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Use Your Math Reference Tools

Tags

Mathematics Science MS/HS/College Strategy

Skills

Self-regulation

Use Your Math Reference Tools

If your student has difficulty and doesn't use the resources available to help

Instruction And Practice

  1. Objective: Students will become comfortable using their math resources such as class assignments, videos, textbook, and other math websites (like Khan Academy) to help them better understand a lesson and find alternative approaches to problems.
  2. Discuss with students how to use their math resources and materials as a reference tool to clarify a lesson they might not have understood, fill in information they missed in class, or to find other ways to solve a problem.
  3. Model for students how to find and go over materials and look at example problems, so they begin to think of their textbooks and other posted materials as a learning resource and not just assigned work.

Benefits Of Using Your Math Resources: Discussion Points

  1. In math and science, most students benefit from seeing multiple explanations and examples. Since most teachers don't explicitly follow the textbook, you are likely to see an alternative approach or a different explanation in the textbook.
  2. Taking good notes in math and science can be hard when you're trying to listen and understand at the same time. Reading the textbook and reviewing lessons and videos posted by your teacher can help you fill in the gaps in your notes and clarify what you missed.
  3. There are often multiple ways to solve a math problem. You might find that the way you understand best is sometimes more similar to the textbook or online resource approach than your teacher's.
  4. Understanding the similarities and differences between the textbook or other online resources and your teacher will ensure that you fully understand the concepts and can apply them in different situations.

Why It Works (the Science Of Learning)!

Many students view their textbooks as a collection of problems that their teacher uses to give homework. However, when students view the textbook as an additional resource to help them understand better, even if they do not have a specific assignment, they are likely to benefit.