Math Motivation in Middle School

As someone who is constantly in and out of classrooms, I know motivating middle schoolers to learn math isn’t always easy. Today’s students are busier and more distracted than ever before. They are dealing with academic, social, and emotional pressures, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be motivated to learn.

Math Motivation Survey

Curious, I sent out a survey to more than 100 students asking what motivated them in math class and what teachers could do to help. Their answers were anonymous to encourage honest feedback.

Some of the responses were not surprising from a teenage audience. Many said they were motivated by good grades, or their parents. Others said they liked seeing friends in class. And a few said nothing motivated them.

However, not surprisingly, no one mentioned that sitting in rows, listening to long lectures, or doing worksheets with columns of problems was motivating. Welcoming the chance to give their opinion, these creative youngsters had a lot of advice and offered suggestions for energizing the classroom. Here’s what they had to say.

Let Students Do the Work

Kids don’t want to be told how to solve a problem—they want to try figuring it out first, push themselves, and use their creativity. Giving students a problem and telling them how to solve it is a motivation killer. Instead, give them time to work it out independently—or better yet, let them figure it out with a partner. Students love working in groups, where they can share their opinions in a less intimidating setting than an entire room and try different approaches. Have them attempt a problem, discuss it with a partner, and connect it to their learning. Incorporating a routine to do this regularly will help put this into practice.

Include More Hands-On Activities

Several teenagers mentioned this as a math motivation factor, and the research supports using manipulatives beyond elementary math classrooms. Teaching abstract concepts can be challenging for teens. Movement from concrete to abstract thinking isn’t fully developed until late adolescence. To help bridge the gap and make abstract ideas more accessible, have your students use manipulatives, tangible tools, drawings, and diagrams to solve problems. Hands-on activities help instill concepts more deeply, and they are more fun.

Be Supportive

A handful of students mentioned they didn’t feel heard or seen in class and that they needed their teacher to slow down and support them before moving on. As a middle school teacher, keeping track of so many students and ensuring they all get it before moving on can feel nearly impossible. Creative partnerships, pairing stronger students with those who need more support, checking frequently for understanding, and creating an environment that encourages open dialogue can help.

Make Your Content Relatable

Mathematics can be applied to almost any topic, so get creative and make your problems relevant to your audience. While every student may have different interests, it’s sports, musical artists, and entertainment that almost always appeal to them. With such a diverse population in our country, look for curricula that embed and celebrate cultural references in the lessons. Tangible, real-world examples can feel more relevant. If you’re unsure what interests your students, ask them for ideas—they won’t be shy about sharing their opinions.

Reward Students with Snacks and Music

Music is a natural mood lifter, and food is an energy booster, especially for those early morning or late afternoon classes. To get your students in the mood for learning, try a Friday Food Day or a daily blast of music when they enter class. The food doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive.

Any time we can engage a few more students in math, it's a good day! I hope these student-generated ideas are helpful to you and your peers and that they help you engage your students in learning.

Want to hear more from Liz? Listen to her episode of the Extraordinary Educators™ Podcast.