Attribute

Mathematics

Caring

Can mathematics help us to become more caring?  Can we use mathematics to help others?  Is a caring learner better at learning mathematics than a learner who doesn’t care?  How can we show that we care about our learning in mathematics classes?

Principled

Why is it important to be honest in Mathematics? Is it possible to be dishonest with Mathematics?  What is ethical when you are faced with a difficult problem you have been asked to solve?  Where do ethics fit into mathematics?

Open-minded

How open-minded are you about mathematics?  How many ways are there to solve a problem in maths? Is the way we learn mathematics in school the only way to approach Mathematical issues? Are you ready to listen to the mathematical strategies of others?

Risk-takers

Mathematics is about numbers – wrong number, wrong answer – where is there any chance of being a risk-taker when doing mathematics?  How can you be a risk-taker in mathematics?  Is it better to take a mathematical risk or to accept defeat?

Balanced

How balanced are your views about mathematics?  How do you make sure you are in the best condition you can be for learning in mathematics?  How do you learn best in mathematics?  Are there better ways?

Inquirers

Of what relevance is maths to our lives?  If we can describe something mathematically, then we can manipulate it – what can you describe mathematically?  Where is the beauty in Mathematics?  Is mathematics natural or human-made? What can’t be described mathematically? Can you be creative with mathematics?

Knowledgeable

Does being good at mathematics make you more knowledgeable?  What do you need to know from Mathematics? What knowledge in mathematics is useful elsewhere?  Can mathematical knowledge help build a better you or a better world?

Thinkers

What thinking skills do we use in mathematics?  Can these skills be used elsewhere?  Is the study of mathematics a creative process?  Could the knowledge and skills I gain through mathematics help me make important decisions?  Could the study of mathematics change the way I think about things?

Communicators

Can I express myself mathematically?  Is mathematics a universal language? What communication skills does the study of mathematics help me to develop and can these be used elsewhere?  How good am I at communicating what I know in the best possible way in mathematics?  How well do I work as part of a team? Do I take advantage of learning from others in class? 

Reflective

Do you review your ideas about mathematics regularly? Do you check through your work before handing it in and consider the way you have tackled or presented you work?  Do you read through the teacher’s comments on your work when it is returned to you? Do you review what happened in the last lesson before you go to the next? Do you learn from your mistakes?  Do you learn from those of others?