The Math Narrative Project
A narrative approach to improve students' experiences learning math
How do students feel about learning math, and how can adults help them persist when learning math feels hard?
We asked Black, Hispanic, and lower-income 6th to 10th graders all over the U.S. how they feel about learning math.
Using those insights, the Math Narrative Project developed research-based messaging recommendations and embedded them into products, tools, and services for teachers, parents, and students.
Together, we are amplifying positive narratives about learning math.
How Students Feel About Math
Here’s what they told us:
Hover over any bubble to see the students’ feeling it represents. Bubbles with an audio icon are interactive; click to hear a quote directly from the student.
All Races and Genders
Female
Male
Asian & Pacific Islander
Black
Hispanic
White
Many students have negative emotions about learning math.
Narratives that adults—like teachers and parents*—hold about math can also shape the way students experience math learning.
*Throughout this website, the research team uses ‘parent’ to refer to both parents and guardians.
These emotions and narratives can make it harder for students to persist in higher-level math like algebra and beyond.
The Math Narrative Project seeks to use narrative as a tool to improve students’ math learning, so that more students want to learn more math.
