As a teacher, one of the most common issues that I see with my students is their reluctance towards mathematics. Children often find it difficult to grasp the concepts and feel overwhelmed by the subject. Many of them even develop a fear of mathematics that lasts into adulthood. However, as a teacher, I have learned a few tricks that can help students overcome their fear of mathematics and actually enjoy it. Here are some of the advice from a teacher so that children do not run away from mathematics.
Firstly, it is important to make mathematics more relatable and relevant to the students. Most students find it hard to see how mathematics is relevant to their daily lives. Therefore, as a teacher, I try to show them how mathematics is used in real-life situations. For example, when teaching multiplication, I use the https://tablasdemultiplicar.app/ website to show students how multiplication tables are used in everyday life, such as calculating the price of multiple items at the grocery store. I also use the calculadora.onl website to demonstrate how we can use basic arithmetic in our daily lives, such as calculating the tip at a restaurant or dividing a recipe in half.
Secondly, I try to make mathematics more interactive and engaging for the students. Instead of just lecturing and assigning homework, I incorporate activities and games into my lessons. For example, when teaching addition, I might use a game where students work in pairs to solve addition problems as quickly as possible. This not only makes mathematics more enjoyable but also helps students develop teamwork and problem-solving skills.
Thirdly, I encourage my students to ask questions and seek help when they are struggling with a concept. Many students are hesitant to ask for help because they feel embarrassed or ashamed of their lack of understanding. As a teacher, it is important to create a safe and supportive learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and seeking help. I make sure to reassure my students that it is perfectly normal to struggle with mathematics and that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Fourthly, I try to make mathematics more visual and hands-on. Many students find it hard to understand abstract concepts, such as fractions or geometry. Therefore, I use visual aids and manipulatives to help them better understand these concepts. For example, when teaching fractions, I might use a pie chart or a set of fraction tiles to help students visualize how fractions work. This helps students who struggle with abstract thinking to understand the concepts in a more concrete way.
Lastly, I try to make mathematics more fun and interesting by connecting it to the students’ interests and passions.
