Mathematical power consists of developing personal self-confidence and a disposition to seek, evaluate, and use quantitative and spatial information in solving problems and applying the results to help make decisions. The Mathematics Department inspires students to develop math power by posing questions, defining problems, considering different strategies, reasoning logically, communicating through mathematics, finding appropriate solutions, and testing the results. The atmosphere that the Fontbonne mathematics teachers create in their classrooms invites students to take risks, thereby building students' confidence in their mathematical abilities. Students are encouraged to draw upon a repertoire of problem solving abilities. They often work in teams, testing and verifying their ideas.
Instruction is enhanced as students learn from each others' explanations.
Moreover, this fosters peer questioning, which accelerates the learning process. Additional opportunities for cooperative learning experiences are available in the Mathematics Academic Support Center, during students' unscheduled time. All the above resources combine to form a support system offering a quality mathematics program. The Math Department at Fontbonne attempts to help all students achieve mathematical power. All four levels apply an incremental development of concepts, integrated with applied problem-solving skills.