Term
Fall 2022
Capstone
Capstone Project
Degree Name
MAT
Facilitator(s)
Melissa Erickson and Patty Born
Content Expert
James McVeety
Abstract
Mathematics has a reputation for being abstract, complex, and for many, incomprehensible. In schools, it is common for students to dislike math and to feel self-conscious about their abilities or performance. The typical structure of math assessments, namely tests that are time constricted and highly stressful, creates a cycle of poor performance, disengagement, and high anxiety. This suggests that a new way of assessing students is needed, one that shows the fuller picture of students' math capabilities. This leads to the research question: how can the use of portfolios in math class help students begin to heal from trauma or anxiety related to mathematics, while fostering resilience and flexible thinking skills? Topics explored include the causes and symptoms of math anxiety and trauma, as well as trauma informed teaching practices. The use of portfolios draws inspiration from an approach to mathematics education known as Habits of Mind, which emphasizes flexible thinking and problem solving skills rather than procedural calculations. Portfolios offer a holistic way of assessing students' mathematical thinking and practices, while also utilizing a cycle of feedback and revision to help students reflect and see their own potential for growth. The culmination of this project is an outline for how portfolios can be implemented in a high school classroom, a rubric to assess student’s habits in the classroom, a rubric to assess student deliverables, as well as two surveys to gauge students feelings and attitudes around math. The goal of these materials is to facilitate open and meaningful discussion with students about their problem solving, and to document and celebrate their growth in both mathematical skill and confidence.
Project Type
Curriculum
Keywords
Assessment, Grades/ Student Performance, Mathematics, Teachers/ Teaching
Recommended Citation
Somes, Ethan, "Trauma-Informed Mathematics: Using Portfolios to Promote Reflection and Resilience" (2022). School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects. 877.
https://digitalcommons.hamline.edu/hse_cp/877
dc_type
text
dc_publisher
DigitalCommons@Hamline
dc_format
application/pdf
dc_source
School of Education Student Capstone Projects