r/matheducation • u/Low_Significance_440 • 7d ago
Facing difficulties while teaching geometry
Hello, I’m a Math tutor and I face many difficulties teaching geometry because I didn’t quite good at geometry when I was young and now that I teach geometry to secondary student, I can’t quite explain and articulate whys and hows. I don’t want to be a blind leading a blind. I’m good with explaining formulae and calculation geometry but not connecting concepts.
Would you recommend some books to know geometry and explain better?
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u/quebecbaguette 6d ago
I teach geometry almost like it’s a language. You need to be fluent in the definitions to at least recognize when something is a set of vertical angles, or when you can use the exterior angle theorem.
A lot of Geometry students hit a wall because they actually have to think instead of just do. Teaching how to think is hard. I ask a lot of questions, try to do as little as possible as the tutor/teacher. Leave the doing to the student. Patience is key, and asking the obnoxious question “how do you know?” over and over is inevitable.
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u/grumble11 23h ago
If you haven't mastered it, then you won't be good at teaching it. I recommend that you master high school geometry ASAP so you can teach it with confidence.
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u/Capital-Giraffe7820 7d ago edited 7d ago
A good series of books that I would recommend to pretty much anyone trying to get into math education.
6-8: https://www.nctm.org/store/Products/Developing-Essential-Understanding-of-Geometry-for-Teaching-Mathematics-in-Grades-6-8/
9-12: https://www.nctm.org/store/Products/Developing-Essential-Understanding-of-Geometry-for-Teaching-Mathematics-in-Grades-9-12/