Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why do I need to show my work when I can do a lot of the math in my head?
A: Mental math is an important part of what we do in pre-algebra. However, showing your work is key to your understanding for a number of reasons:
a) Working through problems on paper will make it possible for you to go back over any incorrect problems to find errors and understand why you missed them.
b) Performing the mathematical steps on paper will prepare you for more challenging problems in the future. If you develop the habits of strong problem solving and organization with simpler problems, more complex work will be easier for you to manage.
c) Going through the steps of solving problems on paper will help connect the mental math you perform with your visual learning. This helps you retain the information more easily and for a longer period of time.
Q: Why do we complete an error analysis after each test?
A: You may have heard the expression, "You learn from your mistakes." This is especially true in math. In fact, the best math students see errors as a challenge and work to understand them. If students look back over their work to find out why and where mistakes were made, they will not only learn the correct method for solving that problem type, but will develop good habits of looking over completed work for accuracy.
Q: I sometimes get frustrated because the math we are doing can be confusing. Is this normal, or is there something wrong with me?
A: Believe it or not, confusion is an important part of learning. When you feel confused, it is your brain telling you, "Hey! It's time to learn something!" If you listen to your brain's signal and make a strong effort to understand the topic, you will learn the lesson for the day. If you decide to let that confusion become frustration, it's like telling your brain, "Forget learning. I don't even want to try," and you will most likely struggle with the lesson for the day. If this happens day after day, you will be in danger of falling behind. Stay focused. Be ready to learn. You will be glad you did!
Q: I am going to be absent. Is there something special I should know about my math work?
A: Because math assignments are given on a daily basis, it is best if you get the work ahead of time when you know you will be gone. If you have an unexpected absence, make sure you pick up your assignment from the school office, or you can log onto this web site to get the most current information on your assignments. It's best to get the work done before you come back to school, so you don't fall behind.
Q: I checked my grades and I am falling behind in math. Is there anything I can do to bring up my grade?
A: The best way to keep your grade up is to complete every assignment and turn it in on time. If you find yourself falling behind, begin by turning in all of your current work first. This way you will receive full credit for that work. Then you should work to complete all late work in principal's intervention or at home. If you need help or encouragement in bringing up your grade, please see Mrs. Dedini. She is eager to meet with students who are willing to work hard to bring up grades.
Q: Why don't you offer extra credit in your class?
A: While extra credit may seem like a terrific way to bring up grades, a "no extra credit" policy teaches valuable lessons of responsibility and meeting deadlines. If work is done on time, students are less likely to fall behind in class and will remain "in step" with the concepts that build upon each other day after day. Although I do not offer extra credit, I do extend bonus point opportunities on most projects and tests. These bonus points are usually earned through extension activities or a more detailed explanation/evaluation of the completed work.
Q: I am a parent of a pre-algebra student in your class. What can I do to support my child in learning the math this year?
A: There are a number of things you can do to support your student as they learn pre-algebra this year:
a) Stay involved in the learning process. Ask about the lesson of the day. Even if you feel a bit "rusty" with the math, ask them to teach you what they learned that day. Students actually learn concepts best when they are asked to turn around and teach them to someone else!
b) Ask to see your student's agenda. All students should write in the math section of their agenda ON A DAILY BASIS. Even if your student has no homework on a given day, they will write, "No Homework Today" in their agenda. If you find there is nothing written in your child's agenda for math, something is wrong. Please contact me.
c) Ask to see your student's math notebook. The math notebook should contain all of the student's math assignments so far this year. Cornell notes (including a summary, objective, name, date, and lesson number) should be located on the left side of each page. On the right side, students should have an answer column, work shown, lesson number, assignment, and name. These notebooks should be kept neat and orderly so students can refer back to them prior to the chapter tests.
d) Stay in touch by checking ABI regularly. Contact me if you have any questions or concerns regarding your student's progress in math this year. I am available by phone or e-mail, and I welcome your involvement in your child's learning.
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