//Math Workshop Benefit: Builds Confidence Mathematically//

As educators we aspire for our students to be strategic, logical, problem-solvers. We can help students to develop these skills by first building their confidence in mathematics. In order to help them with this task, we must understand the areas of mathematical proficiency we want our learners to develop and devise a way to make these mathematical concepts relatable, enjoyable, and purposeful. Additionally, we must be understanding as each student begins to learn these concepts. Some students pick up on skills quickly, whereas others require time to grasp a concept, therefore wait time is especially important to keep in mind. Other helpful ways of building confidence in mathematics includes, checking a students understanding by revoicing and restating, encouraging students to reflect on what they've learned, and praising students appropriately.

Guided Math allows educators to teach mathematics at a pace that fits each students developmental abilities. Each lesson can be differentiated and paced according to what each child needs. By keeping in mind these factors that contribute to the enhancement of a students confidence in mathematics, we can ensure that each student is connecting with the material they are being taught and at the end of the day feeling confident about these concepts and willing to take intellectual risks as we move on to new skills.

The Components of Mathematical Proficiency:

1. Adaptive Reasoning:

Thinking logically about the relationships among concepts and situations

2. Strategic Competence

Representing and solving mathematical problems

3. Conceptual Understanding

Integrating mathematical concepts into everyday situations

4. Productive Disposition

Relating to mathematical concepts, finding math enjoyable and purposeful

5. Procedural Fluency

Knowing when and how to use mathematical concepts independently

Encourage Students to Reflect on What They've Learned:

Today in math in math I learned....

Today in math I noticed....

Today in math I discovered....

Wait Time:

-After the teacher asks a question or makes a comment, occasionally pause and allow students to digest the information, make connections, and come up with a logical response

-After a student answers a question or makes a comment, allow time for that student and their peers to process the response and formulate any questions or comments they have to add to what was said.

Revoicing and Restating:

After a student has made a comment the educator can.....

- Repeat the students response

- Revoice or restate the students response

- Ask another student to put the comment into their own words

- Ask if anyone would like to make a contribution

- Ask if anyone can share what they heard the student say

Praising Students:

Never praise students innate abilities

Always praise students effort, strategies, focus, and persistence

For more information on building confidence mathematically please check out these slides from the presentation Helping Students Develop Confidence to Learn Mathematics by Dr. Randy Philipp and Alison Williams.

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