Valuing Your Responses in Math Class: Tips for Middle School Students
As a middle school math and science teacher, I have come to appreciate responses that provide genuine insight and understanding. When students' answers are off-topic or solely for attention, there is often no value to be gained, except perhaps in understanding the student's thought process. The key to being valued lies in offering insightful responses that demonstrate both accuracy and a clear understanding of the problem.
The Importance of CER for Valuable Responses
One method that has proven effective in teaching students to produce valuable responses is the CER framework, which stands for Claims, Examples, and Reasoning. When students can formulate a clear claim, provide relevant examples, and give logical reasoning, their responses become much more valuable. For instance, a student might claim that a particular equation should be solved in a certain way, provide an example from recent coursework, and explain the reasoning behind their choice of method. However, due to the nature of verbal communication, it can be challenging to separate examples and reasoning while speaking, which makes CER particularly effective in written responses.
Strategies for Improvement
To get your math teacher to value your responses more, there are several strategies you can employ:
Participate Actively: Engage more in class discussions and provide insights into the significance of the problem or new knowledge gained. Avoid monopolizing the discussion, but do not hesitate to share your thoughts. Focus on Correctness: Ensure that your answers are accurate and that your mathematical work is logical and well-organized. Present your work in a clear and concise manner. Be Patient: When your answers are not correct, do not argue endlessly. Display intellectual curiosity rather than arrogance. Learn from mistakes and demonstrate a willingness to improve.Personal Reflection on Math Education
The thing I most loved about math in primary school and high school was the objectivity it offered. Unlike other subjects, if you arrive at the correct answer, the teacher must give you full credit, regardless of their personal feelings towards you. Since math is a subject rooted in logic and numbers, there is no room for subjectivity. This makes math a particularly rewarding and straightforward subject to excel in.
Conclusion
By consistently demonstrating solid methodology and high confidence in the accuracy of your answers, you can earn the respect and appreciation of your math teachers and peers. If your teacher is competent, they will value your contributions appropriately. Always strive for correctness and clearly shown work, focusing on providing logical and insightful responses, rather than seeking approval.