Why Math is Hard: Common Reasons and Solutions

“U.S. Teenagers Decline in Global Test of Math, But Hold Steady in Reading, Science” – Education week, Dec 05′ 2023

Mathematics is often considered to be one of the most challenging subjects for students. This article says: “In the United States, fewer than 1 in 10 students scored at an advanced level, considered the two highest of six achievement levels, in math, which is roughly around the average for OECD countries. By contrast more than 1 in 5 in Japan, Korea, and three Chinese education systems tested performed at the highest levels. Singapore led countries with 4 in 10 students performing at the highest levels in math.”

Why is math so hard?

If you type on Google why math is so hard for students , you will come across multiple reasons. Let’s take a look at common reasons of why students struggle with math, and how we help their need to succeed.

• Student’s Math anxiety or Fear of Math. This can impair a child’s ability to solve numerical problems, which ultimately leads to attention difficulties. That make it hard to pay attention. Paying attention in class is important. It helps in tracking multiple steps in math problems. But it is difficult for school teachers to pay close attention to each student. They struggle to make sure that each student understands each step in the class. Hence, the problem exists in a never-ending loop. Being able to revisit prior concepts that were before unclear is one of the main benefits of our individualized tutoring session after school.
• Lack of patience and practice. Math involves many complicated concepts and lessons. Students need to take their time. They must put in effort to understand them. There’s unfortunately no quick and easy solution to learn math – it requires lots of practice and patience! As tutors, we try to identify the areas in which students need improvement. We then focus on closing these “gaps” in learning.
• Lack of foundational concepts. Math concepts build on each other. If a child doesn’t understand an earlier concept, they will have trouble learning new ones. They are like building blocks, and the foundation always needs to be laid before moving forward. If the foundation isn’t there, the student will struggle in class and may not fully realize why they are struggling with math when their peers seem to be progressing along.
• Fear of failure In today’s world, we are surrounded by social media platform where we only see (unfortunately!) the achievements and hardly, get a chance to see the failure of another person. Students are scared of making mistakes. It affects their confidence and makes them lose interest in math. We give them privacy and keep the information related to their skill level private.

Sometimes, they suffer from Learning disabilities. Dyscalculia, or number dyslexia, is a common learning difficulty. This can make it hard for children to learn math facts. They struggle to apply that knowledge to problem solving. approx. 5% to 7% elementary school kids suffer from this problem.

At, Sharma & Sharma Tutoring, we believe that there is only one way to make the Math simple. This way involves developing an understanding of the problem. Understanding is the key. Students lack of understanding of the topics lead to frustration, fear and anxiety. We believe that students need to learn math concepts, not just memorization. We provide them the knowledge they need , in the manner that stays in their mind. That helps them to gain confidence. Once they receive all the tools and knowledge. They embrace the subject. They feel a change in their perception in the end.”

Reference : https://www.understood.org/en/articles/understanding-your-childs-trouble-with-math

Cheers!! ❤️