To avoid future confusion, every student must receive a straightforward explanation of order of operations. Explain that certain procedures are to be done before others and write out this order.
Mnemonic devices can help students who are first learning order of operations. One mnemonic device is the acronym PEMDAS: P - parentheses, E - exponents MD - multiplication and division, AS - addition and subtraction. This can also be turned into the phrase "Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally."
Becoming comfortable with order of operations takes a lot of practice. Unfortunately, there is really no other way to do this besides assigning somewhat repetitive homework problems. Arrange homework problems in order from easier to more difficult so that students gain confidence as they move through the assignment.
After understanding and practicing order of operations, students must learn to solve problems quickly. This does not necessarily have to be done through an exam or test. Students can compete against each other in timed drills in which the student that can complete the greatest number of problems wins candy or some other type of fun reward.