Evaluate the possibility of learning disorders which have prevented academic progress. Students with cognitive disabilities or attention disorders can require individualized attention and a customized approach to improve math skills. Professional testing and treatment can significantly benefit students with special needs.
Increase exposure to math concepts in the classroom and at home, both in time spent working on math and in the quality of materials studied. Students can benefit from additional time spent working on problems, particularly when the curriculum includes new approaches to material. Avoid texts that focus too heavily on repetition of the same problems; instead seeking creative wording or real-world examples.
Design lessons with an interdisciplinary or pragmatic approach to increase student interest in improving math skills. Utilizing student's interests and experiences to develop lessons can improve the retention of materials, according to the International Academy of Education. Connecting concepts in math with other disciplines and practices, including cooking, biology or even sports, can make the subject far more interesting to reluctant learners.
Ensure low-level students are not left behind by requiring a complete mastery of concepts before introducing new problems. Complete mastery is defined as the ability to demonstrate 100 percent accuracy for three days, according to the University of Southern Florida Center for Instructional Technology. Mastering subjects can both boost confidence among learners and diminish time required for remedial instruction.