What should Mr. Medina do to assist confused students during a geometry lesson?

To assist confused students during a geometry lesson, using manipulatives is an effective approach. This method allows students to physically interact with geometric concepts, making abstract ideas more tangible and understandable. Manipulatives can include items such as geometric shapes, pattern blocks, and other hands-on tools that help illustrate the properties and relationships within geometry.

When students can visually and physically see how shapes relate to one another, they often gain a clearer understanding of the material. This approach caters to various learning styles, particularly for those who benefit from kinesthetic and visual learning. In this context, reteaching a concept with manipulatives fosters engagement and encourages students to explore their understanding through direct manipulation of objects, leading to a deeper grasp of the concepts involved in geometry.

In contrast, while assigning extra practice or retreating to simpler concepts may provide some support, they do not address the immediate confusion students are experiencing. Moreover, engaging students in group discussions can be beneficial for collaborative learning, but without the direct, hands-on experience that manipulatives offer, the students may not resolve their confusion effectively.