Meeting students where they are in mathematics involves understanding their current abilities, preferences, and attitudes toward the subject. This understanding goes beyond simply assessing correct answers on problems; it encompasses various aspects of students’ mathematical thinking and engagement. Here are five strategies to achieve this:
- **Stay Curious**: Actively engage with students’ explanations and thought processes. Avoid immediately providing solutions or correcting them, as this inhibits both their learning and your understanding of their thinking.
- **Stay Quiet**: Allow students the space to think and articulate their ideas without interjecting your own methods or solutions. Listening to students fosters a deeper understanding of their thought processes and promotes meaningful academic discourse.
- **Ask Questions**: Instead of providing answers or assumptions, ask probing questions that encourage students to articulate their thinking. This approach helps clarify their thought processes and provides insights into their understanding.
- **Refrain From Deficit Thinking**: Avoid labeling students based solely on what they cannot do. Instead, focus on their strengths, existing strategies, and areas of growth. Recognize the complexity of learning and appreciate the progress students have made.
- **Use Small Group Instruction**: Utilize small group settings to provide targeted support and gather insights into individual student needs. This approach allows for more personalized instruction and meaningful interactions, leading to deeper understanding and growth.