Productive Persistence

a smiling student in a classroom
Supporting students' development of tenacity and use of good strategies

Creating inclusive and supportive math learning experiences

Math, unlike any other subject, often leads to feelings of unease and discouragement for many learners. Yet, more than a decade’s worth of data about our Productive Persistence interventions shows that when we pay attention to key non-cognitive factors important to learning we can change mindsets and help students persist and succeed. 

Productive Persistence student supports

Targeted to address these non-cognitive factors, the Productive Persistence student support resources included with the Quantway and Statway curricula help instructors create learning environments that reduce student anxiety, strengthen their confidence, and foster students’ sense of belonging in the math classroom and in college. 

Key components include:
  • Growth Mindset and Belonging: Productive Persistence offers focused activities and reflection prompts to foster a growth mindset and create a sense of belonging among students. By promoting a growth mindset - the belief that intelligence and mathematical ability can be developed through effort and effective strategies - through focused activities and reflections, students are encouraged to embrace challenges, view mistakes as opportunities for learning, and persevere in their mathematical journey. Additionally, creating a sense of belonging helps students feel supported, valued, and connected to their peers and instructors, enhancing their motivation and engagement.
  • Collaborative Learning Communities: Productive Persistence promotes collaborative learning communities where students can engage in peer-to-peer interactions, collaborate on problem-solving, and learn from each other's experiences. This approach fosters a supportive and inclusive learning environment, where students can share ideas, ask questions, and receive feedback from their peers. Collaborative learning communities also provide opportunities for students to develop communication and teamwork skills, enhancing their overall learning experience.
  • Targeted Interventions: Productive Persistence offers targeted interventions to address specific barriers and challenges, such as belonging uncertainty, math anxiety, and stereotype threat that students may face. These interventions are designed to provide additional support and resources to help students navigate difficulties and make progress in their mathematical learning. 
  • Metacognitive Strategies: Productive Persistence encourages students to reflect on their learning processes, monitor their progress, and make adjustments as needed. By engaging in metacognition, students become more aware of their strengths and weaknesses, develop effective study habits, and gain a deeper understanding of their learning styles. 

Instructors can access Productive Persistence resources as embedded resources throughout all OER course material instructor notes, as well as in a standalone document.