In the article A Better Way to Teach Math John Mighton explains that for kids to understand math you need to break down each idea into multiple little steps. While your breaking down each step you take a quick second to asses each student to make sure they are on the same page. He believes by breaking down math into very small steps and assessing them on their performance, will help them succeed and give them confidence. Once his students start to understand math they ask to be challenged with harder questions. When a student has confidence you will see that student thrive.
I work everyday with students who are struggling with math. They have little to no confidence in themselves to succeed in the subject. When I grew up I learned math through the 'Jump' style. My teacher was able to break down each step into micro steps. This allowed me to relate what I already knew about basic math, then apply it to the advanced stuff we were learning that day. I try everyday to replicate this style of math to my students. I have seen tremendous results similar to John Mighton and his 'Jump' program. I also believe in what John Mighton says, confidence is key to school, especially math. I make it a goal to show my students everyday what they have accomplished to help give them a sense of achievement. As teachers we are here to educate not to follow word for word curriculum.
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