Instructional Materials for Mathematics Education

Choosing the best math instructional materials for your class
By Shannon Tani As a math teacher, you need to find the best instructional materials for mathematics education. It's important for students to get a proper math education, but many students find it difficult to learn.

In many cases, mathematics education is one of the most difficult disciplines to teach. Math classes, particularly at higher levels, are usually stale and boring, consisting of the teacher giving a lecture at the chalkboard. But supplementary instructional materials in mathematics can change the way you teach lesson.

If you want to be a great math teacher:

1. Use a variety of math class educational materials to cater to different learning styles. One of the biggest problems with understanding math is that it's hard for some students to grasp the concepts in a traditional setting. It's up to you to find other ways of teaching.

2. Get students the help they need early on. Math ideas tend to build upon each other. If you don't grasp one concept, then it's hard to move on to the next. If a student is struggling, make sure that he has access to math tutoring.

3. Use games in your class to make it fun. Mathematics education doesn't have to be boring.

Find the best math class books to teach your students

A good math book should explain the concepts and have plenty of practice problems that increase in difficulty. For Jr. High and above, you may want to consider a math textbook that has answers to every other question in the back. This can help students know that they are on the right track.
Try:  MacMillan/McGraw-Hill is one of the most recognized textbook companies. They produce a great line of textbooks for elementary-age students. Glencoe is another McGraw-Hill company. You can search for math textbooks by state and grade level on its website.

Use instructional materials for math that help students pass exams

There are a number of standardized tests that require mathematics knowledge, from state proficiency exams to the SAT. If you are tutoring in math, it's especially important for you to help your students understand all of the concepts they will need to pass the exam with flying colors.
Try:  The Oswego City School District offers a number of teaching strategies to help teachers prepare students for the New York State regents exams. Test Prep Review gives free practice tests for several standardized tests.

Look for additional mathematics instructional materials to make class more fun

There's no need to stand in front of the class and lecture every day. Do your best to make sure that math class is fun for your students and their success will come naturally.
Try:  Check out Math Goodies to see if there's anything that might grab your students' interest. Students also may enjoy working with math tutoring software, such as the programs that you can buy at Intelligent Tutor.

• Help your students learn how to use instructional materials for mathematics education. It's always best if students know where they can go to find answers.