Curiosity in Mathematics

Lots of students think that mathematics is difficult and complected. Thus, this is often true when dealing with more advanced mathematics. Because of this students believe that their mathematical skills are poor or that they are not performing as well they should. There are several different techniques and instructional strategies that teachers can use to encourage students. Below I will be giving examples of different ways to encourage curiosity for a class of sixth grade students that fear mathematics.

White boards can be a very useful instructional strategy to engorge curiosity in students. For this activity each students will need a mini white board, dry erase marker and a eraser. The teacher should then ask students questions and instruct students to write their answer on the white board. Students should then hole up their board, so that the teacher can access students comprehension, understanding and skills. Teachers can then use the information that they gained from this activity; such as student performance level, to assign students to small groups or future activities. This activity also gives all students a chance to answer each question, rather than only a few students participating.

A second strategy or activity that can be used to encouraging curiosity mathematics is called show me the answer. This activity allows teachers to give students visual components into students answers. This can be done in several different ways. One way that this can be done is by giving students a set of cards with fractions on them. Teachers can then right decimals on the overhear or chalk board have students hold up the card with the fraction that matches the decimal. In this activity students can build their equivalence skills. This activity is designed to get students involved and interested in their own learning and developing their math skills.

Another fun strategy to help students enjoy math is the thumbs up-thumbs down strategy. In this activity students can be given a worksheet to complete individually. After students complete this worksheet the class can review it together. Teachers can then randomly call on students to give an answer. The rest of the class should then give a thumbs up if their peered answered correctly, and a thumbs down if its the incorrect answer. If students disagree about answer, students will then need to explain why they disagree. This will require students to actively listen to their peers and their teacher. This will allow students explain to their peers how to get the correct answer. This also allows students to tutor each other.

Think-pair-share is another strategy that can be used to encourage curiosity in mathematics. This strategy increases math talk among students. When using this technique teachers will need to question students encouraging them to think about how to respond. Some teachers prefer to have students write their answers in their math notebook. Students will then need to be given few minutes to complete their answer. Students should then share their answers with their partner or other group members. Teachers should then select a few students to explain their answers, students should then explain rather they agree or disagree. This technique can be used to get students that are reluctant to participate, because they are given time to think about and practice giving their answer.

Although several students dislike math and think they have poor math skills, there are several things that teachers can do to encourage curiosity towards mathematics. All these activities above were designed to encourage students to participate. These activities will also give students the chance to help each other.