Why math is so hard for students?

The major turning point against math that I am seeing with students are at 5th grade and Algebra 2 :

Why???

More than any other subject, lack of skills and confidence in mathematics can destroy a child's confidence and prevent the child from taking advantage of many educational programs and job opportunities down the road. Most of  the time, there is a teaching disability rather than a learning disability. 

 

1. Not the  right way of explanation of concepts :  

From 5th grade onwards the students are introduced to advanced math concepts, and from there the confusion starts. I have to blame it on the bad explanation from the teachers and the lack of motivation from the students . This age is the student's turning point due to their hormone changes.Students faced with  lots of distractions at this age. They need strong parenting and strong role model teachers at this age. So learning hard concepts in math is a challenge.

 

2. Not enough practice : 

Math can only be learned through practice. School work is not enough practice. There, they are running around with different concepts just to meet with the benchmark needs.

 

3. No exposure to advanced problem solving in early years: 

 

Students need to be exposed to advanced thinking and logical problem solving from as early as 3rd grade. Most of the  schools are not doing it. It is beyond the scope of their time. Some schools provides tests like CML/Olympiad e.t.c. but not many teachers are explaining the methods  in class.

So, parents need to provide this exposure for their kids

 

4. Text books with no logical order: 

 

Take a look at any math textbook from 4th grade onwards. They are not at all in a logical order! Just for the sake of review they are filled with easy materials, and kids are not getting enough challenges. This will destroy their motivation to learn. And whenever a hard concept is introduced there is no proper explanation nor enough practice. This will destroy their confidence. With no confidence and no motivation, you can think about the after effect.

 

5. The don't-care attitude of teachers about grades and placements. 

I have seen that teachers are telling students that there is no need to worry about getting C's or D's and it doesn't matter if you placed in the lowest level math class in middle school. At this tender age, teachers need to create high expectations in each child and help them reach there. Instead, to them everything  is okay, which is a really bad attitude. I have to say, teachers who don't want to do their job  are the ones misleading the kids.

It's the same with Algebra 2, especially the Algebra 2 book at high schools. It has tons of materials and teachers are rushing to finish the chapters. Students who are exposed to only direct problems so far are having a tough time even understanding the questions. This is just because they are not used with indirect problem solving . Without that skill, no one can survive in Algebra 2, Pre-Calculus, and just forget about Calculus. So from the early ages, we need to improve their problem solving skills.

With coming up blogs, I will explain the ways to improve and how parents can take control.

What do I do if my kid ends up with a bad teacher?

This is purely my experience in US School system and the things I did to fix it.

First of all, here's my definition of a bad teacher.

1. A teacher that doesn't value education

2. A teacher that doesn't value the roles of parents in each kid's life

3. A teacher that doesn't teach the kids respect, time management, organizational skills, accountability of the work, e.t.c.

4. A teacher that mixes their personal life with teaching

5. A teacher that doesn't know how to teach.

If you end up with any of these type of teachers, these are some things I did with my own kids.

1. Most important - Don't rely on the A's your kid is getting from that class. Those are just F's in the real world. Like I told my son when he was in fourth grade, " I am ok with your B's in Ms. Fleischer's class because I know those are A's in the real world. Ms. Fleischer is the best thing that happened to my son's life. It works the other way also. So please don't think your kids are doing great just because they made it to the honor roll. Our grading system has tons of loop holes.

2. Buy the text books for each level and make them read and practice at home. You don't need to run around for other workbooks/ tutoring center if you have a plan at home with the school text books. Make sure you are checking your kid's work and keeping them challenged and motivated. PLEASE FIND THAT SPECIAL ONE HOUR EACH DAY WITH YOUR KID. Slow down in your life and have that precious moment their life. Listen to your kid and work with him. 

3. Just ignore the teacher. This is the big lesson I learned. We can't do much about it. Our educational system is that complicated! Just today I had an interesting discussion with my Calculus seniors since they are done with the whole school system. According to them, more than half of the teachers don't know or don't care. The system is too bad to have a short term fix. So maybe after your kids grow up you can fight for it. Right now, your own kids are more important for you. Don't waste your time and energy to fix the teacher, and spend it with our own kids instead.