General Methods and

Strategies for Math Instruction

A Quick Word About Strategies

We must take time to teach the strategy first and give

students sufficient time to practice the strategy without a focus solving the problem.

Cover-Copy-Compare

•This method is for independent drill and practice.

•Math worksheets for computational problems.

•Left side - completed problem with answers.

•Right side - same problem - blank and unsolved.

•Cover left side with large index card

•Copy the problem on the right

•Solve and compare with answer on the left.

-Jim Wright, Intervention Central

DifferentiatedCover-Copy-Compare

Provide the problem on the right. Provide boxes, lines, and spaces for students to write their answers.

No peeking! Laminate a flip folder and velcro left side down.

Partner work.

Incremental Rehearsal Builds student fluency in math facts.

Pairs unknown computation items with increasing known items.

80:20% ratio Use index cards or www.Aplusmath.com flashcard creator.

-Jim Wright, Intervention Central

Incremental RehearsalHow-to

1. Review a collection of math facts with the student.

2. Anything the student answers in 2 seconds place in the known pile.

3. Anything the student cannot answer within 2 seconds goes in the unknown pile. 12

+ 7_______________

2

+ 3_______________

Unknown Known

Incremental RehearsalHow-to

1. Choose one card from the unknown pile.

2. Read the fact and answer.• 12 + 7 = 19

3. Student repeats.4. Choose a card from the known pile.5. Student reads the fact and answers

in sequence.6. Correct = answered within 2

seconds.

When Helping Students Learn Basic Facts...

Create real- world problems for the students

to apply the facts.

Create problems they can make a personal connection to.

STAR MethodSearch the word problem

Translate the words into an equation in picture form

Answer the problem

Review the solution

F O P S

Find the problem type

Organize the information using a diagram

Plan to solve the problem

Solve the problem-Asha Jitendra, 2005

General Adaptations1) Re- word directions on worksheets2) Highlight/bold/underline key words3) Fewer items on a page4) Chunk test items by function5) Provide ample space to solve6) Use checklists for lengthy

problems7) Terminology/vocabulary posters8) Give correct examples

Allow Students to Play Teacher

(Remember Mr. Khan)

This aids students in:

Learning the language of math

Explaining their reasoning

Connecting and integrating knowledge