Keys to Successful Math Classroom Learning Environments

The following tips and suggestions were compiled by k-12 teachers enrolled in Dr. Barzilai's Fall 2003 Conceptual Algebra class. These were brainstormed in a brief writing response assignment in response to the question of

"Which elements are there when things do work well, rather than when students are trying to avoid deeper (not just memorized) mathematics work, rather than students getting discouraged, etc?"

The responses fell roughly into "this is what I see is happening for (or done by) students when they work well" with "this is what we as teachers need to do" but we have not tried to separate these, as the two have a lot of overlap.

Tips for Successful Mathematics Classroom Environments:

  • [Using] Problems that have a CONCRETE element

  • Exercises that have MEANING to students, conceptually, and in relevance

  • Problems that have a FAMILIAR element, and are INTERESTING

  • Helps build CONFIDENCE and is based on existing confidence as "familiar" elements are taken to a higher level

  • Activities which are NOT JUST TEACHER-LED / Realistic/ Meaningful

  • Things that students see they can USE

  • Having mostly math content with some SOCIAL element in student-student interactions. Students are ENGAGED.

  • Students SHARING

  • Students having/feeling a FREEDOM TO MAKE MISTAKES

  • Students know WHAT IS EXPECTED of them

  • Students are reminded that there EXISTS a solution when they feel it might be "impossible" to solve

  • Students who take PRIDE in their work; do or are helped to feel CONFIDENT

  • Students know and feel that SUPPORT exists for them

  • REASONABLE expectations, in STEPS that are not too large from previous abilities.

  • Friendly COMPETITION among students

  • NOVEL things, e.g. WHITE-BOARDS

  • REAL LIFE situations

  • Clear DIRECTION and GUIDANCE