Five Principles of Extraordinary Math Teaching | Dan Finkel | TEDxRainier

“I think, therefore I am” A famous philosopher and mathematician Rene Descartes said. Five principles can help us in thinking to do maths at home or at school.

Principle one: Start with question. This is because every math class start with the answer not the question. Teachers just give the steps to divide, steps to multiply, steps to add. They just say that we have covered the topic and we shifting to another topic. They don’t ask students for any problem and students also don’t tell their problem to the teachers. Students also think that what others will think if I ask my question. It will look silly.

Principle two: Give some time to think and struggle with the real problem. This is because every student has their own thinking capacity if one student can solve the maths sum in 30 seconds then, this does not mean that every student can solve at the same time. Always teach the students to be strong and fearless.

Principle three: You are not the answer key. Teachers and parents should know that they are not the answer key and if they say to answer some questions of the students which they really don’t know then absolutely fine, tell the students that if you don not know the answers of some questions that does not mean you are a failure, its good to search the things and learn the information.

Principle four: Say yes to students’ idea. This will help them to take part in mathematics and tell students the basic facts of maths so that they can clear their doubt and take active participation.

Principle five: Mathematics is not about rules, its all about playing with numbers. Play with numbers will help students to properly learn about the facts and home filled with all the puzzles, figures, diagrams, graphic are the helps to nurture the mathematics in students.