Tips to teach Mathematics to Kids in School

  In school, Mathematics is the most difficult subject to study; but at the same time, the most important. It is a major component of all the inventions, discoveries and theories that occur every second in the world. Through the knowledge of mathematics, people can aim for fields that are high in the hierarchy of salary and comfort. Otherwise, they will have to settle for low paying jobs for the rest of their lives. Due to this significance, the teachers of mathematics have a high responsibility to create a healthy relationship between the students and mathematics. Teachers at all levels, including the primary and pre-primary level must select an ideal teaching method to present the ideas of mathematics. A student that did not do well at the primary level math will keep on failing ahead in his studies as it is only possible to advance when the base is strong, therefore it is essential to select teaching methods starting from the primary school. The method used also helps in creating that bond needed between mathematics and the students. Because based on the method, learners decide whether they like the subject or not. The teaching methodology selected is also responsible in realizing the potential of learners and creating their learning identities (Mtsem, 2011).

Teaching Methodologies

 

The method of teaching depends on many factors: education level, availability of resources, preference and capability of the teacher, etc. On the basis of these factors, there are a lot of teaching methodologies used in teaching mathematics such as discussion methods, traditional lectures, problem-based learning, collaborative learning, inquiry-based learning, technology enhanced learning, flipped classrooms and differentiated learning.

This essay analyses some of these common teaching methodologies and determines which method promotes good and effective learning more than the other.

 

The Traditional Lecture Method

 

It is the most widely used method of teaching. In this method, the teacher manages the entire learning process. This is a one-way process in which the teachers explain a concept to a group of students and the students listen and take notes. This method is ideal in teaching a large class. The teacher explains the concept, states its rules and principles and demonstrates the solution of a problem. Through this, the students get a visual representation of solving the problem. It is especially good in teaching primary level students as they need constant help of the teacher. The concept of mathematics is new to them, so they require a step-by-step guidance from a mentor. But it must be kept in mind that prolong use of this method can get boring which reduces the ability of the children to concentrate. They can lose their motivation when this method is used everyday in the classroom.

Although this method is effective in introducing new concepts, it must be acknowledged that story telling is not teaching. For most students, the comprehension of the subject matter is slow and such students remain at the bottom of their class. They simply copy off the problems solved by the teachers or their peers.

Hence, it is essential to inculcate practice into this method. As concepts are best learnt through practice (Abah, 2006).

 

 

The Activity Method

 

When we add practice to lecture method, we get the activity method. It is clear by its name; this method focuses mainly on activity. It is a problem-based learning method in which the teachers provide as much examples and problem-solving techniques as the student requires. The teacher acts as a mediator of learning, by explaining concepts and then presenting mathematical scenarios or real-life problems. The students are engaged actively to solve problem by applying appropriate concepts. They understand the subject deeply as they try to solve the problem on their own (Odili, 2006).

The activity method is responsible for personal growth as the students in this method are not just passive learners. Teachers who use this method in their classroom always get the best result (Welbery, 2009). As children open up their potential by taking action (Herwit, 2002).

 

The Discussion Method

 

The discussion method is a collaborative method in which a group of students come together to discuss a problem or a concept (Ibrokhimovich, 2022). Each student gives their opinion or idea and when all students agree together on a solution, the problem is solved. It is a student-centered method where students often make their own scenarios to solve. In this method, the teacher is a facilitator who guides the students towards a concept but the main responsibility lies on the students to give their reasoning to the problem. They work independently to discover new ways of solving concepts. It encourages peer involvement. Students realize their relationship with one another. They respect the diversity and learn to work in a team.

This method enhances communication skills, but only of the active students. Many introverted or shy students may not engage as much as their peers. They often step back and let others lead.

 

All these methods work to enhance the understanding of mathematical concepts. When needed, all these methods can be swapped for one another. In the case of understanding of the concept and applying those problem-solving skills, activity method is best while discussion method and the traditional lecture method give low results (Akaanyi , 2004). The mean achievement score of students taught using activity, discussion and lecture method are 24.13, 20.22 and 17.59 respectively (Oche, 2012). This indicates clearly the effectiveness of each method in teaching mathematics.