Ten Ways To Improve The Focus Of Pupils In The Maths Classroom
If you are looking for ways to improve the focus of your students, then here are ten ideas to help you get started.
1 Professional Development
One of the best ways you can help your pupils focus in lessons is to keep learning and developing your own practice as a teacher. Connect with the National Centre for the Excellence in Teaching of Mathematics (NCETM) and your local Maths Hub where you can find lots of resources and Professional Development Opportunities. The Advanced Mathematics Support Programme (AMSP) also has a brilliant range of professional development courses relating to KS5 mathematics.
2 Problem Solving
Helping your pupils to become great mathematical problem solvers can increase their focus in lessons, as they learn skills to tackle more open ended or unfamiliar problems. Lots of schools are improving their approach to problem solving by becoming a Problem-Solving School with NRICH.
3 Seating Plans
A well thought out seating plan can work wonders in helping pupils focus. Which pupils need to be sat near the front? Who would benefit from working together or being at opposite ends of the classroom? Don’t be afraid to refresh your seating plans and keep an eye on any school policies relating to this area.
4 Activities Beyond the Classroom
Taking part in activities beyond the classroom can help improve focus in lessons. You could encourage your pupils to enter maths competitions or to take part in Axiom Maths Circles. Schedule a visit to a Maths Inspiration Lecture or run a Maths Themed excursion. Make sure the activities beyond the classroom aren’t just for your high attainers. The Maths Careers Website runs poster competitions which are suitable for all KS4 and KS5 pupils.
5 Praise and Encouragement
Keep praising your pupils to increase their confidence and improve their focus. Read Mr Barton’s research papers on effective use of Praise in the classroom.
6 SEND Pupils
There will be SEND pupils in your maths classroom who may find it difficult to focus at times. Work closely with your SENCO to find out what strategies are beneficial for these pupils. Keep up to date on the latest research on maths and SEND by reading the Equals Magazine from the Mathematical Association.
Beyond the Classroom
There are lots of factors outside of the classroom which can impact the focus and concentration of your pupils. Here are a few areas which you might like to consider.
7 Rest and Sleep
It is obvious to everyone that not all teenagers are getting enough sleep. As a maths teacher you can positively encourage rest and downtime for your pupils – talk to them about the benefits of getting enough shut eye. You might also cover this type of topic more formally in PSHE lessons or form time. Many Maths Scholars progress quickly into positions of Senior Leadership within their schools. As a Senior Leader you will have the chance to influence the whole school approach to helping pupils form healthy routines and study habits.
8 Exercise
Exercise can really help pupils concentrate in the maths classroom. Talk to your maths classes about what sports they enjoy and emphasise the benefits of finding a physical activity which they love. As a teacher you might struggle yourself to fit in enough exercise - many teachers find that booking in a specific class or training session helps them to prioritise exercise in their busy week. Be positive about sport and exercise but be sensitive as some pupils will struggle to access exercise outside of school due to their circumstances. Consider whether you can contribute to a whole school activity such as Duke of Edinburgh’s Award or extra-curricular sport, which may also attract a TLR payment and help you progress in your career.
9 Healthy Diet
A healthy diet will have many important benefits for your pupils. If they are skipping breakfast and eating a chocolate bar for their lunch, then it is going to impact them in the classroom. As a subject teacher you can get behind your whole school Healthy Eating policy which normally begins with the food that is offered in the canteens alongside assemblies and form time activities.
Beyond this you can look out for pupils who may be struggling at home to access healthy food. Some schools run free breakfast clubs, or other initiatives which can help families who are struggling. Schools have pastoral staff who can help work with pupils on issues like diet. As a maths teacher remember that you are working as part of a team of professionals and that you are never on your own in dealing with issues that can feel challenging.
10 Screen Use
Your school will have a policy which restricts mobile phone use in the classroom, but what about outside of the school gates? According to written evidence which was submitted to the UK parliament, “Children aged 5 to 15 are now spending an average of 5 hours and 24 minutes per day engaged in social media activity”. As a maths teacher you may be largely powerless to affect this type of statistic. Schools can however educate and empower pupils and parents to have a positive and sustainable use of screens. As a new teacher going for your first interview, make sure you investigate the approach to mobile phones and screen use. Would this be a school which you would be happy to work in?
Other Issues that Affect Focus
You may have pupils who have specific challenges at home or outside of school which might affect how focused they are in the classroom. If you have concerns, even small ones, it is of course always better to raise them in line with your school safeguarding policy as a lack of focus can sometimes indicate more serious problems.
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