11 Effective Strategies for Teaching Math to Students Who Have Given Up on Learning
Student Engagement Techniques that Motivate Students with Special Needs and Ignite Excitement for Every Student in the Classroom to Be Successful
By Jordan B. Smith Jr. Ed.D.Motivating teenagers to learn is a tough job… Motivating them to enjoy math is harder than the Riemann Hypothesis!
Math has certainly gotten a bad reputation for being a subject that involves endless calculations and problems that will never be used in the real world, especially now that we all walk around with calculators in our pockets!
But the fact is that math is required in multiple areas of an adult’s life, from preparing recipes to managing finances, and that’s without a career in STEM.
Neurodivergent students have even more of a difficult time with math as it can take more time and effort to understand complex concepts.
At the same time, as students with special needs have significant difficulties with transitions, math is more important for them to make sense of the world and thrive as adults.
While students have challenges learning and enjoying math, the special needs math teacher faces a wide range of obstacles – a severe lack of resources, guidance, and effective teaching strategies.
You have some help, though. In this guide to teaching math to students who need additional support, you will
How to create a community classroom where all students feel valued, connected, and safe21 of the best manipulatives your math classroom needsHow to extrinsically and intrinsically motivate your high school students to study and learn mathWhat it takes for students to overcome mistake anxiety, develop a growth mindset, and become confident in the classroom15 apps to bring technology into the classroom and increase engagement in a way that is natural for students todayWhy students need real-world examples in math and how to keep it real with mathTechniques to introduce peer-based learning to change the dynamics of your classHow to implement proven strategies such as CVA and schema-based instruction to improve your math classWhy you need to use the correct math vocabulary, plus a bonus detailed vocabulary list to have handy in class6 techniques to help your students retain information that doesn’t require hours of traditional studying and revisionA step-by-step guide to creating your lesson plans and where to find the best resources for diverse activities across all math topics And much more.
As a special needs teacher, your time is already limited. From meetings to paperwork, there is little time left for actual teaching. Do you really have time to do more?
These 11 strategies aren’t about doing more. It’s about getting the most out of your students most effectively and practically. They will enable students to develop a deep love of math and skills they can take with them for other subjects and into adulthood.
No matter the level of despondency among your students, "11 Effective Strategies for Teaching Math to Students Who Have Given Up on Learning" equips you with the tools to revitalize your passion for math. Turn your classroom into a dynamic hub of exploration and discovery, and witness the joy of learning rekindled among your students.