Information to be taught, and problems to be solved, should be embedded in familiar contexts, and should reflect students' cultural and ethnic diversity, so they can make immediate and practical use of what they learn. Relating mathematics and science learning to future careers also enhances student attention, and thus, comprehension and retention. Bilingual advanced science and mathematics classes should be available. Instilling in students the belief that they can succeed also helps reduce anxiety. Smaller classes, where students can interact more closely with teachers, enhance learning.
Students learn to solve problems independently, and help each other develop skills.
It has also been shown that cross-sex and mixed ability pairings result in more effective learning than do random pairings. Parents can encourage students to take advantage of these, and of the public library, by accompanying them. Finally, the use of increasing numbers of phone-in services which answer students' academic questions can be supported. Wisconsin Center for Education Research, 1987. Office of Opportunities in Science, American Association for the Advancement of Science, December 1984.