183 Mythbusting the Biggest Lies Students Believe About Math

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What does it actually mean to be good at math?

If you asked your students that question, what would they say?

In this episode, we're continuing our summer book study of Math Therapy by Vanessa Vakharia and diving into Chapter 3: Mythbust.

While growth mindset may not be the educational buzzword it once was, the ideas behind it remain incredibly important. Students cannot build a healthier relationship with mathematics if they continue believing unhealthy myths about themselves.

This episode explores how teachers can help students challenge limiting beliefs, collect evidence of growth, and begin rewriting their mathematical identities.

In This Episode

✨ Why growth mindset still matters

✨ The difference between telling students they can grow and helping them experience growth

✨ What it really means to be good at math

✨ Why productive struggle is essential for building confidence

✨ How the Reticular Activating System (RAS) influences what students notice

✨ The role of relevance in learning mathematics

✨ Reflection, journaling, and Favorite Mistakes as tools for growth

✨ Why evidence—not encouragement alone—changes beliefs

Key Takeaway

Students don't develop a growth mindset because we tell them to.

Students develop a growth mindset because they experience growth.

Productive struggle leads to success.

Success creates evidence.

Evidence shapes beliefs.

Beliefs influence identity.

And identity drives behavior.

This Week's Reflection

Consider these questions:

• What does it mean to be good at math?
• Would your students define mathematical success the same way you do?
• What evidence are your students collecting about themselves every day?
• What evidence are they noticing?

Community Challenge

This week, intentionally notice something.

It could be:

• examples of productive struggle
• moments of student growth
• mathematics in everyday life
• evidence of mathematical thinking

Then head into our Facebook group and share what you discovered.

I'd also love to hear your answer to this question:

What does it mean to be good at math?

Read Along With Us

📖 Physical Book: https://amzn.to/42VJRl6

🎧 Audiobook: https://amzn.to/49nV55D

It's not too late to join the book study!

Coming Next Time

Next week we'll explore the second of the Five Ms: Moderate and discuss how we can intentionally create classrooms that help reduce math anxiety while increasing belonging, confidence, and trust.

Until then, keep reflecting, keep learning, and remember that math is Moore than just solving for X.

This podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.

Connect with Kristen:

• Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustx
• Join the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers Movement

More About the Modern Math Teacher Podcast

Kristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.

Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!

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