1. Wonder & Curiosity
Do your students see math as a puzzle? Do you overhear them asking each other a lot of questions? If the answer is “not yet” try including some Number Talks each day. Number talks get your students thinking and sharing their ideas about all sorts of math (visual and calculating) in a non-threatening way.
2. Open-Ended Tasks
How many solutions are possible in the problems you assign your students? Including open-ended problems allow your students to see that there can be a variety of responses and approaches to solving problems.
Sometimes these tasks can be terrifying for students to solve alone. You definitely don’t want your middle school math program to have an undercurrent of fear! Enter in group problem solving. Read all about how to introduce Group Problem Solving here.
3. Your Middle School Math Program Should Reach Everyone
You know the depth and complexity of learning styles in your classroom. It’s super challenging to figure out how to reach all your students. Math Workshop has been the solution for me.
Students who need direct instruction get it from guided math. Those who are kinesthetic learners thrive with the hands-on activities and games. Students who learn better at their own pace love the technology piece. Students who need repetition benefit from the extra practice.
4. Opportunities for Independent Practice
I’m hoping this isn’t too controversial but I have ditched the math textbook. My students no longer get 20 odd practice questions to do at the end of a lesson. They get opportunities to practice during Math Workshop but I don’t usually assess that work.
What you can do instead is to give them one or two questions that show evidence of understanding. Sometimes I’ll give them a few questions and they can choose which one they want to answer. Other times, I will include another open-ended question for them to answer.
5. Reflect
For math to be more than just calculations and to promote deep understanding, your students need time to reflect on their learning. It can be as simple as asking them to write about what they learned today or what their biggest challenge was from the lesson.
I’ve put together a series of 20 math journal prompts to get you started. Check it out here.
6. Assessment
Raise your hand if you find assessment in math to be a big challenge. I mean, we know about triangulation of data. We need to base our assessment on observations, conversations, and products. But how often do we just look at products? Do you give a test at the end of every unit?
One way to improve your tests could be by taking a look at the structure. Try to include some multiple choice questions that hit on knowledge and understanding. Maybe include some definitions of key math terms. Include open ended questions that allow students to share their thinking and show their ability to apply concepts across the curriculum.
During small group time, keep track of the conversations your students have with you. Record their responses to your questions.
When students are problem-solving in groups, walk around with your clipboard and take notes on who is doing what and how they are sharing their thinking with group members.
If you are anything like me, you may feel that you need you to change everything all at once. Trust me. That doesn’t work. Pick one thing from the list that you can focus on for a month. See how it goes and slowly add the other components in.
Sign up for the Middle School Mashup Email Club below! I’d love to support you in your math journey through weekly tips that give you the tools you need to teach for deep understanding.
