Word problems allow students to apply math strategies to real-life situations. Write the word problems so that students must choose the appropriate strategy for solving the problem to increase the difficulty of the problem. Sample word problems could involve buying items at a store, determining the amount of interest accrued on a loan or saving to buy a specific item. To engage students more, challenge them to create word problems that relate the strategies learned in class to real-life situations, and choose the best problems to include on the next quiz or exam.
Many games require math strategies to play. When teaching probability and statistics, create school-friendly adaptations of popular casino games, or encourage students to determine the odds of winning the lottery. Popular board games such as Life and Monopoly teach student about budgeting, unexpected expenses and calculating interest. You may also connect math strategies to sports such as baseball or football to help students determine a player’s performance or individual statistics.
Simulation activities require students to use math strategies in pretend situations. You may have students create a budget or invest in the stock market. Allow students to earn money for completing specific tasks in class and reward them with paychecks. Open a classroom store and guide students as they use specific math strategies to help run the store, including keeping inventory, charging tax and making change.
Invite guest speakers into the classroom to share how they use math strategies in their everyday work. Do not simply invite individuals who have careers geared toward math, such as accountants. Invite individuals from multiple professions, such as construction workers, nurses, authors, athletes and police officers, to help students see that the math strategies they are learning have a place in many fields.