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Procedures to Implement for Self-Paced Math Success

Effectively trained procedures are vital to a smooth-running classroom, nowhere more-so than with your self-paced students. These students have a lot of flexibility with their time and so they rely on you to give them the structure and expectations from which they work. Below we share the top procedures that are worth your energy- and a couple things you shouldn't sweat. 

Be a stickler for procedures, not timing:

You only have so much time and energy to put into teaching. Intentionally build in procedures that will benefit your self-paced students (they have some very specific needs!). These procedures and expectations are an important part of making that experience a success for you as well as them.

Procedures for self-paced success:

  • Students keep track of their progress on a pacing guide. Whether printed or online, a clear and simple pacing guide is vital because it lets you quickly hold students accountable for their progress. Everyone can point directly to what needs done next and you don't waste a lot of time asking "What do you need to be working on?" MathLight has a Self-Paced Student Checklist to help you with this exact thing. Get your free copy HERE.
  • Follow-up Tip: Consider a sticker chart as an option if your whole class is self-paced. It may sound somewhat elementary, but you'd be surprised how well high schoolers are inspired to take ownership when gold stars are put beside their names.  
  • Require completion of a minimum daily requirement. The way you check for this can be as varied as you want, but you should require some level of check-in each day with each self-paced student. No matter how responsible a student is, he or she is still prone to slip ups and it is your responsibility to keep them on track.
  • Require completion of a minimum daily requirement. The way you check for this can be as varied as you want, but you should require some level of check-in each day with each self-paced student. No matter how responsible a student is, he or she is still prone to slip ups and it is your responsibility to keep them on track.
  • Students must show their work. Some students will resist showing work more than others, but this expectation is key! Showing work helps your students understand that it's the "thinking," not the answer, that proves they learned the math. Building in early the expectation that they will show work is also essential to avoid drawn-out help sessions, and I would even go so far as to suggest you require students to have work shown before they ask a question. Remember, you can diagnose errors much quicker if the mistake is there in front of you instead of in their head. 
  • Leave phones and devices in a separate location. It goes without saying but these students will often have access to answer keys. Keeping phones away lessens the opportunity for bright but lazy students to use solver apps, or take photos of answer keys when you are distracted with their classmates.
  • Have students keep track of scores- neatly. Ultimately you need to provide parents and administration with proof that content was learned and this often comes in the form of grades. Develop a procedure early on for how you want your self-paced student to record and share grades with you. Consider completion grades for homework as opposed to "percentage correct" to avoid the lure to cheat. MathLight has a self-paced student checklist that includes a score sheet. Check it out and request your copy here.
  • Expect students to adjust their plan as needed. This is a hard one for students who have grown to relish their independence, but talk about a real-world skill. If there is a day you want everyone working together, then require your self-paced student's participation. Consider planning in a few "interruptions" early in the student's self-pacing experience and be strict on correcting their attitude. 

A few things you can probably relax on:

  • Requiring specific math methods. Self-paced math students rely heavily on video content to teach them. You're likely also encouraging these students to be resourceful, watching secondary videos when the ones you provided were not enough. If a student can explain the math embedded in their method then count it as a win, even if it's not the specific one you like best. Reward the student's agency and move on.
  • An off day. Students can and will have days when they surge ahead, essentially building in their own "free time." Teach them how to use that wiggle room by creating a plan of how to use it wisely. Make them prove they are ahead of target and give a specific (productive) task they can do instead. Think: Work on English project. Not: Video games.

Getting set up so your self-paced students are ready to go takes a little bit of work. But it is doable when you choose the right curriculum and implement smart procedures. Find out more of why we think MathLight is the best curriculum for you to use with your self-paced students! Check out everything that is included in our amazing math units now!

    Jen Frey

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