No products in the cart.
Written by Maleek Mitchell, M.A., M.S. Education
There are few subjects out there that can make a parent run for cover like Secondary School Mathematics. We are usually able to confidently support our kids with elementary concepts like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Derivatives and Graphing Exponential Functions, however, are an altogether different story. When your student’s math HW problems are a little above your parental pay grade, here are five basic tips you can share with your child that should help them study effectively:
Understand the fundamentals: Math builds upon a strong foundation of concepts. Just like a house, building on a weak foundation will cause a host of issues in the long run. Make sure you have a strong grasp of the basic concepts and principles before tackling the more advanced topics. If you note that you do not have a solid understanding of the concept you are currently learning, Step 2 is a must.
Review previous lessons and concepts: Math is cumulative, so it’s essential to review previous lessons regularly. Go over the notes you took in previous classes and search for any areas that don’t make sense. This will reinforce your understanding of key concepts and help you make connections between different topics as you progress. Going back through previous concepts in Math is an absolute necessity when you are unsure of how to do a problem. How far back should one go you ask? As far as it takes.
Seek clarification: In addition to reviewing previous concepts, you should always reach out for help when you do not understand a concept. Talk to your teacher, ask questions during class, or consider getting a tutor/specialist if needed. It’s important to address any confusion early on to prevent it from becoming a bigger issue later.
Practice problems regularly and accurately: You’ve heard the saying that practice makes perfect. While this is a true statement for most subjects, a wise teacher once drilled into my class that when it comes to Math, PERFECT practice makes perfect. Mathematics is BEST learned through the practice of working through problems using the correct methods to come to your conclusions. Work on a variety of problems, including both textbook exercises and additional practice questions you may find online on sites like IXL and Khan Academy. And ALWAYS SHOW YOUR STEPS. The more you practice, the better you’ll be at solving different types of problems.
Break down complex problems: When faced with a complex problem, don’t stress out – instead, break it down into smaller, more manageable steps. Identify the given information, understand what the problem is asking, and work through it step by step. Visualize or draw out word problems to make more sense of what is required. And always be sure to answer the question that is being asked, not the one you think the question is asking.
Remind your student that excelling in math requires planning, practice, persistence, and positivity. As parents, we can play a key role in helping our kids maintain a positive outlook on what can be a difficult subject. Their goals will be within reach if they utilize these tips.
Learn more about how SfL Clinicians support students to become confident learners.
Additional Resources:
