The child is not on friendly terms with mathematics at all. This conclusion sounds like a verdict for many parents, especially if they themselves had difficulties understanding this logical, precise, and systematic science in childhood. For them, it is a puzzle what to do in a situation where they do not understand mathematics even at the simplest level, let alone integrals or equations with two unknowns. Children who are unable to solve simple problems are in every class. Their difficulties usually pose a problem for the whole family. In attempts to improve the grades by any means, parents get involved in the process of doing homework, spend hours analyzing the same tasks, hire tutors… But achieving the desired results is not always possible. What to do when a child does not understand mathematics?
Possible solutions
Everyone chooses their own path. Some wave their hand and accept the child’s inability to understand mathematics as normal and rejoice that everything is fine with the student in the remaining subjects. Other parents constantly struggle and diligently try to develop mathematical abilities in the child by all available means. But there is also a third group of people who believe that mathematics should be completely removed from the school curriculum. Have we really reached a point where there is no longer a need to study the queen of sciences? “What to do when you don’t understand mathematics at all?” – says the typical humanist who had a hard time with mathematics in the past. And there are many such people. In defense of this idea, I recall the words of A. D. Alexandrov: “Mathematics teaches precision of thought, submission to the logic of proof, the concept of strictly substantiated truth, and all this shapes the personality, probably more than music.” Even philologists admitted that they lack logic of reasoning to properly perform analysis, systematize information, and make correct, well-founded conclusions. This means that omitting this science from the school curriculum could indeed create serious gaps in the development of a child’s intellect.
Is it possible to understand mathematics at all?
Any mathematician will tell you that there is no easier science to learn than mathematics. Why?
If you understand the principle behind a formula, you do not need to memorize it.
The mathematics curriculum is the most coherent and logical.
Mathematics does not allow for an imprecise or inconsistent answer.
All those who have discovered the world of numbers, formulas, and equations consider this lady of science to be the most subtle, beautiful, and elegant.
And now let’s return to the problem of what to do if you do not understand mathematics at all. Let’s conduct a little research consisting of a single question: “Does the child lag behind in all subjects, or only in mathematics?” The answer is quite predictable. Those with poor skills are rare. And they are usually cases of serious developmental disorders. The vast majority of children manage well both in the humanities and in studying foreign languages. And English, which has a strict logical structure, is much more difficult to understand than mathematics. If a child achieves good results here, then the reason is certainly not their abilities.
Despite these considerations, mathematics still remains at the center of educational programs in most countries, and for good reason. But let’s return to the question of what to do when you really do not understand mathematics. Let’s conduct a small study consisting of a single question: “Does the child lag behind in all subjects, or only in mathematics?” The answer is quite predictable. Inferior abilities are rare. And they are usually linked to serious developmental disorders. Mostly, children can succeed in the humanities and in studying foreign languages. English, which has a strict logical structure, is much more difficult to understand than mathematics. If a child has good results in these areas, then the cause is not their abilities.
Why does a child not understand mathematics?
Agreeing that a child has no aptitude for mathematics is the easiest thing to do. But few try to find out what lies behind it. Psychologists, after a series of studies, have identified several reasons for difficulties in understanding this exact science:
1. The child does not understand the science itself, but the conditions of the tasks, because they are not yet able to read well (this applies to younger schoolchildren). If this fact is not recognized in time, difficulties with mathematics will only increase, because each new topic builds on the previous one.
2. In mathematics, there are concepts such as “must”, “condition”, “proof”, “necessary”. All these words are harsh, commanding, and can evoke unpleasant emotions on a subconscious level. This blocks the perception of information. As a result, the child does not understand mathematics, and parents try to solve the eternal question: “what to do?”
3. The child suffers from a lack of self-confidence. Even among adults, there are people who easily tackle difficult tasks and those who try to avoid any difficulties. A lack of ability in mathematics in children is often related to the fear of failure.
4. An incorrect approach has been chosen – instead of engaging instruction that reveals all the beauty of this great science, the child is only offered to memorize the curriculum.
5. Adults (teachers and parents) themselves have convinced the child of their inability. They might have directly spoken about their limitations in this area or simply did not support the child in their efforts to understand and fall in love with this queen of sciences.
What to do when a child does not understand mathematics?
Advice:
The task of parents and educators is to awaken in children a lively interest in mathematics and show them the possibilities that this science has opened up.
First piece of advice:
Look around you. Everything in nature finds its reflection in numbers or formulas. When a child realizes this, they will see meaning in education and will want to go deeper.
Second piece of advice, traditional:
Support the child’s interest, praise them for their efforts and for solving problems, teach them to perceive mistakes as a basis for finding the right solutions.
Third piece of advice, the most important:
The standard school form of instruction, unfortunately, does not suit all children. Find a good teacher – one who loves science and can teach it to your child.
