Helping Every Student Achieve Success in Math

Expository simply means to explain, break down, or illustrate . . . It includes the techniques of effective step by step (Bible: verse by verse) instruction. Thus, every teacher should be an expository math instructor! Math facts are the foundation for effective learning; math skills can then be developed upon this foundation and refined for comprehensive success in a student’s life.

The Importance of Math
Why every student should master the discipline of math.   
  • Math confirms the existence of a perfect, absolute, and exact Creator—Jesus Christ.
  • Math equips students to be more faithful stewards in everyday life and in the ministry.
  • Math helps students to excel intellectually—only English is more important academically.
  • Math is the language of science and forms the laws of God’s creation. (Genesis 1:28)
  • Math develops sharp minds that can more readily solve problems.
  • Math assists students in becoming more organized, logical, and biblical in their thinking.
  • Math principles instill value, character, and guidance for life. .
The Best Way to Teach Math
Inform, inspire, instruct, illustrate, involve, and inspect.                      
  • Use a lesson by lesson curriculum. Instruct 80% of your class time (flowing/fruitful).
  • The teacher must thoroughly know, appreciate, value, and enjoy math. 
  • Give ample clear, step-by-step demonstrations, engaging visual, audio, and kinetic learners.
  • Provide students with many connections to previously learned material—connect the dots!
  • Evaluate students in the fundamentals of mathematics. Use reviews, games, and activities.
  • Offer a math help class at least once a week for struggling learners.
  • Allow students to ask appropriate lesson questions and provide accurate answers.
  • Give useful, timely, and appropriate homework that is checked daily.
  • Tutor and set up tutoring for all students who average below a C- in your math class.
  • Give regular assessments (daily, weekly, monthly, etc.) Develop math skills through effective drills.
The Main Factors in Students Achieving Success
Each is necessary for success.                        
  • Parents. Teachers need to communicate with parents often, and equip and involve them.
  • Teachers. Must be fully prepared spiritually, mentally, emotionally, physically, and socially
  • Students. Motivated to learn, diligent, and growing spiritually, academically, and socially
  • Administrators. Lead staff,  provide resources, and ensure the quality of instruction/discipline
  • Curriculum. Must be rigorous, effective, and proven
  • Classroom time. Teachers, use every minute wisely and set/achieve high levels of excellence.  
  • Homework. Must reinforce what students are learning in class (not introduce new math concepts)
 God created our world using amazingly precise mathematics. Students must learn early in life not to fear or dislike math but to fully embrace, enjoy and use math for God’s glory. Math class ought to be one of the most exciting, enjoyable, and helpful classes a student takes in our Christian school. The teacher is the crucial factor in helping students enjoy, learn, and master mathematics. Thus, math teachers must apply the items noted above as they also implement the three major components of effective math learning: Incremental Instruction (small, easily digestible, step by step lessons), Continual Practice (board, seat, class, and home), and Regular Cumulative Assessments (e.g. daily questions and homework, weekly quizzes, tests every three weeks and nine-week, semester, and annual exams). When a teacher inspires students to enjoy math and applies these proven methods, students can and will achieve greater success in math and be more ready, willing, and able to serve our wonderful Saviour!

By Dr. Manuel Salazar, School Administrator