California Adult Literacy Professional Development Project

Join us for an insightful webinar focused on promoting math identity in adult learners and embracing productive struggle in mathematics. Research shows that students who lack confidence in math often give up when faced with challenges, mistakenly thinking that struggling indicates a lack of intelligence. Although struggle can conflict with educators’ notions of successful teaching, struggle and mistakes are the best times for brain growth and are a necessary component of learning and understanding. Teaching that embraces and uses productive struggle leads to long-term benefits, with students more able to apply their learning to new problem situations. This research forum webinar explores ways to foster a positive math identity and embrace productive struggle in adult education classrooms.

Hosted by Rowland Adult and Community EducationJoin us for an insightful webinar focused on promoting math identity in adult learners and embracing productive struggle in mathematics. Research shows that students who lack confidence in math often give up when faced with challenges, mistakenly thinking that struggling indicates a lack of intelligence. Although struggle can conflict with educators’ notions of successful teaching, struggle and mistakes are the best times for brain growth and are a necessary component of learning and understanding. Teaching that embraces and uses productive struggle helps students apply their learning to new problems and situations. This research forum webinar explores ways to foster a positive math identity and embrace productive struggle in adult education classrooms.

Join us for Part 2 of our two-part series on enhancing math instruction in adult education. This webinar focuses on the concept of productive struggle in mathematics, building on our previous session on Promoting Positive Math Identity. Reframe mistakes and struggle as part of natural learning. Discover strategies to help students persevere through challenging problems, fostering deeper understanding. Join us to enhance your teaching practices to support student growth.

This webinar focuses on the concept of productive struggle in mathematics, building on our previous session on Promoting Positive Math Identity. The session explores strategies to reframe mistakes and struggle as part of natural learning; help students persevere through challenging problems, fostering deeper understanding; and enhance your teaching practices to support student growth.Session date: May 21, 2025Facilitator: Matt Wallace

Workshop Description: Discover innovative strategies to transform math instruction in this one-week CALPRO math course designed for adult educators. Through a blend of engaging activities and a live webinar, participants will explore the Standards of Mathematical Practice (SMPs) and their practical application in fostering student success. This course delves into the science of brain-based learning to address math anxiety and promote long-term retention. Participants will learn how to create lessons that encourage productive struggle, persistence, and confidence in tackling challenging concepts. Additionally, the course provides tools to integrate technology and evidence-based instructional routines that enhance engagement and align with the SMPs. With a total commitment of 4.5 hours, this dynamic course equips educators with actionable strategies to inspire and empower their students.Goals: The goal of this course is to equip educators with effective strategies and tools to enhance math instruction by fostering student engagement, promoting mathematical proficiency, addressing math anxiety, and integrating technology and evidence-based practices aligned with the Standards of Mathematical Practice (SMPs).Registration Information: There is no registration fee to participate; CALPRO professional development opportunities are available to all California Adult Education Program (CAEP) agencies and employees. Registered participants will receive final confirmation and details by Friday, November 7, 2025. Waitlisted participants will also receive an update regarding their enrollment status by that date.