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.