CAM Colloquium, 2016-09-16 - Jo Boaler: The Mindset Revolution: How the Latest Brain Science Can Transform Mathematics Learning Pathways.

Abstract:          We are in the midst of a revolution, in the science of the brain and learning. New knowledge from brain science is showing a clear path for mathematics learning, that is both exciting and inspiring for teachers and learners. In recent years scientific studies have demonstrated that student and teacher ‘mindsets’ have a profound impact on learning. Students with a ‘growth mindset’ (Dweck, 2006) who believe that intelligence and ‘smartness’ can be learned and that the brain can grow from exercise learn more effectively, displaying a desire for challenge and showing resilience in the face of failure. Such behaviors encourage greater math persistence, engagement and high achievement.  Mathematics teachers play a critical role in the development of mathematical mindsets. This session will review the new and exciting brain science and think about what it means for mathematics learning.

Biography:       Dr. Jo Boaler is a Professor of Mathematics Education at Stanford University, and the co-founder of youcubed. She is also an analyst for PISA testing in the OECD, and author of the first MOOC on mathematics teaching and learning. Former roles have included being the Marie Curie Professor of Mathematics Education in England, a mathematics teacher in London comprehensive schools and a lecturer and researcher at King’s College, London. Her PhD won the national award for educational research in the UK and her book: Experiencing School Mathematics won the 'Outstanding Book of the Year' award for education in Britain. She is an elected fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (Great Britain), and a former president of the International Organization for Women and Mathematics Education (IOWME).  She is the recipient of a National Science Foundation 'Early Career Award', the NCSM Kay Gilliland Equity Award (2014) and the CMC Walter Denham Mathematics Leadership award (2016). She is the author of nine books and numerous research articles.  Her latest book is Mathematical Mindsets: Unleashing Students' Potential through Creative Math, Inspiring Messages and Innovative Teaching (2016), and is published by Wiley. She serves as an advisor to several Silicon Valley companies. She was an Aspen ideas speaker and a White House presenter on girls and STEM. She recently formed www.youcubed.org to give teachers, parents and student the resources and ideas they need to inspire and excite students about mathematics. Her work has been published in the Times, The Telegraph, The Financial Times and many other news outlets. She was recently named one of the 8 educators “changing the face of education” by the BBC.

Websites: http://www.youcubed.org and http://ed.stanford.edu/faculty/joboaler