20 Effective Math

Teaching Strategies for

Explicit Learning
By John Meloney / August 16, 2022 / 9 minutes of reading /For Teachers
Numerous math teaching strategies are there that can help teachers
to connect students with mathematics and be effective problem-
solving techniques for students also. The core of these strategies lies
in only one thing, training students with practical problem-solving
skills, even though the instructional strategies list is long and might
use different and varied methods.
Indeed, using calculators can ease the process of solving
mathematical problems; the students’ mental exercise and problem-
solving practices can not be replaced, as quoted by NCTM.
Also, Mathematics Specialists for elementary kids can be more
beneficial for effective math teaching for teachers and seamless
learning for students.

General Math Teaching Strategies to help

teachers:
stated clearly and in detail, leaving no room for confusion or doubt.
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Frequent tests, preparing course material, class drills, memorizing

formulas, instruction from worksheets, etc., are usually used to teach
math. But teachers need to understand that remarkable test scores
and quality & sound teaching are mutually exclusive. Quality and
sound teaching requires effective teaching strategies, especially for
math.
1. Higher expectations for all students
 2.

Teachers should keep equal higher expectations from all the students
to encourage them for better growth.
For instance, female students from as early as the second standard
tend to adopt the idea that subjects like mathematics are not for them.
And it can be pretty challenging to downtrodden socially conventional
thoughts like “math is not for me” or “I am not good at solving math,”
etc.
Teachers need to explain to students that success in math depends
on hard work rather than having a math talent. And Higher
expectations idea is among the top excellent examples of teaching
strategies encouraging students with growth mindsets.
2.    Don’t leave essential concepts on schedule.
Teachers should focus on students’ foundational skills for teaching
any concept instead of holding it for later. Teachers must teach
foundational math concepts irrespective of scheduled-test when they
need them.
Teachers only need to understand the specific standards and back-
map their teachings from the beginning to prepare students for their
end terms.
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3.    Follow a testing path.

Teachers might not even perceive the results of systematized tests

until the following school year; however, they have to teach students
now. Teachers can use one of the most praised approaches from the
instructional strategies list. The approach is formative assessments,
which help teachers ensure whether their students understand the
concepts.
Additionally, teachers must integrate testing into their teaching plan,
such as quick quiz contests in the classroom related to particular
concepts or learnings of a specific day.  
4.    Observe students’ learning

Sometimes teachers get trapped in thinking of one lesson or concept

to get through and cover the entire course. However, they must keep
the teaching pace flexible; otherwise, the students can fall behind.
Teachers should observe the students while they work on the math
problems. They should also try talking individually with every student
and ask “pivot questions” in their lesson plans to measure students’
understanding.
5.    Link math with the outer world

Teachers must try this effective approach of showing their students

how the entire world is connected to mathematics whenever they lose
focus in math or get bored. This tactic will keep them engaged and
more invested in learning math. Also, it will strengthen students’ belief
in the contribution of mathematical thinking in other subjects.
6.    Let students choose

One of the most powerful teaching strategies is allowing students to

choose how they want to learn. It motivates students to participate
more in math class and reflect their understanding of concepts.
Additionally, it offers students to choose the best learning process and
the power of their learning and gives them scope for various math
problem-solving methods.  
7.    Talk about mathematics
Teachers should also prefer talking and discussing the math subject
with the students. This strategy helps students process learning
techniques. As teachers engage students in math talk and discuss
some topics or why a particular problem is solved with that specific
method, it will make them curious to know more about math which
eventually captivates them to the subject. 
8.    Play math-related games

Only relying on books, worksheets, problems, and solutions will not

keep students engaged in math. Instead, teachers need to make this
learning and teaching process fun and engaging with some math-
based fun classroom games. These games engage and promote
strategic mathematical thinking, computational fluency, an
understanding of mathematical operations, and much more.
9.    Focus on Practical learning
Math teachers should always focus on practical learning above
everything because it helps to develop a resilient conceptual
foundation in students. Teachers must try to involve math
manipulatives in the teaching plan as much as possible. 
10. Develop understanding in students

None of the math teaching strategies can work better than developing
an excellent understanding of mathematical concepts in students.
Sound math teaching is beyond memorizing the formulas, tables, or
procedures. Teachers need to focus on creating a better account of
concepts and work closely with students to make a reinforced
conceptual foundation for math. 

11. Assign real-world and meaningful problems

One of the best points in the math instructional strategies list is
assigning real-world and meaningful problems to students. This
strategy excites students with math problems as they relate numbers,
formulas, and mathematical concepts to real life and understand the
benefits of learning math.
12. Encourage productive struggle

Math teachers’ priority and responsibility is to allow their students to

struggle with authentic problems or big questions to find distinct
methods to solve them. Teachers’ duty is limited to making math class
exciting and engaging by asking appropriate questions. Teachers
might help them find solutions, but taking away their thinking might be
the biggest mistake. 
13. Create excitement and offer rewards
When students do not experience any success in solving math
problems, they become negative about math and lose interest. In such
cases, teachers must use reward-based strategies to encourage
students. Teachers should reward students with earning points,
badges, certificates, etc. when they succeed in a given task or solve a
math problem. Recognizing students’ efforts and making them
understand that practice will make them better. It will motivate them in
the best way.

14. Work on Mental math

Mental math is one of the most powerful teaching strategies for

introducing math fluency to students. Solving mental math problems
gives confidence to students that they can solve more complex issues.
Additionally, it is the best way to recall math concepts and facts
quickly.
15. Take help from math puzzles.

Teachers can use math puzzles to develop solid logical thinking in

students. Additionally, math puzzles enhance combinative capabilities,
reinforce the power of abstract thinking, operate with longitudinal
images, impart critical thinking skills and develop mathematical
memory. Like mental math problems, math puzzles also improve
foundational math skills and enhance math fluency.  
16. Go for teamwork

Teachers might not realize all the math teaching strategies

independently so that they can team up with other teachers for
improved teaching skills. Teachers can discuss the lesson outcomes,
teaching plans, and lesson goals to implement any strategies
effectively.
Go for teamwork