Eight Teaching Methods that Can Help Math Students Be More Productive
Productive struggle is learning that takes effort and encourages creativity. This allows students to learn more and then apply it in solving more difficult or complex problems. This is what every student should strive for. Did you know that certain teaching methods can hinder students’ ability to learn math productively?
These are examples of the unintended consequences of common teaching methods, as crafted by assistance experts that provide matlab homework help.
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We welcome students who have the right answer to our questions to join us
Although it may be tempting to bring Hermione Granger’s along to class, we will not be able to teach students how to deal with difficult situations. You might not think Ron Weasley is the best model to share with students. This will allow you to answer students’ questions and help them solve their problems. Your willingness to admit that you don’t know the answer will be appreciated by students. Instead of feeling defeated or disappointed, this is a way to help them. This shows that you are open to learning from your mistakes and willing to try again.
These are just some of the many useful resources.
- To respond to incorrect answers, it is important to stay with students
- The Power of “I Don’t Know”
- Students: Why is the question more important than the answer?
Students deserve to be praised for their intelligence
Carol Dweck, a researcher, shared the observation that students often get praised for their intelligence. This can lead to a decrease in students’ motivation and success. Teachers who praise students’ hard work more than ask the right questions are more likely to encourage them to tackle difficult tasks. Dweck says that learning doesn’t have to be all about effort.
“Students should try new strategies and get help from others when they are stuck.” In order to learn and improve, they need variety and not just effort. (Dweck, 2015).
It is important that you praise your creativity in solving problems, coming up with new ideas, being creative, innovative, and persevering when faced with challenges.
To highlight high-level accomplishments, create bulletin boards
This study shows that students are more likely to engage with their learning and to have better learning outcomes when their teachers encourage students to persevere in learning, rather than focusing on intellectual accomplishments. Instead of focusing on the highest scores, show examples of creative problem solving and progress towards a learning goal.
These ideas were developed by educators who set high expectations for their classrooms and encouraged deeper learning.
Focusing on formulas and teaching methods
Memorizing and practicing drills won’t make you think deeper, or more complex. Asking them questions that are not routine can help you reach this goal. Let them decide which math to use and how to solve the problem. The problem can be solved by students using their imagination.
This encourages creativity and student engagement when solving problems.
- These visual math activities are worth a look
- A visual sudoku activity that is suitable for all grades
- This number spiral visual math activity is suitable for all grades
- Middle school geometry visual mathematics activity.
Research has shown that students learn more when they receive “correct” or incorrect feedback.
Students need to have the right information in order to make informed decisions and find the best solution. Informative feedback is more than just getting the correct answer. It encourages students to ask questions. It provides context to explain why the answer was correct. Linda Himes, a teacher with 36 years of experience in teaching, shares her example.
“I saw a student struggling to create equivalent fractions. He persevered and eventually found the solution. Instead of saying, “Well done!” or “See! I told you that you were intelligent. I replied, “Wow! You just found out how to make equivalent fractions using relationships between numbers within fractions.” His expression was priceless. He knew he had done something hard. He immediately changed his attitude toward math.
Students with difficulties in their studies will be given easier work
This sends a message that students don’t have the ability or skills to handle difficult work. Instead, find activities that allow students to reach their full potential. These are just a few examples of youcubed. Jo Boaler, a math professor at Stanford.
Follow a strict schedule when creating new material
Students learn best when they are struggling. This doesn’t mean that learning is impossible because students didn’t have the time to find the right answer. When challenged, students can become more productive and come up with new ideas. This is crucial to understanding a topic at a deeper level.
Robert A. Bjork describes in Making Things difficult on You but in a good way, “Conditions that seem to cause difficulties for the learner, slowing down their rate of apparent learning,” Robert A. Bjork. Make Learning more difficult
Students need to feel comfortable not being “math-people”.
Research has shown that anyone can master mathematical thinking. This can result in great learning outcomes. This can be a great way for students who are frustrated with math to quit struggling or resign. No matter what level of math anxiety you may have, math can be learned by anyone. Students’ attitudes and perceptions about math can impact their ability to learn.