In this case, math tends to become difficult for students and even
tend to change as the students progress in high school. Subjects like
algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus and many others present a
challenge, this makes students develop some sort of frustration and
imp *Confidence level is defined as a level of trust that a student has
in math. Sometimes, a student simply cannot find motivation to
practice, does not understand what is going on for him or her, and
feels like drowning in the ocean of formulas and equations that
appears to be more and more difficult the closer to the end of high
school a student is. Mathematics tasks do accumulate in the form of
tests, assignments, and exams, a challenge often unlikely to allow
students to cope well with.
But here’s the thing: it is not a class one struggles and then forgets once the test is over, it has a real life application in careers, problem solving and life in general. If you are a high school learner or a parent observing your child struggle in math, then you are asking yourself how to get past this problem. Sometimes it seems the odds are stacked against you, the encouraging news is that change is possible if you follow the right principles.
Practical Steps to Improve Math Skills
Academic skills especially math skill in high school needs strategy, practice and attitude change strategies. That is why below you can find practical steps to assist students in developing the necessary math skills and restoring faith in themselves.
1. Master the Basics First
However, complicated issues cannot be discussed before the basic areas of research are clearly defined. This in effect entails going through revising the earlier concepts in mathematics such as arithmetic, fractions and decimals. School mathematics can further depend on these concepts; if they are lacking in students, then high school math becomes a problem.
What to do:
Review foundational topics: Devote time to review areas in which one could still be somewhat insecure about the math learnt earlier. Sure enough, there are numerous websites and videos that can help the child learn middle school math in a fun way.
Ask for help early: Vision: If a certain concept isn’t making sense, don’t wait until you are totally lost. Teacher assistance or fellow students and lastly there are online forums whereby students share information concerning mathematics.
2. Practice
Math is the type of material that is not grasped merely by reading and going through texts. It’s all about doing. The more problems you get to solve the better you’ll be able to identify the patterns as well as the solutions. Repetition is key towards enhancing complicated understanding and sharpening the rate at which problems are solved.
What to do:
Set aside daily practice time: Try to solve at least 15 to 30 minutes of math problems per day. This does not need to be an hours worth of practice, but small 10-15 minute intervals will go a long way in retrieving stored information.
Use math apps: Children can even use applications such as Khan Academy, Photomath, and Wolfram Alpha to work through mathematics problems in the comfort and convenience of their own home. These apps provide the student with procedures of solving a certain type of problem, then they help the student solve it.
3. Break Down Complex Problems
The most common issue that high school students experience is how to solve difficult mathematics problems. When one looks at these problems, one might be overwhelmed but getting to the root of them involves solving a number of smaller and more solvable problems.
What to do:
Read the problem carefully: Try to take the time to understand what the problem is asking of you or asking at all. Determine what information needs to be used, and then find out which mathematics concept will work best.
Divide and conquer: It is easier to solve a problem if it is split into subprolems. Take each part in the problem separately as opposed to combining all the ideas together. This method minimises the likelihood of developing an overwhelming sensation.
4. Use Real-World Applications
High school students make Mathematics so abstract that bringing it close to real life issues makes the job easier. Focusing on how mathematics is applied in real life by professionals in engineering, architecture and even accounting makes one motivated to practice.
What to do:
Explore career-related applications: Learn from scholars the way in which the profession of mathematics is applied in some area of interest to you. For instance, if you’re into video game design, let the expert explain how geometry and physics make game environments possible.
Make math practical: Relate the use of math to as many aspects of life as possible; this could be as simple as the use of money or, food preparation, or when organizing a holiday. Besides it also helps in the motive of showing the importance of math to students as a subject in their everyday life.
5. Review a Study group or Math club
Math is not something that a person has to learn all by themselves. Perhaps make a study group or become part of a math club makes learning to be less boring and less of a challenge. Students can help one another in terms of ideas on how to approach specific questions, as well as encourage each other with regard to mostly challenging areas.
What to do:
Form or join a study group: Some students may suggest that you invite friends or classmates to form a maths study group which is to meet for example once a week or the week after. It’s always good to learn how other people go through it.”