25 Effective Ways to Teach Multiplication Problem-Solving

November 19, 2021

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Are you looking for ways to teach students to solve math problems with multiplication? If so, keep reading.

1. Do not require the learner to learn more information than they are capable of learning at any time.

2. Teach the learner why they are learning multiplication. Give the learner concrete examples and chances for them to apply those ideas in real-life situations.

3. Practice skip counting by 2s, 3s, and 5s.

4. Teach the learner number ideas and the relationship of number symbols to numbers of objects before requiring them to solve math problems involving multiplication.

5. Teach the learner that multiplication is a way of adding that takes less time. Provide examples of how much longer it takes to add than to multiply.

6. Give practice of multiplication facts using an app or a hand-held educational device that gives instant feedback to the learner.

7. Give the learner a quiet space to work (e.g., “office,” study carrel, etc.). This should be used as a way to lessen distractions, not as a punishment.

8. Give the learner enjoyable math learning activities during free time in the classroom (e.g., computer games, math games, manipulatives, etc.).

9. Give the learner increased chance for help or assistance on academic tasks (e.g., peer tutoring, instructions for tasks sent home, frequent interactions, etc.).

10. Teach the learner that any number times zero will be zero.

11. Give the learner chances for tutoring by peers or teachers. Let the learner tutor others when they have learned a concept.

12. Give the learner self-checking learning resources. Require the learner to make corrections before submitting work.

13. Give the learner shorter math facts but give more of them throughout the day (e.g., four tasks of five problems each rather than one task of twenty problems).

14. Minimize the emphasis on competition. Competitive learning activities may cause the learner to hurry and solve multiplication problems incorrectly.

15. Praise the learner for trying and finishing work. Place emphasis on the number of problems correctly solved. Urge the learner to see how many more they can successfully solve without help. Get the learner to keep a “private” chart of their math performance.

16. Praise the learner for correctly solving multiplication problems: (a) give the learner a concrete reward (e.g., privileges such as leading the line, handing out learning materials, 10 minutes of free time, etc.) or (b) give the learner an informal reward (e.g., praise, handshake, smile, etc.).

17. Make the learner use graph paper to line up the numbers correctly in columns.

18. Teach the learner that any number times one remains that number.

19. Teach the learner to use resources in their surroundings to help them solve math problems (e.g., counting figures, counting numbers of objects, using a calculator, etc.).

20. Utilize daily drill learning activities to help the learner memorize multiplication facts (e.g., written problems, flash cards, etc.).

21. Complete the first problem or two of the math facts with the learner to make sure that they know the instructions and the operation appropriate to solve the problems.

22. Give the learner many concrete experiences to help them learn and remember math facts. Utilize popsicle sticks, tongue depressors, paper clips, buttons, fingers, etc., to form groupings to teach multiplication facts.

23. Consider using Alexa for the Math Classroom.

24. Try gamifying your math lessons.

25. Consider using one of the apps and tools from our many math app lists:

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