As teachers, you hope to find ways to reach everyone in your math classes. Some kids make that easy. They raise their hands and ask questions. They show all of their work on assignments so you can see the spots for reteaching. Others are more comfortable sitting quietly, hoping you notice they are struggling. Some may even act out rather than let you know that they don’t understand a new concept. It’s not an easy feat to figure out what every student needs, and you wish you knew exactly what to do for each one to succeed.
25 things students wish math teachers knew
Guess what? There are things your students wish you knew about their experiences in math class, too! We asked kids from elementary to high school to share some thoughts. Take a look.
Understanding student challenges
- I wish my math teacher knew that math is very hard for me.
- I can’t always explain what I’m thinking, and it gets confusing.
- I hate it when we move fast, and I don’t want to be the only one who needs to slow down.
- Math is sometimes stressful, but it's really relaxing when I know what we are doing.
- I wish my math teacher knew that the hardest thing about math is fractions.
- Math tests make me really nervous because I don’t know how to study for them.
- Reading is hard for me, so I hate math word problems.
- It takes me a long time to understand new math concepts. I’m really trying, but I’m just slow.
Student preferences and learning styles
- It’s fun to play math games on my computer.
- I like to do math in my head.
- Math is hard, but you can still make it out if you have a guide.
- I think that we jump from subject to subject really quickly in math.
- I usually know the answer, but I’m not going to raise my hand. I don’t like to talk in class.
- Timed tests stress me out and create math anxiety.
- I wish that my math teacher knew that if I get a question wrong, it doesn’t help so much if she keeps teaching it over and over the same way.
Classroom environment and teaching methods
- I don’t know what kind of questions to ask when I don’t get it.
- I wish my math teacher knew that I have a hard time paying attention to math, and I wish it was more fun. It would keep me focused because it would be too much fun not to pay attention.
- We played a math game today, and now I feel ready for the test.
- I like it better when we can write or show our answers instead of answering questions aloud.
- I wish my math teacher knew how hard 2-step word problems are.
- I worry that I’m the only one who doesn’t understand new things.
- I get embarrassed when I forget my math facts.
Math practice and reinforcement
- I hate to do a whole bunch of problems for practice when I already know what to do.
- I try to hide that I’m counting on my fingers.
- I do well when we gamify math learning because it helps me understand it more.
Strategies for teachers to connect with students
Take this a step further and ask your students what they wish you knew. As Frank A. Clark said, “Every adult needs a child to teach; it’s the way adults learn.” And learning from one another is the ultimate goal. Below are just a few tips and ideas on ways to easily connect with students!
Encourage Open Communication
- Create an anonymous suggestion box where students can share their thoughts and challenges without fear of judgment.
- Hold regular one-on-one check-ins with students to understand their individual needs and concerns.
Incorporate Interactive Learning Tools
- Use interactive tools and technology, such as math games and simulations, to make learning more engaging and less intimidating.
- Integrate real-world examples and applications to help students see the relevance of math in their daily lives.
Build a Supportive Classroom Environment
- Foster a classroom culture where mistakes are viewed as learning opportunities, not failures.
- Encourage peer support and collaboration to build a sense of community and shared learning.
Learning Approaches
- Differentiate instruction to meet the diverse needs of your students, providing additional support or challenges as needed.
- Use formative assessments to guide instruction and provide targeted feedback to help students progress.
Unlocking the magic of math
Remember, the best math classrooms are those where students feel heard, supported, and inspired. So, take a moment to listen to your students' wishes—you might just unlock the key to making math magical for everyone!