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Tool: Motivating students to learn mathematics

Effective teachers use a variety of techniques to motivate their students to learn. This tool helps you plan unit activities that will motivate students to learn the math concepts. It also helps you gauge whether you are using primarily one strategy or different strategies. It is important to use varied strategies to intrigue the interests of the diverse students in your classroom.

Strategies for motivating students to learn mathematics

Unit ________________________________

1
Place math in meaningful and realistic contexts

2
Connect math to students' interests and experiences

3
Pose questions that encourage discovery and class discussion, rather than just asking for correct answers

4
Make math visible and tangible (e.g., games, puzzles, computer software, Internet, manipulatives and other physical devices)

5
Bring in a guest speaker or take students on a field trip

6
Allow students to demonstrate their understanding in various ways (e.g., explain work at board, create poster displays, design web pages)

Motivation strategy	Lesson	Activity
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1 2 3 4 5 6
1 2 3 4 5 6
1 2 3 4 5 6
1 2 3 4 5 6
1 2 3 4 5 6

A teacher's enthusiasm about a topic is another key motivator that strongly affects students. It is important for a teacher's voice and actions to convey that the concepts being taught are exciting things to learn.