HW Misconceptions: Why HW is Not Enough to Improve in Math.
ONLY focusing on Math HW will NOT be enough to become proficient at it when the student is already struggling in the subject.
Not enough practice to cement understanding
If the student is already behind or needs to fill knowledge gaps
Is the homework being corrected or reviewed? They may not be following the correct processes without knowing it - practice makes permanent.
If your child is unable to do most of their HW independently, then this is an indicator that they need extra lecture time on the topics.
For the majority of my students, strengthening their math foundation and closing knowledge gaps makes it possible for children to form a firm foundation in math that they can build from.
Our math program and math classes are meant to:
✅ deep dive into topics where a knowledge gaps exists to get the child up to grade level.
✅ get a child ahead in the subject.
Why is HW NOT ENOUGH to get better at math?
If a student is behind in math, likely due to knowledge gaps. These need to be addressed in order to make sense of the current topic (Read: 10 Ways to identify your child’s Knowledge-Gaps HERE).
If the child is behind, solely doing HW will not get them back on track because they’re likely missing key information. Spending so much time and energy just to solve one problem or finish one night's worth of HW is not the best use of time. Their time is better spent addressing the knowledge-gaps for smoother navigation going forward (Read: Positive + Negative Effects of Homework HERE).
If HW is not reviewed, a child may be using erroneous processes consistently, leading to wrong answers. Practicing by doing HW will not always lead to best results if it goes unchecked.
How do we combat this then?
Add study time in addition to doing HW time.
This is best for kids who are behind or struggle to understand the process or concept.
Find areas in the HW where the student is struggling.
Focus on these during study time. Where does the child regularly get stuck on or misinterprets questions?
Practice homework TOPICS.
Use different strategies and present the problem in different ways and wording.
If a child is on track, encourage asking clarifying questions immediately as they come up to avoid a decline or slide in understanding - this will result in a knowledge gap that is unaddressed (Read: How to Maintain Math Proficiency HERE).
Our membership, the HW Club Squad™️ was created to help our alumni students to maintain the math proficiency we built together.
HW Squad Club™️ is included in all Mighty Math Tutoring Program™️ enrollments.
Children become up to speed with their grade level after they’ve gone through our programs.
If you're struggling to close knowledge-gaps in your child, we can help you inside of Mighty Math Tutoring Program™️.
☎️ Book a free consultation to start the application process :)
—-
🚀 Mighty Math Tutoring Program: is a specialized comprehensive math tutoring program for 3rd-8th graders to achieve math proficiency by strengthening and enhancing basic math skills + closing knowledge-gaps. More info HERE.
🌈 HW Squad Club: A dedicated club for students work on HW, assignments and study together while in the presence of an educator for 3rd-8th graders. Learn more HERE.
