Helping Students Become Math Thinkers
By Huntington Learning Center- Teach multiple ways to solve problems. The more strategies you can show students, the better for their development of mathematical reasoning and critical thinking. Give plenty of opportunity for independent practice using different methods, then discuss the pros/cons/distinctions of each.
- Incorporate real-world topics. Math is truly everywhere, and the more you can show this to your student, the easier it will be for them to relate homework problems to situations they face every day (and problems that today’s professionals are trying to solve). Sports, games, cooking—math is part of all of these daily activities.
- Get students talking. Your students can help one another by sharing their thinking and how they approach different problem types. Having them work in small groups can help them acquire new ideas and build their math thinking.
- Build confidence. Math is a subject that can cause even the brightest students frustration and stress. Remind them often: making mistakes is part of the learning process. Give your students time and space to learn at their own pace. Help them think critically about how to solve problems and why one strategy didn’t work while another did. Reward progress not perfection. This will guide them through the learning process.
Math Stress? Huntington’s Math Tutoring Can Help
Do some of your students struggle to grasp math? Do timed tests cause stress? If you have a student who is having difficulty keeping up with your daily lessons, let alone cultivating their mathematical thinking, encourage their parents to call Huntington. We’d be happy to help your student learn to love math. For any student at any level, call 1-800 CAN LEARN.