--- product_id: 19883465 title: "Mathematical Mindsets: Unleashing Students' Potential Through Creative Math, Inspiring Messages and Innovative Teaching" price: "€ 47.14" currency: EUR in_stock: true reviews_count: 13 url: https://www.desertcart.be/products/19883465-mathematical-mindsets-unleashing-students-potential-through-creative-math-inspiring-messages store_origin: BE region: Belgium --- # Mathematical Mindsets: Unleashing Students' Potential Through Creative Math, Inspiring Messages and Innovative Teaching **Price:** € 47.14 **Availability:** ✅ In Stock ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** Mathematical Mindsets: Unleashing Students' Potential Through Creative Math, Inspiring Messages and Innovative Teaching - **How much does it cost?** € 47.14 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.be](https://www.desertcart.be/products/19883465-mathematical-mindsets-unleashing-students-potential-through-creative-math-inspiring-messages) ## Best For - Customers looking for quality international products ## Why This Product - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Description Banish math anxiety and give students of all ages a clear roadmap to success Mathematical Mindsets provides practical strategies and activities to help teachers and parents show all children, even those who are convinced that they are bad at math, that they can enjoy and succeed in math. Jo Boaler—Stanford researcher, professor of math education, and expert on math learning—has studied why students don't like math and often fail in math classes. She's followed thousands of students through middle and high schools to study how they learn and to find the most effective ways to unleash the math potential in all students. There is a clear gap between what research has shown to work in teaching math and what happens in schools and at home. This book bridges that gap by turning research findings into practical activities and advice. Boaler translates Carol Dweck's concept of 'mindset' into math teaching and parenting strategies, showing how students can go from self-doubt to strong self-confidence, which is so important to math learning. Boaler reveals the steps that must be taken by schools and parents to improve math education for all. Mathematical Mindsets : Explains how the brain processes mathematics learning Reveals how to turn mistakes and struggles into valuable learning experiences Provides examples of rich mathematical activities to replace rote learning Explains ways to give students a positive math mindset Gives examples of how assessment and grading policies need to change to support real understanding Scores of students hate and fear math, so they end up leaving school without an understanding of basic mathematical concepts. Their evasion and departure hinders math-related pathways and STEM career opportunities. Research has shown very clear methods to change this phenomena, but the information has been confined to research journals—until now. Mathematical Mindsets provides a proven, practical roadmap to mathematics success for any student at any age. Review: a challenge to conventional thinking - Prof. Boaler has encouraged me to try a more open approach with my teaching in algebra. I have tried to present a more open-minded perspective for my students than I have in the past. I have also tried to emphasize that it’s alright, and actually good, to make mistakes, when we struggle to learn, because then we are growing. I also tried to present the problems we have worked on in class in a more open-minded way. One can, to a certain extent, emphasize an open-minded viewpoint even with the very narrow procedural, and rule-oriented problems that we tend to work in an algebra class. For instance, one can emphasize that there are usually several approaches to solving problems, not necessarily the book’s or mine. The focus on narrow, procedural problems is, as Prof. Boaler emphasizes, just a focus on one facet of mathematics, often not the most important. There is a whole aspect of critical and creative thinking that is being neglected. I like her analogy for the types of problems she seeks: Low-floor and high-ceiling. Switching students from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset is very challenging. For example, projects in which the students engage in creative and critical thinking are frequently inefficient relative to narrowly focused procedural problems. Do the students actually learn what they need as adults when there is a more open-minded, i.e. a greater growth mindset, environment? Isn’t it the procedural, the calculations, that they need to learn? Isn’t that the heart of mathematics? If we consider actual mathematicians, we recognize this is not actually the case. As students develop into mathematicians, they become interested in formulating problems, in mathematical reasoning, and in developing intuitions about the mathematics. Also, many (most?) mathematicians work collaboratively, rather than in the isolated ways we encourage in our competitive environments in schools. Inevitably, aren’t mistakes bad. Aren’t our limitations as human beings, and the limitations of our environments, simply forcing a fixed, rather than a growth, mindset on us? We become expert and seek to minimize errors. As one grows, certainly those things we become expert and proficient at become more automatic. The limitations we are subject to are, more often than not, amount to such an accommodation with our environment. This can make us want to neglect the struggles, the mistakes and the ambiguities inherent in learning. However, they are essential elements of learning and the growth of our minds, and they force us to consider more open-minded approaches, more creative and critical approaches, to progressing. This is the case even as we grow older and more fixed in our ways. We can make an allusion to Plato's allegory of the cave. We all tend to live in Plato’s cave: Seeing shadows reflected on the wall. Perhaps we are barred from reality, or perhaps we are just limiting ourselves. Research in neuroscience seems to suggest that, at least to a fair extent, we limit ourselves. Even when we are old, there is a certain plasticity to our minds: A growth mindset is of at least some merit even for older people. There is at least some substantial evidence that we can improve learning in the classroom, and help students be more effective and creative, by developing a growth mindset, and by helping students develop such a mindset. This is Prof. Boaler’s main perspective. It seems to open all sorts of doors for people learning mathematics, not only to greater proficiency at mathematics but to more appreciation of mathematics and its aesthetic aspects. It also seems to be a very helpful perspective even for students who already achieve highly in mathematics. I can recommend Prof. Boaler’s book even if you disagree with her point of view. She is trying to challenge, in a well-supported way from experience and research, ideas that are common among many teachers of mathematics and in our culture generally. I think her book is very thought-provoking. Review: A Must-Read! - A must-read for parents, teachers, and anyone involved in schools and education policy, especially as it relates to math! It's impressive how well the book addresses all these different audiences. There's not a lot of education jargon, and Boaler has plenty of relevant anecdotes to illustrate her ideas, making the book completely accessible to non-educators. There is is a good overview of the recent math education and mindset literature, without going too far into the arcane world of education research. At the same time, everything is well cited, so anyone who wants to delve into the details can flip to the references and find what they need. As a math teacher, I can say that this book really fills a void. In one readable and well-integrated volume, Boaler takes on such diverse topics as how people learn math; the importance of mindset and how it relates to math; how best to serve students at many different levels of math achievement; what math has to do with educational equity, and more. Parents of students who are struggling in math will welcome learning about the research on math phobia and will find that Boaler provides much practical advice on how to change course. Parents of high-achieving math students need to read this book since it provides an important counterpoint to the default of channeling "gifted" students into accelerated math tracks, often without ever giving them a chance to explore math beyond an algorithmic level. You'll have a much better idea of what you might want to advocate for in order to serve your child well through their educational career. Anyone interested in advancing educational equity will find that Boaler has much to say about how the teaching of math has historically contributed to inequity, and how it needs to be part of the way forward. Teachers and administrators interested in de-tracking their math programs will want to read this book because it not only provides important rationales for creating heterogeneous classrooms but also explains the comprehensive changes in pedagogy that are necessary for all students to be empowered and challenged. ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | Best Sellers Rank | #295,827 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #121 in Mathematics Study & Teaching (Books) #245 in Math Teaching Materials #469 in Mathematics (Books) | | Customer Reviews | 4.7 out of 5 stars 1,801 Reviews | ## Images ![Mathematical Mindsets: Unleashing Students' Potential Through Creative Math, Inspiring Messages and Innovative Teaching - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/814bNKPyPsL.jpg) ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ a challenge to conventional thinking *by M***E on October 13, 2016* Prof. Boaler has encouraged me to try a more open approach with my teaching in algebra. I have tried to present a more open-minded perspective for my students than I have in the past. I have also tried to emphasize that it’s alright, and actually good, to make mistakes, when we struggle to learn, because then we are growing. I also tried to present the problems we have worked on in class in a more open-minded way. One can, to a certain extent, emphasize an open-minded viewpoint even with the very narrow procedural, and rule-oriented problems that we tend to work in an algebra class. For instance, one can emphasize that there are usually several approaches to solving problems, not necessarily the book’s or mine. The focus on narrow, procedural problems is, as Prof. Boaler emphasizes, just a focus on one facet of mathematics, often not the most important. There is a whole aspect of critical and creative thinking that is being neglected. I like her analogy for the types of problems she seeks: Low-floor and high-ceiling. Switching students from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset is very challenging. For example, projects in which the students engage in creative and critical thinking are frequently inefficient relative to narrowly focused procedural problems. Do the students actually learn what they need as adults when there is a more open-minded, i.e. a greater growth mindset, environment? Isn’t it the procedural, the calculations, that they need to learn? Isn’t that the heart of mathematics? If we consider actual mathematicians, we recognize this is not actually the case. As students develop into mathematicians, they become interested in formulating problems, in mathematical reasoning, and in developing intuitions about the mathematics. Also, many (most?) mathematicians work collaboratively, rather than in the isolated ways we encourage in our competitive environments in schools. Inevitably, aren’t mistakes bad. Aren’t our limitations as human beings, and the limitations of our environments, simply forcing a fixed, rather than a growth, mindset on us? We become expert and seek to minimize errors. As one grows, certainly those things we become expert and proficient at become more automatic. The limitations we are subject to are, more often than not, amount to such an accommodation with our environment. This can make us want to neglect the struggles, the mistakes and the ambiguities inherent in learning. However, they are essential elements of learning and the growth of our minds, and they force us to consider more open-minded approaches, more creative and critical approaches, to progressing. This is the case even as we grow older and more fixed in our ways. We can make an allusion to Plato's allegory of the cave. We all tend to live in Plato’s cave: Seeing shadows reflected on the wall. Perhaps we are barred from reality, or perhaps we are just limiting ourselves. Research in neuroscience seems to suggest that, at least to a fair extent, we limit ourselves. Even when we are old, there is a certain plasticity to our minds: A growth mindset is of at least some merit even for older people. There is at least some substantial evidence that we can improve learning in the classroom, and help students be more effective and creative, by developing a growth mindset, and by helping students develop such a mindset. This is Prof. Boaler’s main perspective. It seems to open all sorts of doors for people learning mathematics, not only to greater proficiency at mathematics but to more appreciation of mathematics and its aesthetic aspects. It also seems to be a very helpful perspective even for students who already achieve highly in mathematics. I can recommend Prof. Boaler’s book even if you disagree with her point of view. She is trying to challenge, in a well-supported way from experience and research, ideas that are common among many teachers of mathematics and in our culture generally. I think her book is very thought-provoking. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Must-Read! *by E***. on November 11, 2015* A must-read for parents, teachers, and anyone involved in schools and education policy, especially as it relates to math! It's impressive how well the book addresses all these different audiences. There's not a lot of education jargon, and Boaler has plenty of relevant anecdotes to illustrate her ideas, making the book completely accessible to non-educators. There is is a good overview of the recent math education and mindset literature, without going too far into the arcane world of education research. At the same time, everything is well cited, so anyone who wants to delve into the details can flip to the references and find what they need. As a math teacher, I can say that this book really fills a void. In one readable and well-integrated volume, Boaler takes on such diverse topics as how people learn math; the importance of mindset and how it relates to math; how best to serve students at many different levels of math achievement; what math has to do with educational equity, and more. Parents of students who are struggling in math will welcome learning about the research on math phobia and will find that Boaler provides much practical advice on how to change course. Parents of high-achieving math students need to read this book since it provides an important counterpoint to the default of channeling "gifted" students into accelerated math tracks, often without ever giving them a chance to explore math beyond an algorithmic level. You'll have a much better idea of what you might want to advocate for in order to serve your child well through their educational career. Anyone interested in advancing educational equity will find that Boaler has much to say about how the teaching of math has historically contributed to inequity, and how it needs to be part of the way forward. Teachers and administrators interested in de-tracking their math programs will want to read this book because it not only provides important rationales for creating heterogeneous classrooms but also explains the comprehensive changes in pedagogy that are necessary for all students to be empowered and challenged. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Every Math Teacher Needs This Book! *by C***R on June 2, 2025* Mathematical Mindsets completely transformed how I teach math. Jo Boaler gives both research-backed insights and practical classroom strategies that challenge the fixed mindset so many students carry. This book helped me move beyond drill-and-kill instruction and toward open, creative tasks that build confidence and deep understanding. My students are more willing to take risks and actually enjoy math now! Whether you're a new teacher or a veteran, this is essential reading. It should be part of every school’s professional development library. ## Frequently Bought Together - Mathematical Mindsets: Unleashing Students' Potential Through Creative Math, Inspiring Messages and Innovative Teaching - Principles to Actions: Ensuring Mathematical Success for All - Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics, Grades K-12: 14 Teaching Practices for Enhancing Learning (Corwin Mathematics Series) --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.be/products/19883465-mathematical-mindsets-unleashing-students-potential-through-creative-math-inspiring-messages](https://www.desertcart.be/products/19883465-mathematical-mindsets-unleashing-students-potential-through-creative-math-inspiring-messages) --- *Product available on Desertcart Belgium* *Store origin: BE* *Last updated: 2026-05-27*