Hotmath Best Practices

Welcome

Welcome to our Best Practices page to help you and your students succeed with Hotmath. After reviewing it, you will have the knowledge to successfully implement Hotmath in your classroom.

1. Objectives of this Page

  • Learn what Hotmath offers (and doesn't offer).
  • Learn what resulting benefits to expect.
  • Learn how to make sure students use Hotmath.

2. What is Hotmath?

  • Hotmath is a homework help website developed by math teachers.
  • Hotmath shows instant, tutorial solutions to the odd-numbered homework problems in popular secondary and college math textbooks.
  • Hotmath is a 24/7 resource to help students complete their homework with understanding.

3. Hotmath History

  • Hotmath was invented in 1999 by a teacher at a continuation school where there was very low motivation to complete homework.
  • Students loved the idea of 24/7 homework help.
  • Teachers at other schools agreed: ALL students would be more likely to complete homework if they had a ready, patient resource when stuck.
  • Hotmath is now used in over 3000 US schools!

4. How Are the Solutions Created?

Our teacher-authors prepare the interactive solutions with the following guidelines:

  • Create each solution as if a student asked you for help on the problem after class;
  • Use the method and vocabulary of the text;
  • Use succinct, clear, and engaging wording.

5. Standards

  • Hotmath meets standards by virtue of solving the homework problems assigned from approved textbooks, using their methods.
  • Hotmath supports the technology component of NCLB standards: Students will become more comfortable with the Internet via Hotmath.
  • Hotmath has been approved by several state agencies.

6. Scientifically Based Research

  • In 1992-4, a Texas study gave underperforming Algebra 1 students worked-out solutions to half of their homework problems. Those students surpassed the better students on the exam!
  • A survey of Hotmath teachers was taken in fall 2003. Ninety percent said our website improved learning for their students.
  • The above research and more are described on the Press Room page of Hotmath.

7. Will Students Use Hotmath?

  • Yes! They will use it because they see the website as a non-judgmental, 24/7, time-saving resource that is directly relevant to their assigned homework.
  • Hotmath explains problems immediately, while the student is still interested.
  • Students see Hotmath as a time-saver, unlike other resources that require “extra work.”

8. Students Return to Hotmath

  • Students come back time and again because our patient, effective presentation of the material leads to “Aha” understanding.
  • Students appreciate receiving as much help as they need, at their own pace.
  • Students appreciate the improvement in their comprehension, grades, and self-esteem.
  • Students will need Hotmath less and less as they get better and better at math.

9. Why is Hotmath Good for Teachers?

  • Hotmath leads to a more relaxed, engaged classroom because more students are keeping up.
  • Less time spent on homework can save 20 minutes per class for new material or more in-depth teaching.
  • Great answer for parents asking how to get help.
  • Reduce prep time by using our solutions in class.
  • Best of all: see students doing better and enjoying math.

10. Integrate Hotmath into Class-work

  • Assign a mix of odds and evens for homework.
  • Provide hands-on demonstrations so students understand what Hotmath offers them.
  • Schedule computer lab for Hotmath practice: “Let's get a head start on homework tonight!”
  • Distribute and post this handout if you do not have a license, or this handout if you do.
  • Let students use the classroom computer for Hotmath.
  • Mention Hotmath and the password with every assignment given.

11. Most Important!

  • Show students what the website offers, preferably with a hands-on demonstration.
  • Have them write the password on book covers.
  • Ask parents to reinforce Hotmath at home.
  • Require students to use Hotmath when they don't understand homework.
  • We find it is not sufficient to only mention Hotmath occasionally or on your web-page.
  • Mention Hotmath and the password with every assignment given.

12. Assign Both Odds and Evens

  • The attraction of Hotmath for students is our help with actual, assigned homework.
  • Assign a mix of odds and evens--this is critical.
  • When answering homework questions, ask, "What part of the Hotmath explanation didn't you understand?”
  • Remind students that checking Hotmath is part of their assignment when they are stuck.

13. Hotmath Levels the Playing Field

  • Not every student has a home conducive to math learning.
  • Hotmath helps students without math support outside of school.
  • Hotmath is a cost-effective alternative to tutors.
  • For students with no Internet at home, see next slide.

14. Students Without Internet Access at Home

  • We especially want them to use our resource.
  • Please inform them about school computer lab hours as well as community Internet access.
  • As a last resort, you can print out Hotmath solutions and provide them to students.
  • Hotmath levels the playing field for these kids.

15. How to Inform Parents

  • Use this handout for students and parents, writing in your school password.
  • Be sure to mention Hotmath at back-to-school night and parent conferences.
  • The Principal could mention the benefits of Hotmath in letters home.
  • You might even write an article about Hotmath in the school newspaper!

16. Technical Support

  • Hotmath maintains an updated Support page on the website for technical problems.
  • Students may email support@hotmath.com for any technical questions.
  • Teachers receive faster service at schools@hotmath.com.

17. What Hotmath Doesn't Do

  • We don't solve chapter tests, calculator problems, open-ended or writing problems, workbook problems, appendix problems, or problems we think are not assigned often.
  • We aren't perfect, but we fix all reported errors.
  • We aren't a cheat-site: we only solve the odds.
  • We don't answer emailed math questions.

18. Review

  • Hotmath explains the odd-numbered homework problems, so students can complete homework with understanding, 24/7, at their own pace, away from class.
  • If you know of colleagues who would benefit from knowing about Hotmath, please feel free to use our Tell-a-friend feature.

19. The End

  • Thank you for reading our Best Practices page!
  • If you have suggestions about this web-course, please send us an email, schools@hotmath.com with 'Teacher Web Course Feedback' in the subject field.
  • Thanks again and best of luck using Hotmath!