Math is a subject that is difficult for some students.  Writing numbers on a board and solving seemingly endless equation can be boring eager students.  Motivated teachers with a positive attitude can help students to become excited about math.  Encourage students to work together, introduce games and rewards students to help increase their motivation to learn math. 

Exhibit an enthusiasm about math to motivate your students.  The teacher’s self-confidence and belief in the students’ abilities motivate students to learn.  Motivate students will enjoy the subject, participate in class activities and absorb more materials.  A state–of–the-art classroom with all the latest electronic whiteboards, computers and fancy textbooks will not replace a highly motivate and positive teachers.

                Involve the students in the class.  Incorporate activities that help students learn by doing to solve math problems and learn mathematics concepts.  Ask students to suggest ways to solve a math problem.  Encourage students to think of new methods or variations on method to solving on math problems.  Make math games and activities as daily learning opportunities.

                Remove the focus on grades.  Grades are major source of anxiety for students.  Give credit for class participation and completed homework assignments.  Shift the focus from penalizing a student for incomplete or inaccurate work to credit for complete and correct assignments.

                Relate math to real life situations that the students can understand.  Use daily activities such as creating a budget, calculating interest in a loan and determining the amount of sales tax due on the video game the students wants to by.  Computers, electronic games, measuring ingredients for a recipe and the deductions from paychecks are all mathematics function.  Once students grasp the everyday applications of math, they will become more inspired to learn math.

Return homework and tests as soon as possible so that students get feedback on their performance quickly.  Reward students for success.  Avoid negative feedback.  Tell students what they are doing well by praising their accomplishments.

By: Sandy S. Tenorio | T-II | Cabcaben Elementary School