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…

During the author's eighteen-year tenure as a high school mathematics teacher, there has been one question that she has yet to answer: "Why don't students do homework?" On the basis of research, many factors may lead to a student leaving homework undone. A student may lack the drive to complete work out of school. Or a student may choose…

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…

Technology is causing educators to rethink the entire notion of classroom learning, not only with respect to what learning should take place but also where it should take place. One such innovation is flipped instruction, broadly defined by Staker and Horn (2012) as an instructional model in which students learn partly through online delivery and…

Technology impacts students' learning experiences. The increased use of calculators, computer algebra systems, and computer-based and Web-based assessments opens up new opportunities and challenges for teaching and learning mathematics. Students' lives are becoming busier, and they have less time to dedicate to homework outside the classroom.…

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)

Presents a method to make precalculus college freshmen accountable to the class for doing at least some of their assigned homework problems by making each student an expert on one or more of the assignments. (ASK)

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

Promotes the use of worked examples to help students learn and strengthen their knowledge of mathematics. Discusses modeling effective use of worked examples, formats, and benefits. (MKR)

Discusses two teaching ideas: (1) copying and distributing anonymous student mathematics homework to the class to increase student responsibility and their ability to communicate and read mathematics, and (2) using maximum/minimum applications of calculus to investigate the most economical dimensions for manufactured metal cans. (MKR)

Teaching ideas are presented on the following topics: the number line, earthquakes and Venn diagrams, homework, and flow proofs in geometry. (MP)

Suggests that teachers require students to read and take notes prior to class discussion of a topic. Contains note-taking requirements and some student reactions. (MKR)

Discusses the use of mathematics notebooks to help students organize homework, projects, and notes. Contains the notebook assignment description given to students, notebook table of contents, and notebook grading sheet. (MKR)