Why Don’t We Use the Math We Learn in School?

Written By: Cudy

23rd April 2023

Why Don't We Use the Math We Learn in School?

Math is a subject that is important for students in school, and in the workforce. There are many different ways to learn math, and it is important to find one that works best for you. Some people prefer to learn math through examples, while others prefer a more conceptual approach.

There are many advantages to having math knowledge. For example, math can make us have better problem-solving skills, a better understanding of math concepts, and a better ability to communicate with others in math-related fields.

Unfortunately, despite being one of the most important subjects we learn in school, many people believe that math does not apply to everyday life.

But because some people might not have been taught how to do the math correctly, or they might just not be good at it. So there is a lot of talk about how maths is taught in schools and what could be done to make it more effective.

Why Don't We Use the Math We Learn in School?
Photo by Scott Graham on Unsplash

Why Do People Say That Math is Unuseful?

It's because the math curriculum in school was outdated when it was first introduced. Even though the mathematics used in schools today was developed in the 15th century CE, mathematics has grown exponentially due to scientific advances. At that time, the world was very different from the world that we live in today.

For example, the number system that is used in schools today was not developed until the 1800s. Until then, numbers were represented using symbols such as dots and dashes.

Another example is the way that maths is taught in this 21st century, in school, maths is usually taught using a written format. This means that students are typically taught to memorize how to solve problems instead of being taught how to think about problems.

This approach is not effective when talking about math curriculum. Instead, students should be taught how to think about problems and then be given opportunities to solve them.

Maths is Not Practical

There are many people who believe that the maths that is taught in school is not practical.They believe that the mathematics taught in schools is too abstract and does not accurately reflect how the world works.

One of the main reasons people believe this is that many of the math problems used in school have no clear answer. In geometry, for example, students may be asked to calculate the area of a rectangle or the volume of a cone.

In the US, math classes often focus on formulas and procedures rather than teaching students to think creatively about solving complex problems involving all sorts of mathematics.

Another example, many students learn about algebra in math class. But most people who use algebra in daily life do not understand how it works. Algebra is a mathematical tool that is used to solve equations. But most people do not use equations on a daily basis.

That's why many people believe that these types of problems do not have a clear answer, and are not realistic. They believe that real life problems would require more complicated calculations than what is typically used in school.

Math was Delivered in The Wrong Way
Photo by Jeswin Thomas on Unsplash

Maths was Delivered in The Wrong Way

Another reason why many people believe that maths is not practical is that the way that it is delivered in school is often wrong.

Maths teaching methods are often taught in a way that emphasizes memorization and application of formulas and algorithms without providing context or motivation.

For example, in geometry, students are usually taught to think in terms of shapes and angles. But most real-world problems involve things such as numbers, money, and measurements.

Therefore, when students are taught geometry using a written format, they are not able to apply the concepts that they have learned to real-world problems.

Instead, they are forced to learn the concepts in a way that is not effective. This is why many people believe there are many ways in which maths can be delivered in a more effective way. One way is to have teachers deliver the maths lessons using a more practical format.

This format would involve using real-world examples and would allow students to apply the concepts that they have learned to real-world problems.

Another way is to have students learn maths using interactive software. This type of software allows students to solve problems, and also teaches them how to think about problems in a more effective way.

Final Thoughts

As we already know some of the reasons, we should be able to develop maths teaching in schools if we want students to be able to use the maths that they learn in school in real life, especially when one of the major barriers to using math in real life is automaticity.

Furthermore, we should be teaching students how to do the math correctly, so that they can be successful in using the math skills that they have learned because in general, maths can help us to understand complex situations and make informed decisions.

Cudy helps connect tutors, students, and parents to conduct and schedule online lessons anytime and anywhere. Join Cudy and visit our blog for many study tips and more!

FAQs

1. How math could impact our job?

Math could impact our job in a few ways. For example, math could help us figure out how much money we need to make to support our family, how much debt we can afford, or how much we need to save for our future. 

2. What is the most advanced math may use at work?

The most advanced math that may be used at work is calculus. Calculus is a basic skill that is typically used by people who are working in fields such as science, engineering, and mathematics.

3. What jobs use a lot of math?

There are many jobs that use a lot of math, including jobs in fields like engineering, computer science, and business.

4. What is the best way to learn math?

There is no one answer to this question. However, some people believe that it is important for students to be able to learn math concepts in a variety of ways, including through puzzles, games, and activities that are based on real-world situations.

5. How to get better at math?

The best way to get better at math depends on the individual. However, some strategies that may help include: practicing math problems regularly, finding a tutor or teacher who can help you improve your skills, and focusing on problem-solving techniques.


Written by

Cudy

Cudy is an online marketplace for real-time learning where students can achieve mastery over their subjects by learning live from educators who are passionate about providing the best learning experience for their students.

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