It is well known that children usually have difficulty performing mathematical tasks. This essay takes a look at why mathematics can be a difficult subject for young minds. It provides an overview of possible reasons, from lack of adequate instruction to struggles with concentration and reasoning.
The essay then looks at the current approaches to teaching the subject, as well as what could be done to help children overcome the challenges posed by maths. In conclusion, the discussion examines the various effects that weaken the mathematical abilities of children and suggests a few ways to help them overcome these issues.
1. Lack of Quality Education
The weakest link in a child’s mathematical development can often be attributed to the lack of quality education they are exposed to. Despite governmental efforts, there arestill many areas of the world where maths instruction is given on an inadequate basis. This problem can be manipulated to a number of reasons, such as lower financial investments in education, teacher shortages or ineffective teaching.
If a child is taught maths incorrectly or if the instruction is not enhanced, they are more likely to struggle and lose interest in the subject. For instance, the teacher needs to go beyond rote memorization and engage students, providing them with tasks and activities that increase their understanding and application of mathematical concepts.
2. Struggle with Concentration
Many children have difficulty concentrating when doing maths. This can be attributed to a range of factors, from a child feeling overwhelmed by the task, as well as an inability to transition from one challenging concept to the next. Additionally, their concentration could be reduced by distractions such as smartphones and tablets, as well as the constant presence of other demands and stimuli competing for their attention.
To help children stay focused, parents and teachers need to be patient and provide individual attention when necessary. They should also create an environment that is free and unrushed, and encourage a healthy breaks during the process of completing the task.
3. Difficulty in Reasoning and Problem Solving
Additionally, many children struggle with the higher-level thinking skills required in maths, such as reasoning and problem solving. These skills are essential for students to be successful in the subject, as the ability to analyze data, identify patterns and trends and make deductions is critical in solving equations or predicting future outcomes. One of the best strategies to improving these skills is to provide students with work that builds their comprehension.
This can include tasks such as learning to identify shapes, as well as providing creative activities that challenge their critical thinking.
4. Negative Perception of Maths
Many children think that maths is a difficult subject with multiple rules and regulations that are hard to remember. This negative perception is further reinforced by the teacher’s teaching techniques, which may be severe and unrelenting, not leaving room for any kind of creative exploration.
Additionally, many parents have a low opinion of maths, and thus, have instilled their children with the same belief. To help to extinguish their false perceptions, parents and teachers should strive to create an atmosphere in which maths is integral and engaging.
5. Unsatisfactory Teaching Methods
further complicating a child’s mathematical development can be unsatisfactory teaching methods. This can be applied to the overall lack of material provided to the student or the lack of attention given to their individual needs or existing levels of expertise.
Teachers may find themselves unable to cater to their student’s levels of understanding, which can lead to a sense of frustration and confusion, causing some students to give up on the subject completely. To fix this issue, teachers should be patient and rigorous when explaining the concepts, using a variety of techniques and engaging activities to help an individual grasp the material.
6. Difficulty with Basic Math Skills
Another factor influencing a child’s mathematical abilities is their fundamental understanding of basic skills. These skills, such as mental computation and arithmetic, form the groundwork for more complex maths tasks.
Without a strong foundation, these tasks are near impossible. To assist in the development of these skills, parents should provide children with numeracy activities, such as counting and sequencing, to help increase their confidence and accuracy. Additionally, revisiting concepts previously learned could also prove beneficial, as it gives the student a chance to review and rediscover the material.
7. Poor Motivation
Motivation is a key factor in any subject, and many children give up on mathematics due to a lack thereof. This can be caused by the expectations they have set for themselves, either from themselves or from their teacher.
This expectation of failure often prevents a child from persisting in the subject, even in the face of great challenge. To help in this area, parents and teachers should discuss the benefits and value of maths, as well as provide encouragement and support when asked.
8. Limited Practice and Application
Despite understanding mathematical concepts, some students struggle to apply what they have learned. When a concept isn’t used or reinforced frequently, it is difficult to recall and reproduce it.
to solve the issue, teachers should strive to provide students with opportunities to practice, or involve themselves in activities which allow them to explore how the learned concepts fit into the real world. Additionally, they should be encouraged to improve their understanding through hands-on activities and experiments.
9. Use of Computers and Calculators
The widespread availability of technology has made it easier for students to access and use calculators and computers. However, whilst this does make some calculations much simpler, it does not help in the development of a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts.
Thus, it is important to limit a child’s use of technology, instead reassuring them to complete their calculations using mental mathematics.
10. Language Barriers
When studying mathematics, it is essential for the student to understand the formulas and equations without any misunderstandings. This can be difficult for children whose primary language is not English, as the introduction of a new language can create confusion and the inability to access the material.
In these cases, the teacher needs to be patient and accurate while providing instruction, utilizing diagrams and diagrams to explain seemingly complex material. Additionally, working with peers could aid in graspping these concepts better.
11. Complex Problem Approach
Some students struggle during problem-solving as they are unable to distinguish between the vital information and what is unnecessary. This often leads to many of them getting stuck at the first step and give up on the task altogether. To help with this issue, teachers should break down this process and introduce it in smaller, easier steps.
Additionally, they should give verbal instructions and have the student go over the process again in their own words.
12. Competitive Environment
Many students are pushed to succeed and maintain a high grade in math, creating a competitive environment which causes stress and pressure in the classroom. It is important for parents and teachers to be aware of this and create an environment in which the task is accessible and should be embraced.
To help with this, parents and teachers should provide encouragement and positive reinforcements, being optimistic and cheering the child on during their endeavours.
13. Tests, Assessment, and Evaluation
The challenge of assessments, tests and evaluations pose additional stress on students. It can be difficult to comprehend and apply the material in a short amount of time, leading to a decrease in motivation and a reluctance to take the test in the first place.
In this case, teachers should strive to provide students with a range of resources and study materials in order to become comfortable and confident when taking the tests. Additionally, they should go over the material with the student andexplain how each section maps into the final outcome.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is clear that there are many underlying causes for why children struggle with maths. From poor teaching tactics to the introduction of technology and competitive environment, the ability for children to perform in the subject is often hindered by a host of external factors.
However, by creating a compassionate and supportive atmosphere, parents and teachers can help alleviate some of these issues and ensure the success of children in the subject.