Mathematics is a subject that many students struggle with, and it's not hard to see why. With complex formulas, abstract concepts, and a seemingly never-ending list of rules and strategies to memorise, it's no wonder that so many students are having a hard time! Add diverse learning needs in the mix and the hill just became a mountain! However, by understanding some of the common reasons why students may be struggling in math you can start the conversation with your child and help the improve their math skills and feel better about math. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the reasons why students struggle in math and provide tips on how to tackle or avoid them.
Not Understanding the Basics
One common reason why students struggle in math is that students do not understand the basics and don't have a solid foundation of knowledge and skills. Math is a subject that builds on itself, so if a student doesn't understand the foundational concepts, they will struggle to grasp more advanced topics. It's important that students are given the time that they need (and deserve) to master the basics before moving on to more complex topics. This may mean reviewing previous lessons, working through practice problems, or seeking extra help from a math tutor.
Misunderstanding Word Problems
Word problems are a common source of confusion for so many students. They require students to not only do the math, but also understand the context in which it is presented. To help avoid misunderstandings, students need to be taught to take the time to read the problem carefully, identify the relevant information and identify the clues to determine what the problem is actually asking for. A great way to help with this is to have a page of categorised clue words handy for students to refer to while solving word problems. We have a FREE pdf to download in the form below!
Careless Errors
Sheesh! That sounds a bit rough right! However these are mistakes that are made due to rushing, a lack of attention to detail, such as misreading a number or forgetting to carry over a digit. To avoid these errors, students need to learn to double-check their work and take the time to review their answers - especially before turning in an assignment or when completing
a test.
Using the Wrong Strategy
We all know that there are so many strategies to learn. From the foundational strategies in Primary and Intermediate school through to the more complex in High School. Modelling books are commonly used in classrooms to model each strategy and to have a resource to refer back to in future lessons. This would be a great idea for home as well. Although time consuming, if your child is needing help with math at home, you can dedicate an old or new exercise book to recording the steps of different strategies so they have a resource at home to support them.
Not Using Paper for Working Out.
Finally, not utilising a pen and piece of paper can lead to trip ups and confusion and therefore, incorrect calculations and answers. Although it is ideal for students to be able to work the math problems out in their head, it reduces cognitive load (which can be explored more here: https://www.mindtools.com/aqxwcpa/cognitive-load-theory) Writing their working down is extremely effective, especially for our younger learners.
Underlying Learning Difficulties.
This makes some parents clam up but if you can see that your child continues to struggle in math, especially when it is effecting their confidence, self-esteem and mental wellbeing. They deserve to know if they needed to be supported in a different way so that they CAN be supported in the best way by every person in their learning journey. Don't be afraid to seek advice about getting your child assessed.
By understanding some common reasons why students are having a hard time with math is a way to avoid or tackle them, students can improve their math skills and feel better about Math in general. By taking the time to master the basics, carefully read and understand word problems, avoid careless errors, use the correct strategies, and writing their working out on paper, students can become more confident and successful in math. For students who need extra help, working with an online math tutor can provide personalised support and guidance to help them overcome their math challenges.