You don't have to have an extensive math background to coach this program. We provide complete materials which allow a coach with limited math background to successfully coach this program.
Everything a coach needs, including lesson plans, handouts, in-class and homework exercises and answers, are provided.
- Lesson plans: Step-by-step plans with time allotments for each step are provided
- Mental math: The lesson plans have mental math warmups.
- Board examples: The examples that the coach puts on the board are provided!
- In-class exercises and homework All lessons have homework!
- Coaching flexibility:
- Coaches with limited math training:
The completeness of materials allows coaches with non-STEM backgrounds to effectively coach kids in math. We have had (successful) coaches that had to 'bone up' on the materials before they taught them to the kids.
- Inclusion of new coaches:
This completeness of materials also allows the inclusion of new coaches into the program, even in the middle of the school year!
Even coaches with extensive math training should review the lesson plan and the problems before each lesson. Don't come into the classroom 'cold' and expect to handle questions on the fly. Do some preparation.
Historically, the problems we have encountered are largely independent of the math content of the lessons or the background of the coach. Here are some of the major problems we have seen:
- Spending too much time lecturing.
The lesson plans have time allotments that should be followed to ensure that the lesson 'fits' within an hour time frame. The emphasis is to quickly get the kids working problems themselves rather than listening to a long lecture.
- Unruly kids that distract the other kids from concentrating and hog attention.
Having a certified teacher in the room helps. They know how to keep a disciplined class!
- Overwhelmed coaches. A single coach trying to teach a class of 20 without an assistant. (We've actually had a coach do this). Hands go up with unanswered questions before the class ends. Frustrating for the students. Causes drop-outs. Assuming you are coaching only one grade, here are the recommendations:
- 1 coach: 10 students max
- 1 coach and a helper (who can answer questions): 14 students max
- 2 coaches: 10 students each (20 total) in 2 classrooms
- 2 coaches and 2 helpers: 14 students each (28 total) in 2 classrooms
Note: If you have the assistance of a teacher, that is the best situation possible!
- Coaches with advanced STEM degrees. (Sorry, you physics PhDs!)
These coaches, seeing the lessons as too simple, have a tendency to 'add' to the lesson, making it both more complicated and longer. ("I'll just add a couple of really interesting problems!") The first few lessons in each school year are easy by design to get the students 'buy-in' to the program and in the practice of doing homework. Some kids come in nervous, not knowing if they are up to this program, maybe having been pushed by their parents. This easing-in is designed to counter this problem and give these kids confidence. Don't rush it!
- Starting the program late and doubling lessons up.
Starting the program after Christmas and doing 2 lessons a week!
We've actually had coaches do this!
Notice that none of these problems is "the coach doesn't know the math". Don't worry. Spend some time with the lesson beforehand (go fully through any handouts) and you'll be OK.
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