A 6-Point Framework Educators Need to Effectively Teach Mathematical Equations

Mathematics is the language through which we communicate with the universe.

This language's sentences are equations. Equations permeate through every area of society that scientific principles have touched. Economics, physics, medicine - you name it.

As such, it is imperative that educators teach young minds how to understand the nuanced details of these sentences.

After almost 3 years of tutoring experience, I have developed a set of principles that help me effectively translate an equation to make the uninitiated understand. And in this article, I will be sharing that with you.

Here is a 6-Point Framework that will help you teach equations in your class:

Point #1 - Use pictures to convey the fundamental idea.

A picture is worth a thousand words.

Seems like this adage is applicable everywhere.

No matter how complex the equation might be, try to translate it into a bunch of diagrams first. You can use rough sketches, or develop sophisticated assets such as Free Body Diagrams, 3D images/videos and others.

Starting out with pictures will simplify the rest of your work.

Point #2 - Explain each and every single part of the equation.

Leave no stone unturned.

If there are units, explain the physical significance. If two terms are multiplied, explain why they are not added. Explain how the left-hand-side relates to the right-hand-side.

This will help the student develop an intuition for the equation, and other equations henceforth.

Point #3 - Derive the equation.

Narrate the equation's origin story.

Using fundamental principles, elucidate how that equation came to be. Guide the student through the journey. If it's too difficult to derive mathematically, explain how that equation came to be.

Such an adventure will help the student grow strong roots of understanding.

Point #4 - Demonstrate the different versions of the equation.

Play with the equation.

Shuffle around the terms. Make the student see how each term relates to the other. If you are teaching a complicated equation and you know about a simpler version, show that to drive the meaning home.

The student needs to understand that an equation is just a bunch of symbols.

They come to life once we ascribe specific meanings to them.

Point #5 - Use analogies to describe the equation's functionality.

Who said storytelling is not applicable in mathematics?

Analogies can be a great tool to break down esoteric aspects of an equation. You can use real-life scenarios to build those stories.

If observed keenly, every equation has a story to tell.

Point #6 - Solve a lot of problems.

I'm sure you would have seen this coming.

Scour through a reference book and make a list of questions related to the equation. Try to come up with some questions on your own as well. Push the student to experience the equation at play in different scenarios.

Solving a sundry of problems will transform the equation from an unknown entity to a powerful tool.

Don't just state the equation and expect the student to get used to it. Take the time to help the student develop a friendship with the symbols.

Mathematics is just another human language after all.

Hardik Medhi