What are the teacher’s goals? It is not to explain to the students all the material that they are expected to cover, for this is impossible. It is not possible to cover properly in class all the material that they will be tested on. Instead, the goals are to teach them how to study, how to think about mathematics, to enjoy the subject and to be creative in their approaches, to learn how to read word problems, how to work together, to know how to properly check their work, how to work neatly, and how to take tests. Once they have the proper background and know what to do, they will be able to cover on their own the material that the teacher had to rush over or skip altogether.

 

The classroom environment can be designed to meet these goals. When examining their work, the teacher should note if the work is neat or not. Ask them how they checked, and how do they know the answer is right. Discuss the homework with the entire class. “John did a good job by quickly checking the work by doing…” When they say something creative, praise them, tell them they must continue.

 

For example, the teacher explains the concept of x-intercept.

 

SEE THE BOOK FOR MORE DETAILS.