A teacher’s main assignment is to impart knowledge and show how that knowledge can be applied. However, what makes an effective teacher is being able to impart knowledge in a way that children can comprehend, as well as in a way that can change a child’s understanding and perspective of the topic.
Many teachers try their best to teach as effectively as possible so many times they are not to blame when a child is not doing well. But in the case that your child is simply not getting the level of education they need to excel in math, this post will be showing how you, parents, can fill in the gaps as effectively as possible.
1. finding the math gap
Firstly, in a subject like mathematics, there are 2 main branches teachers need to focus on. The first is the theoretical side of math, that being the principles and concepts, (the “why” of mathematics) and the second is the practical side of math, calculating and solving problems.
A few teachers might neglect one of the areas or at least not emphasize the importance of focusing on both branches, thus putting one branch over the other. So, start off by finding out which one of these two branches is being neglected.
Give your child a few sums to solve to find out if the branch being neglected is the practical side. How well they do determines how good they are at calculating and solving math problems.
Interestingly, your child might be doing okay in the practical side of math even though their theoretical knowledge is bad. This happens when teachers skip teaching the knowledge(the theoretical side of math) and jump straight into teaching how knowledge is applied (the practical side of math). This, however, is not a good thing because as they move into higher grades, they will start struggling with the practical side. Why? They don’t have a good math foundation.
If you want to know if the issue is more theoretical, test their theoretical knowledge. Ask them mathematical questions that do not require a pen and paper to solve, questions you can answer by calculating.
For example, take a specific topic, let’s say fractions. Ask them questions such as “what is a fraction”, “what does the numerator represent”, “why are you solving the problem using that method?’ etc. If they are unable to give satisfactory answers, they may need your help to improve their theoretical knowledge and understanding. Also, if your child struggles with word problems, that may be an indication that they struggle with the theoretical side of math because word problems test your understanding of math and math can only be understood if you understand the theoretical side of math.
So now that you know what gaps you need to fill, how do you go about filling them if you are just the average parent who doesn’t know much about mathematics?
2. filling the math gap
If it’s the theoretical side you need to fill, show them the right way to study mathematics and then teach them how to study math on their own. I have an in-depth video that shares a study method that will help your child extract the theoretical knowledge they need to build a solid foundation for math. Feel free to check it out.
If it’s the practical side you need to fill, start off by making sure the issue really is the practical side and not the theoretical side as well. Once you are sure the theoretical aspect is well understood by your child, the practical side of things will be a breeze. As they study the theory, they should stumble across ways of solving problems that make sense to them.
Finally, remember to encourage your child to practice a lot. Also, remind them that when calculating and solving problems they need to understand and know why they take each every step, to a point where if you ask them why they solved the problem the way they did, they should be able to explain it to you.
The main fact that I want to leave with you as a parent is this; If your child learns how to study for themselves and they are disciplined enough to study the right wat, their need for a teacher will be minimal. So, if your child has this challenge, there is still hope.