Math Teaching Tips Page
DO |
DON'T |
|---|---|
| Cover the syllabus. Prepare students for the next course. | Pass on students who are unprepared. |
| Learn students' names. Call on them by name. |
Talk to the board. Instead, write, turn and explain. |
| Try to have everyone involved. | Always rely on a few students to answer questions. |
| Soften comments to wrong answers: e.g. That was partly right, or Let's try it your way and see what happens. |
Make students feel like their answer was stupid. e.g. You have the brains of a carrot. |
| Give students a problem, walk around and see how they are doing on it. | Work examples without getting feedback. |
| Be clear about what will be on the test. Study guides are helpful in many cases. | Expect them to be independent learners in the lower courses. They'll need guidance. |
| Try to give them at least a couple of test problems where they have to think a little. | Put the hardest problems at the beginning of the exam, especially in lower courses. |
| Assume they know some math from previous courses. You can remind them how things are done without re-teaching their whole previous class. | Skip steps, even if they seem obvious to you. |
| Occasionally wait a few seconds for a response. | Always expect someone in the class to answer immediately. |
Want professional development credit? Have a project in mind?
Center for Teaching Excellence
Students having trouble keeping up?
Academic Achievement Center
Send suggestions and comments to:
Larry Friesen, Mathematics Lead
Butler County Community College
El Dorado, KS 67042
316.733.3138
