Students should understand why they do the steps they do to complete a problem. This may be the most difficult goal because many students are taught to do math by rote. Students should verbalize what a math problem is asking and the steps they are using to solve it. They should be able to express the processes they are using to work through and solve a problem. Encourage students who are afraid of mathematical concepts to translate them into English.
Math equations make more sense to some students once they are spoken.
Students should learn to express math ideas both through written and oral explanations. Students should develop the ability to identify what they do not understand and seek help. Summerbridge teachers may tell students where their weaknesses lie, but the students must learn to take the initiative in their own schools. Students should learn to evaluate their own work. Encourage math students to work together.