Mathematics is the study of sciences focusing on numbers, shapes, and patterns. It is essential for everything we do because it can be used to solve problems or explore new ideas.
Mathematics is also a necessary tool for many fields, including medicine, engineering, architecture, business, technology, economy, and many more. Therefore, maths is an important subject for school students in all grade levels.
However, studying maths for some students may be difficult and overwhelming. It is because maths needs logical reasoning and some element practice of quantitative calculation.
Besides, there are many incorrect ways to teach maths that can make the learning process more complex for students.
If the teaching methods are not being improved, they may have frustration following the instructions and even fail when they attempt to learn more advanced maths concepts.
So, this article will provide examples of incorrect ways to teach maths and also correct solutions to avoid them.
What are the Wrong Ways to Teach Maths?
1. Teaching Maths Using Memorization as the Primary Method of Learning
Memorization is not the best way to learn maths. When students are forced to memorize a mathematics concept that is difficult or has complex proof, they will not understand how it's derived and why it's so useful.
Consequently, it becomes very essential that students know the origins and proofs behind many of the fundamental concepts in mathematics. They should be taught how to find solutions and answers related to their math problem and understand concepts using logical thinking strategies.
This will help them better understand and apply mathematical concepts in their everyday lives.
2. Focusing on the Drill as Teaching Maths Methods
Drills are important for teaching basic skills, but they should not be used as the only method of teaching maths. Instead, a teacher should use hands-on activities and interesting interactive exercises throughout this teaching process.
This way will engage students and help them learn the material more effectively in a practical setting and for improving their quantitative calculation abilities when learning advanced maths concepts.
3. Providing Fewer Opportunities for Students to Engage in Hands-On Activities and Interactive Questions
Hands-on activities and interactive questions are essential for reinforcing the learning process.
When students are engaged in hands-on activities and are able to ask questions, they will be better prepared to see how the concepts they are learning are applied in real-world scenarios and understand them through the process.
This helps them better understand the principles behind maths and helps them build a strong foundation for future mathematical knowledge.
4. Overloading the Students with Fast and Too Much Information at Once
Too fast and too much information can be overwhelming for students. This is because they do not have the ability to process it all at once.
Teachers should not move through lessons too quickly as well. If it happens, students might feel struggle and despair in maths.
Therefore, one of the solutions is teachers should approach mathematics with a mastery mindset based on their background knowledge and well-prepared lessons, so students will enjoy the learning process.
5. Not Emphasizing the Importance of Maths
When teachers do not emphasize the essential lesson of maths, students may be unable to understand the concepts being taught and may lose interest in learning them. This is because they may not see the value in maths.
Thus, teachers should follow the mathematics standards, providing feedback and encouragement to students as they practice and learn maths. This will help them improve their skills and comprehension of the material.
There are many ways to approach and learn mathematics. Some students may prefer to learn maths by doing examples and problems, while others may prefer to learn by understanding concepts and principles.
The most important thing is for students to find a method that works best for them. So, in the following section, we already summarize some tips for teaching maths in the right way.
What are the Right Ways to Teach Maths?
1. Teaching Maths Using a Variety of Methods, Such as Visuals, Models, and Interactive Exercises
Teaching maths using a variety of methods is one of the best ways to engage students and help them learn the material. By observing, modifying, and reevaluating the methods, teachers will also know the capability of their students and how to overcome it.
This will help students deeper understanding of the concepts being taught and improve their comprehension of mathematics.
2. Encouraging Students to Explore and Experiment with Maths Concepts
This is also an important step in learning mathematics. Students should be encouraged to try different methods for their self-learn and strategies to see what works best for them.
Teachers may also show students how maths can be connected around us and other learning areas, for instance, biology, chemistry, physics, economics, etc.
This will help them develop a deeper understanding of the material and improve their ability to problem-solve.
3. Supporting Students as They Learn Maths, whether They are Struggling or Doing well
Teachers should provide encouragement and feedback as students progress through the material, such as building excitement and rewarding progress.
Teachers can also create tutor group sessions as teaching strategies for helping some students who struggle with specific topics.
This will help them stay motivated, inspire each other, focus on their learning process, and ultimately lead to success in mathematics.
4. Creating Attractive Maths Games as a Teaching Method
Many students enjoy playing games. This is the answer to why creating attractive maths games can be a great solution to make the learning process more fun.
Games should be fun and challenging, but also achievable. In this game, teachers can put the strategic mathematical idea and understanding of operations.
This will help students retain mathematical knowledge and improve their problem-solving strategies.
5. Providing an Assessment to Learn the Capabilities
Assessment will help teachers to ensure that students already understand the concepts.
Additionally, creating assessments can also help teachers identify which students need more help and how to best support them.
The assessment can be in the form of pre-tests, post-tests, questions and answers sessions, a quiz, or a case problem related to the maths concept.
By using this assessment, teachers can identify weaknesses in the student's knowledge and provide supplemental instruction to help them improve.
Final Thought
The incorrect ways to teach maths can be more complex and difficult for students. It is important to use a variety of methods, including visual aids, interactive exercises, and assessments, to help them learn the material in a fun and effective way. Moreover, teachers should provide encouragement and feedback to students as they learn.
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