The greatest satisfaction that I get from teaching is derived when I invite students to join me in a journey of discovery. As often as I can, I attempt to develop a lesson in such a way that I introduce basic concepts initially and then ask students to assist me in finding a solu...
Teachers and parents need to be aware of how knowledge of number sense shortcuts could not only motivate a love of learning mathematics, but impact problems you encounter in real life. Let me illustrate some examples. Example 1: When multiplying a number ending in 5 with an even...
This morning I started thinking of when I decided to become a teacher of mathematics, I was 6 years old. While in school, I remember how quickly I completed all of my math schoolwork in the classroom. After completing my schoolwork, I enjoyed walking around and helping other stud...
It is interesting to note that a lot of students from elementary school to college use calculators when solving mathematics problems. I am sad to say, that less than 1% know how to use a calculator efficiently. As a high school calculator coach and current tutor, I have spent abo...
During my lifetime, I have followed 2 simple rules that have kept me happy. Rule #1: Do what makes you happy and Rule #2: always try your best. These rules apply to the job you choose, relationships you have and for those choosing to compete in mathematics. I have loved mathemati...
Whether it is teaching, coaching or being a parent, everyone should have a plan for success. The first thing that needs to be done in developing a plan is to set the major goal of what needs to be accomplished. This goal can be the target for an individual or a team. After the ma...
Although I am constantly looking towards the future, I have realized how much I have learned from the past. Whether it is teaching in the classroom or online, I am constantly looking at what methods I have used in the past that are successful. These are the methods that I impleme...
Teachers that I meet at workshops and parents that talk to me frequently, ask me how I can remain so motivated about teaching and writing instructional math workbooks. The answer is simple. I am constantly looking for better ways to teach a concept or a faster way to solve a math...
During my career I have acquired a lot of knowledge about teaching in general and mathematics in particular. More than 30 years ago, I decided that I had an obligation to share the knowledge that I had acquired with teachers, parents, and students. I did this in a variety of ways...
In 1983 I wrote my first instructional mathematics workbook. It was called, “Number Sense: A Starter’s Kit.” It was written after numerous requests from teachers and parents. The two hundred-page workbook was written in twelve days. As the title implies, the workbook was in...
