Many students hate math. For most of the students the process of learning math is like swimming in an ocean and new concepts are like moving fish in different directions. This can be a cause of lack of confidence and anxiety and fear. How can we help students to feel confident and willing to approach new math concepts. There are 5 important tips to build students confidence.
1) Speak out
The most important and first thing is, give students plenty of opportunities to speak out in the classroom. No matter how good student is, in math teacher should give many opportunities for improving speaking confidence. Students feel more confident through trial, error and immediate feedback.
2) Allow more mistakes
This is especially for math teachers. We should allow more mistakes to the students and teach them where ever they have problem, but make sure this should not become a habit for them. Tell them no one is perfect so that they will get the confidence. Moreover, learning for every student is not linear. Correct error without damaging confidence.
3) Support their struggle
Not all students are naturally sharp in math. Even if a problem which look simple to us, the student may still be grappling with the basics and concepts. Teachers and parents should support weak students. Answer a question with more question. Parents can support their kids providing them a online math tutoring.
4) Encourage students:
Encourage students even for small success. Encourage them with small gifts. Support them if they make mistakes. Advice students to ask online help for particular topics like Pre Algebra Math Help, trig help, etc.
5) Let the students teach
This is the best way to build math confidence in students. When students teach you they develop a ownership skill. Let them explain to each other really empower them to own the subject.
