From enduring maths… to enjoying maths

Transforming negative attitudes towards maths

Recently, I was invited to visit a small Aussie school struggling with a familiar challenge: disengaged students and overwhelmingly negative attitudes toward maths. The school’s results had been steadily declining, and both students and teachers felt stuck. Teachers had tried everything they knew to reignite enthusiasm, but progress felt impossible. It was clear this school needed more than just new strategies—they needed to see maths in a completely different light.

A culture of disengagement

When I arrived, the challenge was evident. Students didn’t just dislike maths; they actively avoided it, convinced they weren’t “maths people.” Many described maths as boring, difficult, or irrelevant. For the teachers, these attitudes were discouraging. They had poured energy into lesson plans and expensive resources, only to see students switch off before the lessons even began.

Negative attitudes toward maths create a vicious cycle: disengaged students avoid challenges, which impacts their confidence, and further cements their belief that maths isn’t for them. For teachers, this can feel disheartening—how do you teach a subject to students who have already decided they can’t succeed?

A fresh perspective

The goal of my visit was simple but ambitious: help students see maths as something they could engage with and enjoy, while equipping teachers with practical strategies to rekindle excitement for the subject. 

We hit the ground running first thing in the morning with the student workshops. Through hands-on, collaborative activities, students were encouraged to approach maths problems differently—less about memorising steps and more about exploring strategies.

At first, some students were hesitant, their reluctance visible in their body language. But as we dove into the activities, their attitudes began to shift. Small successes built momentum, and students who had previously disengaged started participating. It wasn’t long before smiles replaced frowns, and there was genuine excitement in the room.

For many students, this was the first time they had experienced maths as something enjoyable. Instead of dreading the subject, they were laughing, strategising, and even cheering each other on. Teachers were equally delighted to see their students so engaged and confident.

Empowering teachers and students alike

The workshops weren’t just about engaging students—they were about showing teachers what’s possible when we change the way we approach maths. By providing teachers with practical tools to make learning engaging and meaningful, the workshops helped to shift perspectives on how maths can be taught.

One teacher told me, “I didn’t realise my students had this level of enthusiasm in them. It’s amazing to see them participating so confidently.” Another teacher shared that they felt re-energised to try new strategies in their classroom.

Reflecting on the Impact

By the end of the three student sessions, the atmosphere in the school had transformed. Students left the workshops excited about maths, and teachers left inspired by what they had seen. For many, it was a reminder that maths doesn’t have to be endured—it can be enjoyed.

When students experience success and see maths as something they can approach with confidence, their attitudes change. They become curious, motivated, and willing to engage with challenges. This is the key to transforming negative attitudes and unlocking potential—not just for one day, but for the long term.

The teachers turn!

We finished the day with a teacher workshop, focusing on approaches to make maths more relatable, collaborative, and enjoyable. Teachers weren’t coming in blind as they’d all taken part in the lessons throughout the day. In fact, they had so many observations and questions before we even got started!

We discussed strategies like real-world applications, number talks, fostering a growth mindset, and using collaborative learning to make maths feel less intimidating. Most importantly, we explored ways to show students the why of maths, rather than just focusing on procedures.

The core message was clear: maths doesn’t have to feel like a chore. It can be about exploration, understanding, and play. The goal isn’t just to teach maths but to empower students to think critically, take risks, and develop confidence in their problem-solving abilities.

What did they say about the experience?

Here are some student comments which summarise most of the comments:
“The session was informative and interesting”

“It was fun, helpful and interactive.”

“Encouraged me to do more maths and feel confident in maths.”

“Way more interested in maths as a result.”

“I enjoyed learning about positive ways to look at maths”

And the teachers?

Here’s what the STEM coordinator had to say:
“What Chris achieved with our students in just 90 minutes was nothing short of remarkable. He brought maths to life in a way that was fun, dynamic, and highly relatable. Even our most reluctant learners were captivated as Chris showed them real-life connections and introduced creative ways to engage with maths through games. His focus on tackling maths anxiety was especially impactful, and it was inspiring to see how quickly and effectively he connected with our students.

The afternoon session was tailored for our maths staff and was equally valuable. Chris guided us through strategies to address maths anxiety in the classroom and introduced some fantastic resources available through Number Hive. His practical insights and enthusiasm left our team feeling keen to use the new tools to support our students.

We would love to have Chris back next year to kick off the school year with the same energy and positivity. His seminar has made a lasting impression on both our students and staff, and we’re excited to continue building on what we learned.”

What about your school?

If your school is facing similar challenges with disengaged students or negative attitudes toward maths, I’d love to help. Together, we can create an environment where maths becomes accessible, exciting, and rewarding for every student. Because when students discover the joy of learning, the possibilities are endless.