Math is the language of the universe. If one were to excel in science and know the secrets of the universe, he needs to have a concrete understanding of math. As teachers, we all want our kids to succeed in math. However, it is our duty to give them the material, help them apply skills, and build their concepts. It’s imperative that we focus on making sure that our students understand the material rather than just memorizing it. In this article, I am going to highlight five tips that come in handy for students to understand math and grasp basic concepts.
Create a Perfect Class Opener
School is often boring for students. The reason for that is the approach of teachers when teaching their students. If the teacher sets a precedent that the aim of coming to class is to rote learning whatever is taught to the students, the ambiance will automatically become dull. The first five minutes of a class set the tone for the entire lecture, which is why teachers need to take a creative approach and opt for an effective class opener.
Solve the Problem in More than One Way
We have to understand that every student is not equal. Our brains are designed differently. If a certain student is able to grasp the concept taught in a certain way, it doesn’t mean that every student might have understood that concept. The best way to approach this problem is by showing the students different ways they can solve a problem and letting them decide the best way that works for them.
Raise the Bar for Them
Meaningful math education goes far beyond the contents of the book. Teachers need to motivate their students and make them understand that they need to set higher goals for themselves and create room for improvement. With the internet becoming a powerhouse for learning, teachers can make use of some helpful courses like MathXL for students that contain digital information in the form of videos, animations, examples, and more.
Show the Application
Making students learn a concept is one thing; showing how it is implemented in real life is another. In a perfect world, teachers would be able to demonstrate how every concept is implemented, but they should be taking this approach whenever they can. When students see how math is implemented in the real world, it will become much easier for them to grasp confusing concepts.
Finish the Class on a High Note
Just like the class opener is an important way to set the tone for the rest of the class, you need to finish your class on a high note so that students feel motivated that they have learned something. The last five minutes of the class are critical when it comes to making sure that students have understood everything, and they have a clear idea about the homework. You can do a quick assessment to find out how much the students have learned from the class and discuss future tasks so that there is no confusion.