Teaching Strat in Math

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Basic Math Teaching Strategies

By Room 241 Team • October 22, 2012


The building blocks of mathematics start early on, when learning the basic
skills. The key to teaching basic math skills that students can apply and
remember for future instruction is to use several teaching strategies.

Repetition
A simple strategy teachers can use to improve math skills is repetition. By
repeating and reviewing previous formulas, lessons and information, students
are better able to comprehend concepts at a faster rate.

According to Professor W. Stephen Wilson from Johns Hopkins University, the


core concepts of basic math must be mastered before students are able to
move into a more advanced study. Repetition is a simple tool that makes it
easier for students to master the concepts without wasting time. According to
the University of Minnesota, daily re-looping or reviews will bring the previous
lesson back into the spotlight and allow teachers to build on those previous
skills.

Timed testing
When teachers are moving beyond the simple concepts of numbers into
addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, it is important to incorporate
timed tests that review the previous class or several classes.

Taking a short test and then grading the test in class will help teachers assess
student understanding. When the test shows that students are answering
more questions correctly within the time period, teachers are able to
determine that students have mastered the basic skills.

Pair work
Mathematics is not limited to learning from a textbook, lessons, or testing
strategy. Students have different learning styles and need to have lessons
that help improve all styles of learning to get the best results.

Group work is a simple strategy that allows students to work and problem
solve with a buddy. When a teacher has provided the basic instruction, it’s
helpful to split the class into pairs or groups to work on problems.
Since the pairs are working as a team, the students can discuss the problems
and work together to solve the issues. The goal of pair work is to teach
students critical thinking skills that are necessary for future math problems
and real life.

Manipulation tools
The use of blocks, fruits, balls or other manipulation tools help students learn
the basics of place value, addition, subtraction and other areas of basic math.
According to Kate Nonesuch on the National Adult Learning Database of
Canada, manipulation tools help slow down the process of problem solving so
that students are able to fully understand the information.

Manipulation tools make it easier for students to learn and understand basic
skills. These are ideal when students learn best through hands-on experience
and building rather than traditional lessons and repetition.

Math games
Reinforcing the information learned in class is not always the easiest task for
teachers, but math games provide the opportunity to make the lesson
interesting and encourage students to remember the concepts.

Depending on the class size, computer availability, and the lesson being
taught, games can vary. Teachers can use computer games for the particular
skills or can opt to use class games to make the lesson more fun. Teachers
should be sure to incorporate a strategy into games to help students learn the
material.

Math skills are an important part of life. To offer students the most help,
teachers need to incorporate several strategies to give students the
opportunity for future growth.

Learn More: Click to view related resources.Tags: Math and Science

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