Learning Mathematics – still a problem ?

One of the major forces behind a successful mathematician is his/her teacher who is expected to develop the insight of the subject. The problem with teachers and schools in India, again, is influenced by the changing paradigms in socio-economic scenario. A parent, now a days wants the ward to “excel” every aspect of life, be it arts, sports, science, any damn thing. The race of producing sub-standard know-it-all machines has never been so invigorated. The present day children are the center of their parents’ hopes. They want it to achieve everything what they could achieve and what they could not, and even more. They want it to get a high-paying position in some multinational, right from the day the kid has entered the school.
If you ask, majority of the pre-college going students–in their Senior Secondary years, just prior to the college, that is–in India will tell you that they like mathematics. A big chunk of that number belongs to what the Economists call “the great Indian middle class”. Well, that is true from one perspective. They like mathematics because studying pre-college mathematics is necessary in India to get into Engineering. Engineering for the Indian middle-class is “a big thing”. You get the picture.

In general, schools should aim to improve confidence and inculcate independent problem solving. Schools should also trains children in Math concepts and calculation skills while promoting TRUE problem solving skills – children will be able to solve sophisticated Math problems using basic skills they have learnt. Progressively, a positive self-learning attitude develops in a well-trained child.

Many concepts are introduced in the modern education system. Some of them are Montessori, abacus, Vedic math etc, the game that has been in vogue for past few years sudoku also improves mathematic ability. Maths taught in a practical way sets on the mind of a child more than repetitive method. Schools should abolish the repeated workout method and introduce new methods for the children to improve and hone their math skills.

A parent should not force fear into child’s mind by stressing more on Maths, this in turn creates hatred and fear for maths as the child grows up. A maths textbook can be more colorful and creative which might attract the attention of the child instead of looking maths as a problematic subject. Above all the teacher who teaches the subject needs to inculcate various techniques in teaching.

Maths is an interesting subject to learn if taught in the correct method. There are many schools with an exclusive period for mental maths. Today there is plenty of e learning available free online. Children can practice on the computer as visual media attracts many of them. Either ways remember learning maths should not be considered as problems instead have fun learning maths with new concepts, visual media and many other methods.