Families who get the best results from our program at Mathnasium of Parker define their goals when they start with us. Those goals help us develop a proper learning plan, and choose the best program. Milestones or guideposts of success help the families and our staff monitor progress and adjust instruction along the way to achieving the goal.
In a previous article we talked about 9 common symptoms of math problems and the root causes of those symptoms. Math interventions are the treatment plans for whatever is causing the math symptoms. Without goals and achievement milestones many families abandon math enrichment too soon. That just creates greater problems down the road.
If you aren’t sure what an appropriate math goal is for your child, come talk with us. Also read, Choose a Personalized Strategy to Reach Your Math Goals.
Guideposts and milestones show the interventions are working and the child is headed in the right direction. They are like signs on the road. If you are heading to the top of a mountain but you see a sign saying “beach ahead” you probably took a wrong turn. If you see a sign saying “watch for falling rock” you are likely to reach the top of the mountain if you stay on that path.
Guideposts of Math Improvement
If your son or daughter is struggling to keep up in math class look for the following guideposts to know they are on the right path:
Student shows improvement in many of the prerequisite skills for that grade level. Our ongoing assessments will measure mastery.
Student starts asking questions in math class to clarify concepts.
Student starts having “light bulb moments” of understanding concepts. A “light bulb moment” is when a student has a sudden connection in their brain. When a student has a light bulb moment you will often see their entire body language shift. The stress melts away and they relax and smile. They often exclaim, “Now I get it!”
If your son or daughter says “I hate math,” look for the following guideposts:
Student starts saying things like, “Math is okay. I have to work hard in math.” or “I used to hate math, but now I like it." or "I still don't like math but I am understanding it better. I needed to learn it a different way.”
Student willingly does math homework.
Student works to learn the concepts, not just finish an assignment.
Student offers to help siblings or classmates with their math homework.
If your son or daughter says “I am not good at math,” look for the following guideposts:
Student starts saying things like, “I have to work hard to keep-up with my class in math” or “I need extra practice in math” or “I had some math gaps, but I am doing great in math now.” Or “Some kids learn math quickly, some kids need more time. I take my time, but I learn it!”
After learning strategies to break down complex math problems, student says “Sometimes math looks tricky, but I am getting pretty good at it.” Or "I am getting better at math!"
Student shows you their math work or grades.
Student starts attending our center willingly.
Student acknowledges that they have to work hard in math, but embrace the working hard as a path toward mastery.
Student starts showing confidence in math and other subjects.
If your son or daughter says “Math is boring,” look for the following guideposts:
Student now says something like this “Math can be fun. I wasn’t learning at the right level before, but now I am.” Or “I like math when I understand it,” or “I like the math at Mathnasium.”
Starts incorporating math into areas of interest.
If your son or daughter isn’t getting adequate math grades look for the following guideposts:
Student turns in all assignments on time.
Student studies for tests well in advance.
Student gets 80% or above on math tests.
Student starts asking for extra help.
If your son or daughter is getting frustrated doing math homework look for the following guideposts:
Student asks questions in class and at Mathnasium. Does Your Child Ask Questions in Math Class
Student learns strategies to break complex problems into manageable parts. Solving Math Problems Strategically
Student requests going to Mathnasium for help.
If your son or daughter makes a lot of mistakes in math look for the following guideposts:
Student is improving or eliminating bad habits like rushing through their work or sloppy work.
Student asks questions when they don’t understand.
Student works to understand math conceptually and apply the concepts they've learned to solve problems.
Student notices when an answer doesn’t make sense.
We love to hear about the progress your child is making. If you are a current Mathnasium family, please tell us about any of these guideposts of achievement you observe. Better yet, tell the world by leaving us a review on Facebook, Google and our website. If you are not seeing lots of these guideposts in math in your current tutoring situation, give Mathnasium of Parker a try. 303-840-1184. We offer a free one-hour trial session so your child can see what the Mathnasium experience is all about before enrolling! Every child deserves to be on path to success!
You might also like these articles:
· Diagnose Your Child’s Math Mistakes with Two Easy Questions
· Solving Math Problems Strategically
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