Mathematics will probably come up frequently if you ask kids to select a topic they dislike or are afraid of. Math has, in fact, long been thought of as a mysterious and particularly difficult topic. Many kids struggle to comprehend arithmetic and perform well in their maths lessons as a result. The fact that there are many misconceptions about the topic makes this situation worse.
These misconceptions about arithmetic feed math anxiety and deter children from attempting to learn and enjoy math. Debunking these fallacies and spreading awareness of the value and fun of learning math is therefore imperative. Discover three of the most widespread math myths that could be preventing your child from becoming a math prodigy by reading on.
Myth 1: Not everyone can grasp mathematics
Many people believe that math is a difficult subject that not everyone can master. This is possibly the most prevalent myth that prevents many students from grasping mathematics completely. Many people mistakenly think that certain people are born with the so-called “math mind,” while others are not and that math is an innate skill. The idea that arithmetic skills are only possessed by a select few kids serves to support this fallacy. For many academics and researchers, especially those who solve mathematical problems, there isn’t much truth to this misconception. This misconception may be pervasive because society favors and values pupils who memorize formulas and solve equations intuitively, precisely, and rapidly, excluding the other kids in the process. Actually, there are a variety of methods that people can approach arithmetic.
Myth 2: Memorization is the sole purpose of math.
While memorization is an essential part of arithmetic, it is not the only way to absorb mathematical theories or concepts. It takes more than memorization to acquire the knowledge and abilities needed to analyze mathematical laws and formulas. Students must comprehend them as well, particularly in relation to how they apply to everyday circumstances. A pupil won’t likely be able to build critical thinking skills if they merely memorize arithmetic material. Mathematicians must constantly be able to memorize formulas and comprehend the ideas underlying them. When students have a solid grasp of arithmetic, they can come up with their own methods for solving problems rather than just following the instructions in the textbooks. In the end, this helps them select the learning strategies that are most effective for them.
Myth 3: Math should not be enjoyable or creative.
Due to their perception that math is excessively boring, many students choose not to pay much attention to it. Math learning can be a tedious, introspective process, but it can also be enjoyable and creative at the same time. Here, it’s important for the tutors or teachers to include engaging math lessons for the children. For instance, when she observed that students’ frustrations surface when introduced to fractions, Lisa Fazio, a professor of human development and psychology, tested and created a mobile application called “Catch the Monsters with Fractions.”
In the aforementioned game, the pupils are required to choose a specific fraction from a number line. A pop-up monster cartoon that says, “You got me,” congratulates the pupil after the appropriate place is chosen. However, if the incorrect one is selected, a pop-up window notifies the user, “You missed!” After playing the game, Fazio claims that her students performed better on fractions because they found the activity enjoyable rather than seeing it as a necessary academic task.
Conclusion
Although comprehending math is not as difficult or terrifying as many people think, understanding math ideas and formulas can initially seem scary. Contrary to common belief, each person can learn arithmetic in a unique way, and the process need not be tedious. Students can now better appreciate the beauty and advantages of mathematics by understanding the realities underlying these beliefs.
Consider enrolling your child in one-on-one math lessons if you want them to understand math concepts clearly. We provide engaging and in-depth online tutoring sessions led by expert private tutors and informed by study schedules tailored to each student’s learning requirements.
