One of the most useful tools that I used when preparing students for competitive mathematics, was something that I referred to as the “reeling-in” technique. Whether this technique was used on an individual or a team, the purpose was for students to set a target and then grad...
Students love using technology. They also love learning how to solve problems faster. That is why every teacher should learn how to use a calculator efficiently. They should also make sure that each of their students uses their calculators in the same way. Teachers can take a...
Many times, students are more concerned about what others are doing than focusing on their own performances. Whether a student is in the classroom or participating in an academic event, they should focus on themselves. It is important that students be taught that they have no c...
When teaching in the classroom or tutoring students to prepare for taking multiple choice tests or other kinds of tests, students need to learn that many times the problem can assist in acquiring the solution. To illustrate my point, look at the following problems. Example...
I am often asked if there is a shortcut for success and I rapidly answer yes. I explain that although it is counter intuitive, the secret for success is “patience”. When a large building is constructed, soil studies and other tests need to be done initially. Time is taken ...
During my lifetime, I have observed how enthusiasm positively impacts those around me. Since I began elementary school, until the present time, I have made a conscious effort to be enthusiastic about everything that I do. Following my commitment to doing things that I enjoy and...
Whether it was my time as a student, a teacher, a coach, a parent or an author, I have always worked at improving what I do. As a student, I focused on trying to learn as much as I could about the content that was being taught. When playing sports, I worked diligently in becoming...
Many times teachers and academic coaches see the need to counsel parents to ensure that they are not placing undue stress on their children. Of course, many parents want their children to succeed in whatever they do. What success means to parents may differ, but many want their...
I believe it would benefit all teachers of mathematics to integrate a diagnostic element to all practice materials and tests that they write. Although there are a variety of things that a teacher can do to determine individual and class weaknesses, diagnostic materials are perhap...
Since my retirement from 32 years of being a high school mathematics teacher, I have tutored numerous students from second to eighth grade. What I learned is that each of them was capable of mastering concepts that many teachers and parents would describe as not being age appropr...
