Teaching Strategies in Mathematics

Mathematics is one of the most popular subject requests in tutoring. Have you thought why? Most probably yes, and the answer is very simple. It is a challenging subject for many students and requires a lot of practice. But should it be?

As tutors we can and our goal is to make math accessible, engaging, and enjoyable for our students of all ages and abilities.

But how we can do it? How such a complex subject can be fun and joy you ask. And I am inviting you to explore several very effective strategies that will make your students feel so.

Make it Practical and Kinesthetics

Most of the students are visual learners. And one of the biggest barriers to learning math is its abstractness. Hence, students struggle to visualize and internalize a mathematical concept when you present it as pure theory or in textbook format.

That is why, I am a big advocate of including hands-on and kinesthetic learning activities as much as possible.

You can bring math to life. Give students opportunities to physically engage with mathematical models, diagrams, and so on.

For example, in a geometry class, give students toothpicks or play dough. They can use them to build 3D shapes and explore their properties.

When explaining fractions, explain them using the pizza analogy. Pizzas are the perfect real-world example to help students visualize and understand the basic principles. And on top of that it is delicious.

The key is to get your students moving, touching, and interacting with math. It will cover different learning styles and develop a deeper understanding of the material. Since they can connect it to the real world, rather than passively observing or listening.

Focus on Conceptual Understanding 

Another common trap when explaining math is memorization. We usually focus too much on memorizing formulas and procedures without developing an understanding of them.

Knowing formulas by heart is important. However, it is more important that students also grasp the “why” behind the “how”.

Avoid making students practice over and over solving equations with different formulas. Rather, prioritize conceptual understanding.

I like to invest time in helping them visualize math concepts. Also, to recognize patterns and relationships, and formulate the reasons behind these methods.

For instance, when teaching your students linear equations have them use graphing calculators or any online tool that does the same job. The idea is to put points and observe how slope and y-section changes affect the line's shape and position.

Include Real-World Applications

One of the most common complaints we can hear from students about math is: “When am I ever going to use this in life?” And let’s agree it is a valid question.

Especially, when mathematical concepts feel completely disconnected from real-life experiences.

Students struggle to find relevance and value in learning them. That is why, I find it very effective to relate my math lessons with real-world context wherever I can.

Whatever the task is, to calculate the area of a basketball court or analyze sports statistics. I try to demonstrate how math skills and principles have practical applications.

This approach influences two ways. It helps students recognize the usefulness and relevance of what they are learning. Also, it sparks their natural curiosity and critical thinking.

And we both know, that when we can see direct connections between what we learn and where and how we can apply it, we are more likely to engage and persist through challenges.

Plus, by creating mathematical problems within clear scenarios, you are better able to appeal to a wider range of learning preferences and interests.

Foster a Growth Mindset

This strategy is one of my favorite. In my experience, one of the biggest factors in student’s success or struggles is their mindset.

Too often, students view math as a fixed ability, meaning they either believe they “get it” or they believe they don’t. And they are truly sure, there is nothing to be done to change it.

This “fixed mindset” is a major roadblock to both learning and achievement.

What is interesting, multiple studies show that a growth mindset is a powerful predictor of math achievement, even more than IQ test scores.

That is why, I do my best to nurture a “growth mindset” in my classrooms. I want my students to understand one very important thing. Mathematics or any subject or skill in general is not a talent they are born with.

Rather they can develop it through effort, dedication, hard work, and effective learning strategies.

I also constantly reminds them that mistakes and struggles are an essential and natural part of the learning process. And only through making mistakes they can learn. So, I encourage them to make as many mistakes as they can.

And that with the right mindset and support, they can improve and succeed. In turn, I model this myself openly. I usually share my own mathematical challenges and these “aha” moments. It encourages them to view setbacks as opportunities to grow rather than fail.

As a result, I found that my students become more willing to take risks. They persist through challenges, and achieve a deeper level of mastery in the subject.

Utilize Technology and Multimedia

With so advanced technology as we have today, it is very easy to implement the power of digital tools and multimedia. As a tutor, you have many options. Interactive simulations, instructional videos and games that are very engaging for students.

I try to include technology in my math lessons as a complementary element regularly. For example, one of my students’ favorites is to complete virtual escape room challenges. It is fun and helps them master their knowledge of geometric properties.

The key idea here is to select digital tools and resources that match your learning objectives and add value to the lessons.

One of the common mistakes is when tutors add technology for its sake, or just to fulfill the lesson time. This way technology does not bring its teaching effect.

However, when implemented thoughtfully, technology can be a powerful way to increase engagement. It can also give students power over their learning and provide immediate feedback.

Encourage Collaboration and Discussion

One of the next most successful strategies in math is collaboration and discussion. Through my own practice, I have found that collaborative learning activities and mathematical discussions are indeed a huge benefit for my students.

Firstly, by working in pairs or small groups, students can learn from each other. Also, they develop essential communication and problem-solving skills. These skills are very important in any area of their lives.

One of the best ways to promote mathematical discussion that I found is a Socratic method and I regularly structure my lessons around it.

Also, I notice that my students like to engage in productive mathematical debate and explain their reasoning to their peers. As well as arrive at their own understanding of the concepts rather than my direct instruction and provision of answers.

I am always there and ask leading open-ended questions. And I do my best to help them develop metacognitive skills and become more independent, self-directed learners.

Provide Specific and Timely Feedback

Another very impactful teaching strategy I have found for mathematics is feedback. It is essential to help students identify their strengths and address weaknesses,

However, you should use feedback strategically and thoughtfully.

• Firstly, the feedback should be clear and actionable guidance on their progress not on students themselves.

• Secondly, you can provide it in different forms. For example, it can be written comments on homework, one-on-one, or whole-class discussion.

As a math tutor, I usually use formative assessment as a point to offer feedback. It allows me to balance between praising what they are doing well, and providing constructive criticism for improvements.

The way I do it differs, but I have a couple of my favorite techniques. For instance, I might highlight some specific errors or misconceptions in their works. And right away I would ask questions to deepen their understanding or model effective problem-solving.

Also, I ensure that the feedback I provide is timely and quick. As it should apply to their current learning, rather than later or after an assignment.

In addition, I ask them to engage with the feedback actively. Students shouldn’t passively receive feedback and worst-case scenario do nothing about it.

On the contrary, I encourage them to revise their work, ask clarifying questions, or try new approaches.

Position your feedback as an essential and ongoing part of the learning process, rather than something punitive. In this way, your students will be more receptive to it, self-aware, and develop a continuous improvement mindset.

That will ultimately lead them to improve their mathematical skills.

To draw a line here, as tutors or teachers, we have the power to shape students’ attitudes towards math. It is on us to either inspire a lifelong love for mathematics and learning in general or make students believe they just don’t get it.

Teaching is both science and art and teaching math is not an exception. It requires diverse strategies and a deep understanding of how students learn.

But using these strategies, will help you to transform your math lesson. They will also help your students develop a true passion, fun, and joy in learning this subject.