Mathematics is an essential subject that plays a vital role in our daily lives. However, many students find math challenging, and many also struggle with feeling any sort of interest towards the subject matter.
In the last few years especially, students have experienced increased difficulty in feeling engaged in the math classroom. According to EdWeek Research Center, 87% of teachers believe that their students’ motivation has decreased since 2020.
How can teachers combat this motivation loss in their classroom? Discover six strategies for improving math scores in your classroom:
Practice
Mathematics is a subject that requires a lot of practice. The more your students practice, the better they’ll become! Encourage your students to practice math problems regularly. They can start with simple problems and gradually move on to more complex ones. Make sure that they understand the basic concepts and principles of math before moving on to more challenging problems.
In addition to the questions and problems provided in your core math curriculum, we recommend that teachers explore supplemental tools to provide variation in mathematics practice. Practice will have more of a benefit when students must apply their skills in diverse situations.
Use Real-Life Examples
One of the reasons why students find math challenging is that they do not see how it relates to real life. To make math more meaningful, use real-life examples to illustrate math concepts. For instance, when teaching fractions, you can use pizza slices to show how fractions work. When teaching geometry, you can use everyday objects like tables, chairs, and boxes to illustrate geometric shapes. This will help students see the practical applications of math in their daily lives.
To make an even stronger connection between mathematics and your students’ lives, use concepts from what they enjoy in their free time. Consider the hobbies your class loves, the media they’re fond of, and the video games they play. Applying mathematical concepts to these topics can deeply help students better understand the value of math.
Use Visual Aids
Visual aids are a powerful tool for learning math. They help students understand math concepts by representing them in a visual format. For instance, you can use graphs, charts, and diagrams to represent data, or use pictures to illustrate geometric shapes. Visual aids can also help students see patterns and relationships between math concepts, making it easier for them to understand and remember them.
Visual aids are particularly valuable to students when they are practical, relatable, and entertaining. When crafting visual examples, consider what would make the most sense for the age group you’re educating.
Set Goals
Setting goals can motivate students to work harder and achieve better results. Help your child set realistic goals for their math performance. For instance, they can aim to improve their math score by a certain percentage or to complete a certain number of math problems every day. Encourage them to track their progress and celebrate their achievements along the way. Setting goals can also help students develop a growth mindset and a positive attitude towards math.
Make Math Fun
Math doesn't have to be boring or intimidating. There are many ways to make math fun and engaging. For instance, you can use math games, puzzles, and activities to make math more enjoyable. You can also use real-world examples to make math more relevant to your child's life. When students enjoy math, they are more likely to engage with the material and retain what they learn.
Students often perceive that math is inherently boring. This doesn’t have to be the case! To help students see the fun of mathematics, meet students where they’re at. Boost engagement in the mathematics classroom by employing fun throughout their educational experiences.
Emphasize Understanding Over Memorization
Many students try to memorize math formulas and procedures without truly understanding them. However, this approach is not effective in the long run. Encourage your child to focus on understanding math concepts and principles rather than memorizing formulas. When students understand the "why" behind math, they are better equipped to solve problems and apply their knowledge to new situations.
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Our course offers examples that will help them equate important principles from geometry, ratios, statistics, and more with today’s most popular esports. In addition, Gamer Math provides visual aids, interactive quizzes, and an additional channel to practice concepts that will help your class understand math concepts better. And, most importantly, your students will have fun!
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