Encouraging Students to Become Math Thinkers 

Thinking about math as more than just a school subject helps students realize its many possibilities. Here are a few ways you can encourage your students to do this:   

• Teach multiple ways to solve problems. The more strategies you can show students, the better for their development of mathematical reasoning and critical thinking. Give plenty of opportunities for independent practice using different methods, then discuss the pros/cons/distinctions of each.  

• Incorporate real-world topics. Math is truly everywhere, and the more you can show this to your students, the easier it will be for them to relate homework problems to situations they face every day (and problems that today’s professionals are trying to solve). Sports, games, cooking—math is part of all of these daily activities.   

• Get students talking.  Your students can help one another by sharing their thinking and how they approach different problem types. Having them share and work in small groups can help them acquire new ideas and build their math thinking.   

• Build confidence. Math is a subject that can cause even the brightest students frustration and stress. Remind them often: making mistakes is part of the learning process. Give your students time and space to learn at their own pace and help them think critically about how to solve problems and why one strategy didn’t work while another did. Reward progress not perfection. This will guide them through the learning process.   

Math Stress? Huntington’s Math Tutoring Can Help  

Do some of your students struggle to grasp math? Do timed tests cause them anxiety? If you have a student who is having difficulty keeping up with your daily lessons, let alone cultivating their mathematical thinking, encourage their parent to call Huntington at 1-800 CAN LEARN. We’d be happy to share more about our math tutoring for students of all ages and ability.