Negative attitudes and anxiety toward math can be pervasive in some classrooms. However, a strong motivation to master math can make a big difference. Intense motivation helps students overcome disappointing mistakes, expend effort to figure out complex math problems, sacrifice time to improve math skills and remember math teachings for a longer period of time. By using the correct strategies, you can create an environment that incites motivation for math.

Greater Self-Determination
Enable students to have more control over your curriculum by responding to their feedback. Students are more likely to be motivated to learn lessons they helped to create. Your students will be excited to work toward seeing their ideas grow. Obtaining ownership over math class will encourage students to continue to explore math and remain responsible for their math learning experiences. Students can assist in developing project ideas, games and lectures, as well as contributing exam questions. For example, students can write math problems in groups to assign to other groups.

Diversify the Instructional Methods
Implement appealing and different teaching styles. This will connect students to the math lessons and keep them engaged. Vary between the use of activities, worksheets, games, diagrams, PowerPoint, art and other teaching tools in addition to the lectures. The variation arouses a curiosity in the students and helps them pay close attention. The belief that math is interesting will help to motivate students. Try having a math activity at the middle of a lecture, such as multiplying, using blocks to provide a hands-on element. Or designate different days to use PowerPoint to demonstrate math concepts such as calculating area and volume.

Give Empowering Praise
Praise your students for working hard. Students should approach math with the mindset that mistakes are an aspect of the learning process. Giving encouragement to students who are struggling will help them understand that mistakes do not indicate that you are incapable of learning math. If you praise students for their progress and effort, they will be more motivated to continue making progress. Unlike other subjects, where the answer is simply right or wrong, try giving credit for each step that is correct. After grading an assignment, acknowledge the math problems the student put significant effort in by giving extra credit.

Assist With Setting Goals
Assist your students in setting long-term and short-term math goals. This increases the relevance of math to their lives. Inform your students about exciting math-based careers to establish long-range goals. Role models in the math field can also shape student goals and inspire them to make similar accomplishments. Talk to your students about historical figures who displayed brilliance in math. You could speak about Blaise Pascal, who invented the first electronic calculator and developed the hydraulic system, or David Hilbert, who discovered and analyzed 21 axioms for Euclidean geometry. Show movies in class about them, such as "Fermat's Last Theorem" or "A Brief History in Time." Discuss the positive impact math makes in their daily lives. Work with your students to identify areas to improve in. Then help your students set goals throughout the year that can lead up to a larger goal. For example, encourage a student to practice with proofs and assign him to do a presentation about proofs at the end of the year.