Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division facts Squares and square roots Powers of 2 and 10 Quadratic formula Trigonometric substitutions
For example, young students can be given fraction bars or other manipulatives. Through directed exploration, students can find certain patterns or equalities, like: 1=12+12=13+13+13{\displaystyle 1={\frac {1}{2}}+{\frac {1}{2}}={\frac {1}{3}}+{\frac {1}{3}}+{\frac {1}{3}}} 14+14=12{\displaystyle {\frac {1}{4}}+{\frac {1}{4}}={\frac {1}{2}}} Older students studying geometry, for example, can use tape measures and rulers to measure round objects and discover the relationships between circumference, diameter and radius: d=2r{\displaystyle d=2r} C/d=pi{\displaystyle C/d=pi}
Using a few key problems to emphasize a point and understand students’ learning will be more effective than many repetitive exercises. Individualize the homework. Gauge students’ level of understanding and assign homework for the students who most need the practice.
Smartboards Computer projectors Programmed slide shows (PowerPoint, etc. )
Graphing calculators Smartboards iPads and other tablet accessories
Homework apps, if used improperly, can cut into student learning. But if you research the apps carefully and direct your students’ work, you can make the most of the available tools. MetaCalculator and WolframAlpha are two useful apps you may want to investigate.
Provide differentiated instruction, with separate textbooks. Give advanced students extra challenge projects to work on. Allow more opportunity for inquiry-based learning for students to explore mathematical relationships. Let students explore higher levels of math technology.
Allow extra time. There is no requirement that every student must complete assignments in the same amount of time. Your emphasis should be on the learning, not on timing. Help students organize notes. Provide graphic organizers or outlines for their note taking. Pull them out in small teaching or discussion groups. Small groups are less intimidating and encourage all students to participate more. Provide tutors. You may be able to work with the students, their parents and guidance counselors to encourage outside tutoring. In some schools, honor society students may even do this for free as a community service to the school. Focus on concrete, real examples. Lower level students often think in more concrete terms. They may have difficult with some abstract concepts in algebra but do well with the real shapes of geometry.
For example, if you find out that a student enjoys playing basketball, you may then introduce ratios in terms of number of points scored per quarter.
