Last Updated on October 9, 2023 by Editorial Team
By the time the students reach the high school level, they have developed ease with several math concepts. They develop fluency in counting, comparing values, doing basic operations, and number sense. From whole numbers and integers, they move to the world of rational and irrational numbers.
In fact, in every math skill, they are required to explore it deeper and derive various inferences from it. That is why the math goals for high school students are more application-oriented and inspire them to learn how mathematics is used to solve several real-world problems.
The correct approach for setting goals
Mathematics subject may become a source of worry for students who find it hard to grasp. Also, the vastness of the syllabus can become overwhelming. Teachers tend to put the onus on self-learning mode and expect them to be ready to solve math problems without much guidance. The approach may not be effective for all. This is why the process of setting goals must have the following characteristics:
- Individualized: The student’s shortcomings or the need to learn should be addressed head-on. While setting goals, the student’s gaps in learning should be in focus. It can be done by evaluating the result of the last exam taken. A discussion with the student on a one-on-one basis can also be considered.
- Timed: A student must be given ample time to learn any math topic as per the difficulty level. The goal has to be set to ensure that the student is ready for exams at the appropriate time and pass them with good score.
- Contributing to skills for higher studies: Math goals should prepare high school students for the ensuing challenges of waiting at the college education level. If they plan to pursue a college education, the goal must help them have the required competence.
- Amply challenging: The math goals should not be too easy or too difficult to achieve. In both cases, the student is likely to lose interest in studying math.
Let’s take a look at the most suitable math goals that complement the needs of high school students and help teachers have an effective lesson plan. Some states, too approve of these goals.
Topic-wise math goals for high school students
Extracted from the Sioux City Community Schools guide, the following math goals have been considered for and applied at the high school level:
1. Numerical ability
Moving to quantitative reasoning from calculating: The student must be able to solve the questions like how fast city A’s population is growing if the populations at two points in time are X and Y. Which city has more population density if the sq. km areas of the two cities and their population are given.
Pure math: In pure math, the student must be able to know how to convert mixed fractions into irrational or rational numbers. They must become familiar with the way rational and irrational numbers can be converted into numbers with rational exponents.
2. Algebra
Linear and non-linear equations: Learn how to solve linear and non-linear equations. Take the challenge of solving any real-life problem by making quadratic equations from the variables and conditions provided.
Algebraic expressions and their interpretation: Be comfortable with solving algebraic expressions. Also, I gained fluency in transforming algebraic expressions to solve a given problem. Such as finding interest on the loan and the resulting amount by establishing a relationship between P = principal, Rate =r, and term = n.
3. Modeling
Pictorial presentations take a little advanced form at the high school level as modeling. The modeling is used for estimating the occurrence of a real-life event and finding ways to solve the problems surrounding it. For example, by analyzing the data provided, students may have an overview of the situations of floods, their time of occurrence, and the need for arranging food and water for stranded people.
Data evaluation: Establish a relationship between data values. Find the rate at which the value changes to predict the pattern for the future.
Statistics and Probability: Give justifications for conclusions and make inferences from various samples of surveys, observational studies, and experimental data. Use probability in real-life situations to make predictions. For example, study and compare the probability of rain to occur from the given set of parameters such as temperature, humidity, and wind direction with a probability of having a plausible temperature or humidity range when it is raining.
4. Geometry
- Learn the basics of trigonometry and trigonometric functions.
- Learn and prove theorems that involve trigonometry of right triangles
- Describe geometric properties algebraically by using the coordinates and equations provided
Achieving goals – Teacher’s guide
According to Iowa Core Standards for high school math classes, the inclusion of learning-centric methods and facilities in the classroom is essential. These standards provide an overview of methods of instruction and assessments that can help impart requisite math skills to high school students.
- Teaching methods to improve understanding and application ability: Interactive sessions, activity-based classes, real-life examples, and demonstrations for building practical learning.
- Student-focused classrooms: Designing classrooms so that these ease learning and make it fun too.
- Individualized teaching: Using ways to ensure that students get individualized learning and personal attention
- Timely assessment: Assessing from time to time and creating tests to compel students to revisit learned concepts often
- Designing rich mathematical tasks: Various topics or types of problems need the implementation of more than one math skill. Designing assignments so that students get to do rich mathematical tasks can improve students’ mathematical thinking. It includes problem-solving tasks, and meaningfully distributed practice.
Challenges in meeting math goals
High school math may prove difficult to learn if the learning disorders are to be managed. The curriculum may prove too overwhelming and vast. It does require teachers to be amply trained to understand the students’ difficulties and provide appropriate modes of instruction.
Lack of visualization ability is a big hindrance in learning high school math topics. Students may crack numbers but if they find it difficult to draw inferences, they may not be able to provide solutions as expected. It arises due to little interest or limited intellectual curiosity.
Unattended weakness in some topics at the elementary school stage poses a big learning gap. No assessment system enables 100% coverage of topics. The students may pass grades by solving questions related to some topics only. By leaving some topics that may be required to solve high school math problems, they show deficiency and poor confidence.
Lack of interest in the subject may also manifest as difficulty in attaining math goals. High school students may find the subject too confusing. They may show signs of chronic slowness or lateness, or need more practice to learn and apply math concepts. The timeliness in achieving goals can be affected due to this issue.
In the case of middle-level school drop-outs, the lack of conceptual fluency is quite obvious. They need additional time and support or remediation to bridge the learning gap that arose from the years of staying away from the curriculum. It may show a negative impact on goals aimed at developing problem-solving skills.
Summing up
The best way to make students sincere in learning math is that of defining goals for them. These goals work as a guide to planning the teaching lesson in class and for making a personalized study schedule at home. The successful implementation depends on the study planning, active learning methods, and designing goals with an individualized approach.
However, situations of drop-outs, incomplete coverage of topics in assessment, lack of interest, and learning gaps in basic skills may pose challenges. Discussion and timed assessments can significantly help in effective implementation.
I am Pratiksha Bhatt, Bachelor of Life Science, and Masters in Management Studies. I have done certification courses in early education counseling. I am a writer, a mother of a child with spelling difficulties which drove me to alternative resources of education like manipulatives and participatory activities. My areas of expertise are learning difficulties, alternative learning methods, and activity-based learning.