The Mathematical Resilience Book: How Everyone Can Progress in Mathematics

This book is about mathematical resilience: what it is, why it is important, how learners can develop it and how teachers can teach in ways that help learners become mathematically resilient. Teaching for mathematical resilience helps mitigate mathematics anxiety, which is often hidden from view as poor behaviour, avoidance and underachievement and can have long-term implications especially for people’s employment opportunities and career progression.

Written by a team of expert contributors that specialise in teaching every age of learner from primary school through to adult, the book shows that everyone can progress in mathematics if they have Mathematical Resilience and sets out practical strategies to support learners in developing this important attribute. Chapters cover:

• How to measure mathematics anxiety and resilience
• Tools for building mathematical resilience
• Building a resilient mathematical learning environment
• The power of coaching
• Working with groups, individuals and support staff
• Supporting parents and carers

The world faces huge challenges that involve mathematical thinking, including climate change and economic injustice. This valuable text shows teachers how they can help learners to engage positively with mathematical learning and reach their full potential.

Sue Johnston-Wilder is an associate professor of Maths Education at the University of Warwick and a Coach for Mathematical Resilience. Her background is secondary maths teaching, teacher development, mentoring and coaching. She has specialised in addressing maths anxiety and has co-developed the Mathematical Resilience framework. She is a co-founder of the International Mathematical Resilience Network.

Clare Lee is a senior lecturer at The Open University teaching at master's and doctoral levels. Previously she taught mathematics at secondary schools for over 20 years. She has published many books and papers focusing on teaching mathematics effectively and allowing learners access to this important, exciting and useful subject.