Mathematical Proficiency and Perseverance in Action: The Case of Maria and Andrew*

Abstract

In response to an expanding definition of mathematical proficiency, educators must attend to what mathematically proficient students should know as well as what they should do. As students are asked to struggle and wrestle with mathematics, educators should expect that students demonstrate perseverance through engagement with difficult mathematics. This has significant implications for seeing one’s self as a learner and doer of mathematics, particularly for those with historically limited access to mathematics-related opportunities. A case study analysis of a pair of students in a second grade classroom engaged in algebraic reasoning revealed a striking example of perseverance in action that supports mathematical learning. Analysis of classroom discourse across the classroom revealed the social and sociomathematical norms of the classroom that supported such perseverance. Developing mathematically proficient students who persevere has widespread implications as it is those who see themselves as doers of mathematics who have the most access to future educational and economic opportunities.

*This study was supported in part by a grant (#R305A100181) from the Institute of Education Sciences of the U.S. Department of Education. The views expressed in this paper are the authors’ alone and do not reflect the views/policies of the funding agency.