Prinsible of Teaching Mathematics

SOME PRINCIPLES FOR TEACHING MATHEMATICS

The following are key principles for effective teaching and learning in Mathematics:

1. Questioning

“Nothing can be taught to a man; but it’s possible to help him find the answer within himself.” Galileo Galilei

• Learners need to be encouraged to create and frame their own questions

2. Encourage critical thinking by

“You can teach a student a lesson for a day; but if you can teach him/her to learn by creating curiosity, he/she will continue the learning process as long as he/she lives.” Clay P. Bedford

• Challenging learners to question

• Developing their questioning skills

• Asking learners to explain their understanding and justify their answers

• Encouraging learners to consider alternatives before deciding on an answer

• Encouraging learners to give reasons for saying or suggesting certain things

• Providing opportunities for learners to classify, analyse and create

• Engaging learners in dialogue to determine their understanding of a concept

• Providing opportunities for focused discussion with their peers and pay attention to words they use to explain their understanding of concepts

3. Challenge learners at all times

“Teach the young people how to think, not what to think.” Sidney Sugarman

• Multiple choice questions

• Challenge learner’s thought process

4. Authenticity

Whenever possible, use real things in the classroom: real objects to look at and handle real specimens, documentary and visual sources. Find sources that appeal to learners. These should speak to the learner rather than to the teacher. Use wall charts, words of wisdom (motivation) and/or any item from the history of mathematics.

5. Economy of sources (data or information)

Use fewer sources in greater depth. When choosing, make sure that there are enough of them for worthwhile work.

6. Study in Depth

Do smaller topics in more detail. Real learning comes when learners are given the opportunity to do in-depth...