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Mold Life-long Learners by Teaching Math
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Posted On :
Jan-25-2012
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Article Word Count :
530
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Teaching math in most school settings often becomes a struggle by the time students enter third grade. Many students and parents shudder at the thought of math homework. If you could observe the same students in their preschool classroom, you'd most likely see excitement instead of dread.
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Teaching math in most school settings often becomes a struggle by the time students enter third grade. Many students and parents shudder at the thought of math homework. If you could observe the same students in their preschool classroom, you'd most likely see excitement instead of dread. What happens between preschool and third grade to dampen all that raw enthusiasm ?
Adult perceptions - It is a problem engrained into an archaic pedagogy. It is the negative mentality associated with a subject some of the best instructors brand as difficult. Unfortunately, many continue to use outdated resources delivered via traditional teaching methods to children becoming more disengaged each day.
Teaching math should be fun. The process should be innovative. Think of Cookie Monster shoving half of the cookies into his mouth or those funny monkeys jumping on the bed-any setting children recognize as fun. Then think of ways to incorporate those favorite characters with proven methods in the form of an interactive video or a computer game. Browse on line to find a wide array of innovative programs aimed at empowering students to become confident learners.
Teaching math should be more about student interaction and less about tedious worksheets. Yes, children need to learn how to add, subtract, multiply and divide but they do not need to be told how tough the task will be. They don't need boring textbooks filled with examples they can't apply to their own lives. Instead, shift the focus to the mindset of a child.
Adults help shape a child's life-long academic perception. Teaching in creative ways with innovative individualized resources and relevant material can mold self-confident motivated learners. In contrast, teaching through traditional methods with a one-size-fits-all mentality can promote frustration and negativity. Ignoring the need to adapt curriculum and methods to promote optimal student learning can lead to life-long consequences.
The answer to teaching math in a fun way seems obvious. It's all about student growth and effective application.
* Promote 21st century skills by using current technology packed with research-based activities proven to address a wide range of learning styles.
* Use a variety of teaching methods focused on active learning.
* Consider shifting the role of discovery to your students rather than feeding them the information.
* Use interactive multi-media resources to adapt student learning to the appropriate level for each child.
If students understand a concept and can apply it to everyday life, they have achieved an important goal. Literally thousands of children's activities are posted on line of you need a starting point. Catchy songs, role playing and other games are great ways to get students involved in their own education. If they are engaged in a meaningful activity, they are more likely to remember the lesson and the positive experience.
Teaching math should be as innovative and fun as teaching art or any other subject. The adult psyche suggesting math is difficult and a tedious necessity needs to evolve into a more positive approach. Anyone involved in teaching math needs to recognize the immediate need to adapt innovative resources and methods to enhance individual student progress.
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Article Source :
http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Mold Life-long Learners by Teaching Math_139165.aspx
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Author Resource :
Jim Wheelin writes about many educational topics for parents, kids and teachers. He likes to test different approaches to teaching math to young students. Jim also encourages other parents and teachers to stay informed on about educational resources such as http://www.dreambox.com/blog/category/teaching-math.
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Keywords :
teaching math,
Category :
Reference and Education
:
Reference and Education
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