Page 34 - Mathematics GRADE 9, DE-STREAMED (MTH1W)

these skills helps students to communicate with teachers, peers, and family about mathematics with an appreciation of the beauty and wonder of mathematics.
Developing a Healthy Mathematical Identity Through Building Self-Awareness
Knowing who we are and having a sense of purpose and meaning in our lives enables us to function in the world as self-aware individuals. Our sense of identity enables us to make choices that support our well-being and allows us to connect with and have a sense of belonging in various cultural and social communities. Educators should note that for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students, the term “sense of identity and belonging” may also mean belonging to and identifying with a particular community and/or nation. Self-awareness and identity skills supports students in exploring who they are – their strengths, preferences, interests, values, and ambitions – and how their social and cultural contexts have influenced them. This exploration is grounded in affirming cultural heritage, considering social identities, and assessing the impact of beliefs and biases. In mathematics, as they learn new skills, students use self-awareness skills to monitor their progress and identify their individual strengths and gifts; in the process, they build their identity as mathematics learners who are capable of actualizing their individual pathways.
• Knowing oneself
• Caring for oneself
• Having a sense of mattering and of
purpose
• Identifying personal strengths
• Having a sense of belonging and
community
• Communicating their thinking and
feelings about mathematics
• Applying strategies such as:
o building their identity as a math learner as they learn independently as a result of their efforts and challenges
o monitoring progress in skill development
o reflecting on strengths and accomplishments and sharing these with peers or caring adults
Developing Critical and Creative Mathematical Thinking
Critical and creative thinking skills enable us to make informed judgements and decisions on the basis of a clear and full understanding of ideas and situations, and their implications, in a variety of settings and contexts. Students learn to question, interpret, predict, analyse, synthesize, detect bias, and distinguish between alternatives. They practise making connections, setting goals, creating plans, making and evaluating decisions, and analysing and solving problems for which there may be no clearly defined answers. In all aspects of the mathematics curriculum, students have opportunities to develop critical and creative thinking skills. Students have opportunities to build on prior learning, go deeper, and make personal connections through real-life applications.
• Making connections
• Making decisions
• Evaluating choices, reflecting on and
assessing strategies
• Communicating effectively
• Managing time
• Setting goals and making plans
• Applying organizational skills
• Applying strategies such as:
o determining what is known and what needs to be found
o using various webs, charts, diagrams, and representations to help identify connections and interrelationships
o using organizational strategies and tools, such as planners,
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