For many parents, there may be some level of surprise as students begin to struggle in math class, because they had no problems in this subject area early on. Students may be great at counting and basic arithmetic, but they can begin to falter as more complex material is introduced. Ideally, the basics would be covered extensively so that more difficult calculations can be faced with no problems. However, traditional math education techniques do not give students complete confidence in the areas below, which tend to cause big problems for students.
Fractions
As soon as math strays from whole numbers, class-wide test score averages seem to drop. This trend occurs for a handful of reasons, the first of which being that there is a general fear of fractions in the world of education. Teachers often make the mistake of teaching math as memorization rather than manipulation of numbers, so introducing a new concept like fractions can easily cause students to get lost in class.
Word problems
Another problem that arises out of the memorization route of instruction is that students only know how to solve problems presented in a standard format. With this type of pattern, students might view word problems as completely foreign, not knowing where to start when it comes to calculations. If students have a more intimate knowledge of numbers and the ways they may be manipulated, they are better prepared to break down word problems and approach math with a more concrete sense of how math is used in real life.
Algebra
Algebra is notoriously problematic for American students, with some highly ranked schools maintaining a failure rate of 82% on Algebra 1 final exams. Because algebra deals more with abstract concepts, students might get lost attempting to solve equations in their heads instead of doing the necessary work on paper.
No matter where your student has been derailed in math class, Mathnasium of Kenilworth can help get them back on track with a proven tutoring method. To get started today, visit Mathnasium online or call 847-251-3200.
