Perhaps the single biggest challenge facing FE maths teachers are the attitudes and beliefs of learners. Learners arrive in college having often experienced repeated failure in maths over a number of years, and many have developed deep-seated negative attitudes and fixed mindsets towards the subject. Some experience anxiety just from being in a maths class.
One of CfEM’s key principles of teaching for mastery in FE is the development of a collaborative culture in which everyone believes everyone can succeed. Many CfEM centres have focused on this principle in their action research, and two centres share their experiences and approaches here.
Fixed mindsets
Several centres have focused on the application of Carol Dweck’s ideas about fixed and growth mindsets. Here, Greater Brighton Metropolitan College share their ideas about what seems to work. The first video considers what mindsets are and why they matter.
The second video focuses on the challenges in shifting learners’ from fixed to growth mindsets with respect to maths.
The final video looks at practical approaches that have been used in FE classrooms to change learner mindsets, including a review action research interventions from other CfEMs.
Maths and exam anxiety
In this set of videos, two engagement coaches from Cambridge Regional College focus specifically on the issue of maths anxiety amongst FE learners, and the related condition of exam anxiety. The first of their videos provides background information about maths and exam anxiety, and the interventions that their CfEM introduced during their action research.
Anxiety Screencast 1 – rationale
The second video goes into greater depth about the causes of maths anxiety, how to recognise the signs that a learner may be maths anxious, and strategies that can be used to create a safe environment for learning maths.
Anxiety Screencast 2 – maths anxiety
In the final video, the focus is turned to exam anxiety – and how the effects can compound the impact of maths anxiety. Again, strategies are discussed to support learners to manage exam anxiety.
Further resources and information about mindsets, anxiety and resilience
CfEM action research on engagement and resilience
| Title | Centre | Year | Report | Video |
| Impact of VESPA Mindset and Grow models on FE maths resit learners | NCCG | 2022 | Report | |
| Positive thinking tools and strategies for FE maths learner confidence and resilience | NCCG | 2022 | Report | |
| Mindset motivation and effort beliefs in FE maths | Lakes College | 2022 | Report | |
| Investigating changes in FE maths students’ mindsets | Harlow College | 2022 | Report | |
| What impact do interventions based on the VESPA mindset model have on GCSE maths resit students? | Runshaw | 2021 | Report | Video |
| Mindfulness in Further Education maths GCSE re-sits; an Action Research report | Greater Brighton Metropolitan College | 2021 | Report | Video |
| Reducing maths anxiety in GCSE maths re-sit students by empowering teachers to investigate and tackle maths resilience | Warwickshire College Group | 2021 | Report | Video |
CfEM action research on coaching approaches to develop resilience
| Title | Centre | Year | Report | Video |
| The power of coaching | City College Plymouth | 2022 | Report | |
| Improving the motivation and engagement of maths GCSE re-sit students in FE Colleges by providing additional maths coaching sessions personalised to their diagnosed gaps and to support with growth mindset, confidence and aspirations | City College Plymouth | 2021 | Report | Video |
| FE maths learner engagement through specialist maths mentors and software | Stamford College | 2022 | Report | |
| Using maths specialist tutors as mentors | Christ the King | 2022 | Report | |
| Student engagement coaches in Further Education for GCSE mathematics re-sit students | Cambridge Regional College | 2021 | Report | Video |
| Teacher-coach partnerships in FE | Cambridge Regional College | 2022 | Report | Video |
| Can a coaching approach improve achievement and progression for students re-sitting GCSE maths? | Fareham College | 2021 | Report | Video |