Many students end up in tutoring for math because it is hard, no fun and meaningless to them. While these students are typically on the bottom of the class, there are some things that teachers can do to help them keep up while still pushing the quicker students.
- Pair students up – allow a quicker student to help a slower student so that those students who are having trouble keeping up are receiving instruction twice.
- Make it fun! Keep it lively and interactive for students who are capable of doing math but find it boring or no fun.
- Math is often the first or nearly first subject of the day, so use that morning energy to pump students up and get them moving and excited about learning.
- Use manipulatives and connect the math concepts to real life as often as possible.
- Teach one concept in two ways each day. The repetition of the lesson along with the change of teaching style will help the slower students catch on. This is a way to review the concept with the quicker students as well.
Some students will struggle with math regardless of teaching style simply because they have a processing disorder that effects their ability to learn math. These students have a specific learning disability in the area of mathematics.
Breaking lessons down into smaller pieces can help. Lecture as little as absolutely possible during math class and plan more hands-on activities.
Even in an inclusion classroom, there are ways to help improve every student’s math skills effectively. The key is to remember to whenever possible involve the students.
Math Instruction Resources:
Learn How to Teach Multiplication
Planning Motivating Math Activities
