Mathnasium of Spokane Valley: Building Math Confidence That Lasts

Q1: How does your Mathnasium center help students build confidence in math?

A1: At Mathnasium, we help students build confidence in math through rewards and repetition. To help build confidence through repetition, students practice each topic prior to completing their mastery check. On the other hand, our reward program helps students build confidence through positive reinforcement. Students are able to see all of their hard work pay off in prizes and candy!

Q2: What changes do you notice when students begin to understand math concepts instead of memorizing?

A2: When students begin to understand math concepts instead of memorizing, I tend to notice that students apply concepts to other problems rather than just repeating the information. For example, when students understand how to use 5 r 10 as a launching point for solving multiplication, rather than just memorizing the facts, students are able to apply their understanding of multiplication to break down large numbers into smaller numbers to solve 2 and 3 digit multiplication problems.

Q3: How do instructors support students when they feel stuck or discouraged?

A3: There are many ways instructors support students when they feel stuck or discouraged! We can help students visualize problems through different types of manipulatives so a student feel less stuck and begin to understand the topic at hand. We can also give students bonus stars for their math pages if they feel discouraged during their session.

Q4: Why do parents value confidence and understanding alongside improved math performance?

A4: Improved math performance is very important to us- we want all of our students to have tons of success in the classroom as well! But having confidence and understanding in math extends outside of school and into many areas of our students lives as overcoming a once difficult topic and now excelling with it, gives the assurance that they can excel at any of life's obstacles. We want our students to know they can do anything they set their minds too! All it takes is focus, lots of practice, and a positive attitude!

Visit our website if you want your child to have confidence in math!