One of the most difficult tasks for pupils to complete is developing their math confidence. In actuality, girls score worse in math than boys, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. This has nothing to do with their gender; rather, it has to do with how confident a girl is in her mathematical skills. Students who seek to increase their math confidence are less hesitant to make mistakes. Additionally, they are more inclined to push themselves to solve more challenging math tasks. The kid gains more confidence and math proficiency as a result.
What should you do if your youngster tells you, “I’m poor at arithmetic,” parents must support their children in developing their numerical confidence. Confident children may take risks, learn from mistakes, and persevere. You can encourage your youngster to have more pride and self-assurance in their arithmetic abilities by doing the following:
Four Ways To Help Your Child Become Confident In Math
1. Recognize Their Efforts
Praise for their effort and dedication is one of the most important things you can do to make your youngster feel more confident. Praise that boosts your child’s math self-confidence helps them get better. To inspire your child, start by having them associate their accomplishment with effort and thoughtfulness. A growth attitude would be this. Instead of complimenting their brilliance, emphasize their concentration, commitment to improvement, and deeds. Many kids think that having strong arithmetic skills comes from being innately intelligent. Teach kids that they can succeed in arithmetic by putting in effort and being focused. Use phrases like “excellent job on this math issue, I know this type of fraction is difficult” when praising someone’s work. Similar to this, try to avoid giving praise that is too general or that is empty.
2. Explain the value of mistakes to them.
The dread of making mistakes intimidates people of all ages. Human nature is one of the biggest roadblocks to our achievement, though. For successful learning and engagement, mistakes are essential. Students’ engagement and capacity for problem-solving are diminished when they are too terrified to make mistakes. Jo Boaler illustrates how mistakes and problems are essential for meaningful learning experiences in her book Mathematical Mindsets. She even mentions how studies on the brain have revealed that every time a mistake is committed, the brain changes. Children learn best when faced with challenges and make mistakes. In a math classroom, students must recognize their blunders and see them as opportunities for learning rather than as mistakes.
3. Assist Your Child in Understanding the Value of Independence
Students who are confident in themselves and courageous in their studies are less likely to need you or their teacher to help them with a difficulty. Self-reliant children have more confidence in their work and can defend their mathematical reasoning. Independent children may handle their schoolwork and find their motivation. Parents should model this behavior to their children because they are constantly being watched. Children can develop more confidence and security in their work by being given mathematical independence. Children benefit long-term when encouraged to focus on solving arithmetic problems independently.
4. Assign your child math objectives.
To increase your child’s confidence in math, it is essential to set reasonable goals. Your child will be able to measure their progress toward the math goals they set with you as the school year goes on. Establish daily math objectives using algebra, geometry, data, operations, measurement, and number and numerations. These objectives can create a solid foundation for each skill’s ongoing development and learning. Monitoring your child’s arithmetic development over the academic year enables them to review what they’ve learned. Celebrate your child’s success once they reach their math objectives.
Children with arithmetic anxiety can overcome their fears and accomplish their math objectives with the aid of HKCC math coaching. HKCC offers individualized math tutoring programs for kids of all ages and academic levels. Our tutors place a high premium on giving pupils the necessary skills to study and master math.
