Middle school math can feel like a mystery sometimes. Students are suddenly faced with more abstract ideas, pacing and performance pressure increase, and math identity starts to shift… sometimes for the worse.
In this episode of The Modern Math Teacher Podcast, I sit down with veteran educator Sheila Robitaille to unpack why engagement drops in Algebra and how we can support productive struggle without increasing anxiety.
We dive into:
✔️ Why engagement drops in Algebra
✔️ What shifts instructionally in middle school math
✔️ How to support productive struggle without increasing anxiety
✔️ What global math participation reveals about motivation
✔️ Practical strategies to help reluctant algebra learners
Sheila shares insights from nearly two decades of observing over 10 million students, offering practical, classroom-ready strategies for middle school math, Algebra 1, Algebra 2, and anyone supporting reluctant learners.
Listen now to discover mindset shifts and strategies that help every student feel capable in math.
Connect with Sheila: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheila-robitaille-8823864b
Learn more about World Maths Day: https://www.3plearning.com/world-maths-day/
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