Supplementary mathematics lessons in school: Elementary school teachers’ reports of lessons

Supplemental lessons are usually given by researchers, trained tutors, or special education teachers with the aim of assisting struggling and under-achieving mathematics students. In Israel, it is mostly regular mathematics teachers who teach these lessons. This study investigates the reports of 15 regular mathematics teachers who offered supplemental lessons during the regular school day. Findings indicated that the most prevalent activity during these lessons was review and practice, usually by having students solve written exercises. Less attention was given to individual student's verbal explanations. Implications for professional development are discussed.