The Secret to Helping Struggling Math Students: It’s Not Magic, It’s Systematic Instruction
You can spot that moment right away, the moment when a student’s face goes blank halfway through a math problem. You try explaining it again, a different way. Maybe slower. Maybe with have another student share how they solved. And still, it doesn’t click.
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many of us have been taught what to teach in math, but not always how to deliver it in a way that actually sticks for students who struggle.
That’s where explicit, systematic instruction comes in. It’s not complex, and it’s definitely not new, but for students who need a little extra support, it can make all the difference.
What “Explicit” and “Systematic” Really Mean
Let’s start with the basics:
Explicit instruction means you model exactly what students need to learn, step by step. You don’t assume they’ll infer or discover the process, you show them how to do it, then practice together.
Systematic instruction means you follow a logical sequence that builds skills over time. Concepts connect, steps repeat, and students always know what to expect.
Together, this approach creates clarity, consistency, and confidence, three things struggling learners crave.
Why It Works (Especially in Mixed-Ability Classrooms)
Struggling students often miss small but critical connections early on (a number concept here, a math fact there) and those gaps compound as instruction moves forward.
Explicit, systematic instruction helps by:
- Filling in those gaps in an intentional, structured way
- Reducing cognitive load through predictable routines
- Reinforcing learning with multiple, meaningful repetitions
- Making thinking visible for the teacher and the student
When students know how the lesson will flow, they can focus on the math itself instead of worrying about keeping up.
What This Looks Like in Practice
Here’s a simple structure that can anchor almost any math lesson or intervention block:
- Model it (“I Do”)
Show exactly what successful problem solving looks like. Narrate your thinking. - Try it together (“We Do”)
Work side by side with students. Ask guiding questions. Offer immediate feedback. - Independent practice (“You Do”)
Give students space to apply what they’ve learned and then circle back with short, focused review. - Spiral and reinforce
Revisit key concepts regularly, connecting new learning to old. This is what makes knowledge durable.
It’s simple, but powerful, especially when your day is split between teaching the curriculum and supporting remediation.
Supporting Struggling Students Without Overhauling Everything
You don’t need to scrap your current materials or start from scratch.
Start small:
- Add a consistent warm-up routine that reviews foundational skills.
- Use concrete or tactile supports to strengthen number sense.
- Keep directions short, clear, and consistent from day to day.
These tweaks can turn chaos into calm and help students rebuild trust in their ability to learn math.
There’s no magic formula for teaching. But there is a structure that helps every learner, especially those who’ve struggled, to make sense of math.
Explicit, systematic instruction gives students the gift of predictability and success.
And it gives teachers, especially those new to the classroom or transitioning from another career, a framework that’s practical, doable, and proven to work.
Because helping students grow in math isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing what matters most, on purpose, and with care.