What is a Mathography? Why Use One?

 

Today I attend the first webinar in a series of four devoted to helping developing collective efficacy in math while engaging students in remote or hybrid settings.  I thought I could get some ideas to use in class to make it better and more interesting.  I came away with so many ideas after the first meeting.  

I came away with several things but they circled the concept of student math identity. Math identity is defined as how a student sees themselves in regard to their ability or lack of to do math.  Part of this identity is based on their perceptions based on the assignments they've had to do over the years.

One activity mentioned that helps a teacher learn more about how they see themselves is to ask them to write a mathography. A mathography is similar to an autobiography in that they talk about themselves and how they feel about math.  In the assignment, students are asked to tell whether they like or dislike math and explain why they fell that way.  They are asked if they are "good" at math and explain why they think that.

They could also share if there are any areas of math they like or dislike and what is it about that area of math that they like or if they don't like a certain type of math why.   Personally, I don't like statistics mostly due to not liking the instructor I had in college who wouldn't clearly explain things so I never took another stats class again.  I'm sure there are others there who dislike a particular area for the same reason.

They could be asked what makes math awesome or horrible for them.  They could also be asked what experiences they've had in math that made them like it or dislike it and why those experiences made them feel that way.  Let them take time to describe their most memorable experience in math either good or bad.  

One should also take the time to ask students how they feel about taking this particular math class and what do they think they might learn.  What do they fear about the class? Ask them that if they could set up a math class, what do they think should be taught in it?

If you want to delve deeper, you could ask them what do they remember about their early experiences with math?  Did they feel awesome at any one topic?  Did they show others how to do it? Were they proud of being able to show others how to do something? If they no longer like math, you could ask what happened to change things or did they struggle every year?

You might also ask them to talk about the things they like to do and have them explain why they like to do it.  You might also have them tell you what they are good at and what they aren't as good at because you can take the things they like to do or are good at and connect math to their interests to show them how math relates to everything in life.  

This writing assignment will give you a lot of information about the student, their past experiences, and their thoughts about their abilities in math.  With this type of information on each student, it gives the teacher enough information to look at ways to reach all their students.  It helps to have a starting point for every student.  Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear.  Have a great day.