Math Teaching Expectations
Pacing
A good class requires deliberate pacing. While this may vary slightly from lesson to lesson, here is a general time breakdown to use as a guideline. Begin with the learning goal, keeping it under 2 minutes. Then move on to the Warm-up for about 5 minutes. Next, spend about 5-10 minutes on the Key Concept page, followed by around 5 minutes on the Example page depending on students' needs. These are where some of the most important modeling should occur! Practice time can vary. If a student struggles, offer immediate feedback to keep them on track. You can also skip tougher practice slides or save them for the next lesson. The wrap-up with a summary in under 2 minutes. Encourage students to reflect on what they've learned and celebrate their achievements! For grades 3-6, the lessons consist only of the Key Concept, Example, and Practice sections. You can adjust class time based on the actual situation.
Learning Goals: under 2 mins
Warm-Up: 5 mins or less
Key Concept: 5-10 mins
Example: Around 5 mins
Practice: Flexible based on student needs
Summary: Under 2 mins
Key Concept: Never skip the Key Concept page. This is where the student acquires the new concept. Effective math teaching goes beyond repetitive practice. It requires a balanced approach that incorporates conceptual understanding, problem-solving, and meaningful practice. While practice is essential for building fluency, it should connect to a deeper understanding of the underlying mathematical concepts.
Correcting Student Errors: You're expected to correct all mistakes, no matter how small. In math, errors are common, and error analysis is crucial. For instance, in this case, the student wanted to find a common denominator for 1/5 to add it with 2/10. However, she wrote it as instead of multiplying both the numerator and denominator by 2. Even though her final answer was correct, we expect you, as the teacher, to point out that this method is incorrect. This error indicates the student hasn't fully grasped fraction multiplication.
Handwriting: Mathematics is a highly abstract and logical subject. Our goal is not just to convey knowledge but also to help students develop proper reasoning. Handwriting and organization are critical for communication. Using a writing pad during instruction instead of a mouse is necessary.