Recommendations for Teaching Mathematics
1. Establish a mathematics class motto, “Do only what makes sense to you.”
2. Provide rich learning situations to involve students
3. Make reading an integral part of mathematics
4. Use M&M’s
5. Encourage students to talk about mathematics
6. Make writing an integral part of learning mathematics
7. Provide a safe and intellectually stimulating environment for learning mathematics
8. Maintain high expectations regardless of gender or cultural background
9. Accept the fact that confusion, partial understanding, and some frustration are a natural part of the process
10. Make sure students realize the processes are valued
11. Project a positive attitude toward mathematics
12. Encourage children to reflect on their learning
13. Use classroom organizations that facilitate learning
Variety is the spice of life
Good Teaching Techniques
Be proactive by constructing detailed long- and short-range plans ; check prerequisite concepts
or skills
Make students aware of the lesson’s objectives
Spend at least half of the period developing material in a way that actively engages all students and emphasizes understanding
Involve students in important problem solving, estimation, mental math, and mathematical
extensions related to the lesson
Communicate the expectation that if students attend they will be able to master the material
Be clear; provide relevant examples as well as nonexamples
Ask many “why,” “how.” and other high level questions
Be organized; maintain a brisk pace to foster time-on-task
Allow time for guided seat work before independent work
Regularly assign a small amount of homework (or seat work) to develop fluency with
knowledge or skills previously mastered, to stimulate thinking about the next day’s lesson
or to provide open-ended challenges