Step-by-step instruction in mathematics is crucial to learning and should be an integral part of any teaching strategy. Once a concept has been selected and prior to presenting it to a student, a teacher should determine what fundamental subtopics will that student need to be fam...
Both teachers and parents need to teach their students or children how to check solutions to the mathematics problems that they solve. Checking solutions gives student additional practice in solving mathematics problems. Checking solutions on independent study assignments and tes...
When I was young, memorization was a big part of every teacher’s tools for instruction. In recent years the emphasis on memorization has been drastically reduced. I think that there is a place in learning for memorization. Memorization requires focus. Memorization requires comm...
Whether you are a mathematics teacher or a mathematics coach, it is important that you develop a routine. Your students will respond more favorably to whatever you teach, if they know what to expect. In teaching, I used to begin every lesson with a quick review of lessons present...
Any teacher that seeks to be successful in the classroom must incorporate good discipline habits for their students. From the very first day of class, students need to be aware of what type of behavior you expect in the classroom. A teacher needs to model the same behavior that t...
Through the years I have devoted a lot of my time teaching parents how to help their children succeed. During those times I tell them how I measure success. I measure success by two rules that I have followed all of my life. Doing things that you enjoy and always working at doing...
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...
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 m...
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...
