Mistakes can be a source of frustration for teachers and students in mathematics classrooms because they reveal potential misunderstandings or a lack of learning. However, increasing evidence shows that making mistakes creates productive pathways for learning new ideas and building new concepts (Boaler 2016; Borasi 1996). Learning through…

On a typical day in a university precalculus classroom, as students arrive, they settle into their small groups and begin sharing their ideas and questions from the homework assigned the previous night. It can be quite challenging to create a learning environment in which students engage in mathematical thinking outside class and are prepared to…

This article describes the authors' three-component instructional sequence--a before-class activity, a during-class activity, and an after-class activity--which supports students in becoming self-regulated proof learners by actively developing class-based criteria for proof. All four authors implemented this sequence in their classrooms, and the…

At a time when the debate continues over whether homework is overused, optional, or essential or favors well-off students over those with little home support, teachers must understand ways in which effective homework strategies can help narrow the achievement gap. Vatterott (2009, p. 94) argues convincingly that the "old paradigm" of…

A classroom game patterned after "Hollywood Squares" is described as a way to disguise drill on basic skills and provide an incentive for doing homework. (MP)

Homework assignment procedures most often used in mathematics classes are analyzed, research results in this area are cited, and corrective measures are proposed. (DT)

Described are two methods of classroom management that attempt to optimize the first few moments of the class period. One method focuses on using the prior day's homework, and the other uses new problems presented to the students to work on as they enter the classroom. (MDH)

Describes a workshop on teaching high school geometry to the blind. Includes general suggestions for teachers with a blind student in their classes as well as suggestions related to lecture assignments, homework, and testing. Information on equipment and resource materials is also included. (JN)

Provided are tips on note taking for students. Suggestions for changing instruction designed to aid students in their note taking are discussed. (CW)

Eight techniques for studying mathematics that can be taught during regular classroom instruction are presented and discussed with illustrations of their classroom use. (MNS)

Four essential steps toward effective mathematics teaching are presented, concerning enthusiasm, discussion and questioning, homework, and evaluation. (MNS)

Presented are two classroom techniques to help beginning teachers. The first is a student-sensitive approach to the first day of class using a questionnaire to assess students attitudes toward mathematics and student interests. The second is a suggestion on how to effectively review student homework. (MDH)

Two methods to facilitate classroom management and initiate student responsibilities are presented. The first describes student responsibilities for making up missed tests or assignments. The second describes a student scorecard to help students keep track of their grades and act as a motivational technique. (MDH)

Presents two ideas to help beginning mathematics teachers. The first presents a way to record and grade homework. The second suggests a manipulative to help students understand the trigonometric concept of reference angle. (MDH)

Presents a drill-and-review process in which students take daily quizzes and then correct each other's work on a daily basis. Provides a daily quiz sheet and an example implementing the process for the concept of fractions. (MDH)