Why Are Some Students Better at Math? Spoiler Alert: They Aren’t!
Let’s break down some of the biggest myths about math that can hold students back—and explore how we, as teachers, can help students overcome them.
Myth #1: Math Is All About Memorization
Reality: Sure, memorizing basic facts is helpful, but it’s only a small piece of the puzzle. Real math learning is about building a deep understanding of concepts, developing problem-solving skills, and encouraging critical thinking. When we focus only on memorization, we’re missing out on helping students think flexibly and creatively with numbers.Myth #2: There’s Only One Right Way to Solve a Math Problem
Reality: Math is full of possibilities, and there are often multiple ways to solve a problem! When we show students different approaches, we’re giving them tools to find solutions in a way that makes sense to them. Embracing variety in problem-solving not only builds confidence but also makes math more accessible for all students.Myth #3: Speed Matters More Than Understanding
Reality: Racing through problems may feel efficient, but it often leads to shallow understanding. In math, quality beats speed. Encouraging students to slow down, explore, and really understand the “why” behind the answer helps them learn for the long term. Plus, they’ll be less likely to feel defeated when the problems get more challenging.Myth #4: Some Students Are Just Naturally “Good” at Math
Reality: I’ll admit, I used to believe this one too. But every student has the potential to be successful in math with the right support. Research shows that math ability isn’t a fixed trait—it grows with effort, perseverance, and quality instruction. When we help our students see math as a skill they can develop, they’re more likely to stick with it, even when it’s tough.As a special education teacher, I saw firsthand how powerful this shift can be. When students know that math success isn’t about natural talent but about growth, they start to believe in their own potential.
Myth #5: Math Should Be Taught Separately from Other Subjects
Reality: Math doesn’t live in isolation! Connecting math to other subjects and real-life contexts helps students see its relevance. From measuring ingredients in a recipe to calculating distances on a map, math is everywhere. Integrating math into other lessons gives students a broader perspective and helps them recognize the role math plays in their daily lives.Myth #6: Memorizing Algorithms Is More Important Than Understanding Concepts
Reality: Algorithms are helpful, but understanding why they work is essential. When students understand the “why” behind a process, they can apply their knowledge flexibly and solve unfamiliar problems with confidence. Instead of rushing through steps, encourage students to dig into the underlying concepts—they’ll be much better equipped to tackle challenging questions in the future.Myth #7: Mistakes in Math Are Failures
Reality: This might be one of the hardest myths to bust! Mistakes are a natural and valuable part of learning. When students see mistakes as stepping stones rather than setbacks, they build resilience. Teaching them that mistakes are expected—and even celebrated—helps them develop a growth mindset that serves them well beyond the math classroom.I want to dig a little deeper on myth #4.
This myth perpetuates the idea that mathematical ability is an inherent trait that some students possess while others do not. It suggests that success in math is predetermined by factors such as genetics or innate talent, leading to a fixed mindset where students believe they are either "good" or "bad" at math based on their perceived natural abilities.
However, research in the field of education and psychology has consistently shown that mathematical ability is not fixed and can be developed over time with the right support and instruction. While some students may initially find certain math concepts challenging, this does not mean they are incapable of mastering them.
A study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology titled "The Role of Instructional Support in Students' Developing Mathematical Understanding" by Boaler and Staples (2008) found that providing students with appropriate instructional support significantly improved their mathematical understanding and performance.
Another study published in the Journal of Research in Mathematics Education titled "Supporting Students' Development of Measurement Concept through Spatial Reasoning Activities" by Verschaffel et al. (2009) demonstrated how targeted instructional activities can enhance students' understanding of mathematical concepts, such as measurement.
Additionally, research by Dweck (2006) on mindset theory emphasizes the importance of fostering a growth mindset in students, which encourages them to believe that their abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work rather than being fixed traits. This mindset has been shown to positively impact students' mathematical performance and attitudes towards learning.
Believing in students' abilities and providing them with the necessary support and instruction is key to helping them succeed in math.
Helping Every Student Thrive in Math
Our job as educators isn’t just to teach math; it’s to build confidence, foster curiosity, and create a space where all students can grow. Here are a few ways to make that happen:Encourage a Growth Mindset:
- Provide Extra Support:
Whether it’s one-on-one time, peer tutoring, or extra resources, students benefit from the chance to get a little extra help when they need it. We all learn at different paces, and it’s okay to ask for support.
Encouraging our students to believe in themselves and in their ability to learn will create confident, resilient learners ready to tackle any math problem that comes their way. Let’s break the myths and build up a love for math together!
