What They Say, What They Mean: A Guide to Teaching Them Mathematics

Mathematics is a challenging subject for many students. One of the reasons for this is that students often have difficulty understanding what their teachers are saying. This can be due to a number of factors, including the use of unfamiliar vocabulary, the presentation of complex concepts in a confusing way, or the teacher's own lack of understanding of the material.

The Common Core Mathematics Companion: The Standards Decoded, High School: What They Say, What They Mean, How to Teach Them (Corwin Mathematics Series)

by Kara Tippetts

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	11272 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	504 pages

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As a teacher, it is important to be aware of the challenges that students face when learning mathematics. You can help your students to succeed by taking steps to make your instruction more clear and understandable. One way to do this is to learn to interpret what your students are saying and what they mean.

What They Say

When students are struggling with mathematics, they often say things that can be confusing or frustrating for teachers. For example, a student might say:

• "I don't understand."
• "This is too hard."
• "I'm not good at math."

It is important to remember that these statements are not always literal. When a student says "I don't understand," they may not mean that they do not understand the concept at all. They may simply mean that they are having difficulty understanding a particular aspect of the concept.

Similarly, when a student says "This is too hard," they may not mean that they are incapable of learning the material. They may simply mean that they are finding the material to be challenging.

It is important to be patient and understanding when students make these kinds of statements. Instead of getting frustrated, try to take the time to figure out what your students are really trying to say.

What They Mean

Once you have figured out what your students are really trying to say, you can start to address their concerns. For example, if a student says "I don't understand," you can ask them to explain the concept in their own words. This will help you to identify any areas where they are struggling.

If a student says "This is too hard," you can try to break the concept down into smaller, more manageable chunks. You can also provide them with additional resources, such as practice problems or online tutorials.

It is important to remember that every student is different. What works for one student may not work for another. The key is to be patient, understanding, and willing to try different approaches until you find one that works for your students.

Teaching mathematics can be a challenging task, but it is also a rewarding one. By learning to interpret what your students are saying and what they mean, you can help them to succeed in mathematics and develop a lifelong love of learning.

The Common Core Mathematics Companion: The Standards Decoded, High School: What They Say, What They Mean, How to Teach Them (Corwin Mathematics Series)

by Kara Tippetts

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	11272 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	504 pages

FREE