5 reasons why math worksheets don’t work

Have you ever noticed how many K-12 math content websites are dedicated to math worksheets? There seems to be an increase in websites catering to desperate teachers and parents by offering free quick “worksheet generation”, “free 10 fraction worksheets”, and so on.

Now, as a former teacher, I am not saying that one should never use math worksheets; however, I believe that many teachers are using a very superficial method of instruction that relies too heavily on low-level math worksheets and non-intervention approaches to instruction. Worksheet lessons go from reading directions aloud, to solving sample group problems, to completing the worksheet independently (or at home with parents), day after day.

Teaching should be more than handing out worksheets. Whether you are the classroom teacher, instructional specialist, or parent, the methods you use have a huge impact on the level of understanding achieved by your students.

Here are five reasons why math worksheets don’t work if you want students to understand math, enjoy math, and think mathematically.

1. Math worksheets are not attractive.

Numerous research studies have found that when students are actively engaged in content, they are much more likely to understand and remember what they have learned. Unfortunately, math worksheets tend to bore most students, especially those who need more help in math.

Compromise involves much more than rote repetition of a procedure. Math worksheets tend to present very similar types of problems over and over again, leading to mundane practice of dissociated skills. For students who understand the material and successfully complete an assignment, another worksheet becomes meaningless. On the other hand, for students who do not understand the material, what they need is an alternative method of instruction. Another worksheet simply adds to the student’s frustration, or worse, contributes to the belief that “I’ll never understand the math.” A cute picture or “fill in the blanks” puzzle does nothing to increase engagement or learning (and let’s face it, those riddles aren’t fun!). Instead, teachers should increase participation by providing students with exercises in which they discover patterns and relationships, solve problems, or think creatively about mathematical relationships.

2. Math worksheets do not promote critical thinking

Math worksheets rarely ask students to think critically or creatively. They usually present multiple examples of the same type of problem in the hopes of reinforcing a skill or procedure. They do not challenge students to use higher-order thinking skills, such as comparing, analyzing, deducing, and synthesizing. These skills are developed through activities in which students discover concepts, explore ideas, test a hypothesis, solve a problem, and discuss their thinking with their peers. Exploring concepts and problems in many different ways generates interest and promotes critical thinking.

3. Math worksheets do not promote communication and collaboration.

Math worksheets are often assigned as a separate activity, however research indicates that communication and speaking are necessary to develop a deep understanding of math topics. Students need opportunities to explore mathematical ideas in different ways and to build their own connections. This involves communicating your ideas, listening to the ideas of others, arguing a point of view, describing and explaining. Math worksheets are rarely used as a catalyst for conversation. Instead of assigning worksheets, look for activities that encourage speech, such as “number talks” or collaborative group work. During the session, be sure to ask students to explain their thinking and listen to the strategies and thinking of their classmates.

If you are lucky enough to have an interactive whiteboard in your classroom, using it with interactive math software creates many opportunities for group discussion and student participation. Teachers can begin by posing problems and modeling approaches, and then ask students to work together to find solutions. Then ask them to come up to the board to demonstrate their solutions in front of the class. These days, many examples of how to teach math concepts on an interactive whiteboard can be found online at the various whiteboard community sites, educational sites, YouTube, etc.

4. Unable to access math worksheets

Some students cannot access tools that many of us take for granted when trying to complete worksheets. They may not be able to grasp pencils, control their movements within the limited spaces provided on the sheet, or simply stabilize their paper while writing. Other students, including those for whom English is not their primary language or who struggle with reading, have difficulty reading the directions, words, and math terminology on the worksheets. Still other students require different visual representations or participation methods to acquire an understanding of the content. Most math worksheets do not provide information in multiple formats, making them inaccessible to students with a wide variety of learning styles and abilities.

Well-designed technology can provide these students with access to great content. For example, these fraction tools and supplemental curriculum allow students with physical disabilities to access fraction content using a variety of assistive technology devices. Instructions, prompts and comments can be read aloud, while visual models, signals combined with sounds support a wide range of learning styles and skills.

5. Math worksheets do not provide immediate feedback

Most teachers are familiar with the long delay between when students complete a worksheet and when they get the correct page. Most don’t get anything back until the next day or the following week. Meanwhile, the students continue to practice incorrectly. Not surprisingly, immediate feedback has been shown to increase student performance and diligence. Unfortunately, math worksheets have no mechanism to prevent a student from moving on to the next problem until they demonstrate understanding.

Good curriculum software can address this problem by giving students instant answers and strategic feedback. The use of visual cues and auditory feedback helps students quickly recognize their fraction errors and self-correct. This just-in-time feedback system eliminates incorrect practice, while promoting self-correction and independence.

To summarize: math worksheets don’t teach, teachers teach

Of course there are is a place for math worksheets. After some instruction has been delivered, math worksheets can provide extended practice and support the development of fluency, as long as the teacher engages with students as they work. Teachers who are effective at grouping students can use math worksheets as a springboard for discussion, discovery, and communication.

So next time you’re looking for curriculum materials, skip the worksheets. Instead, consider resources that provide interactive experiences or sites that provide students with challenging problems. These sites are more likely to engage students, encourage discussion, and develop a true understanding of the purpose and joy of learning math.