Written by Garry – Amplius tutor of GCSE and A-Level Maths
Many parents and students alike, underestimate the importance of maths as a core subject that develops skills for an independent and prosperous future.
The discipline of thinking and problem-solving in Law, Medicine, Engineering and IT to name just a few professions; is nurtured in mathematics to GCSE level.
Numeracy and the application of 4 operations is a very important element of every aspect of independent living: quantifying, budgeting and managing finances.
1. The Importance of Context in Developing Confidence in Mathematics
To develop confidence in learning for Mathematics to GCSE Level; many learners need to see that what they learn is of importance to them, by making connections through context.
For example, most learners see trigonometry as just something you do in a maths classroom; but trigonometry has been used to estimate long distances and used in map-making. Amazingly, triangulation was combined with radar in the Second World War as an early warning strategy, to protect the South of England with very few RAF Squadrons of Spitfires.
2. The Importance of Teaching Difficulty in Developing Confidence in Mathematics
Some topics and concepts in Mathematics are very difficult to grasp, such as 4 operations with either negative numbers or fractions, because they are simply not intuitive.
Furthermore, all learners are individual so that misconceptions (ways to be confused and confounded) can be very broad and varied.
In mainstream school, a teacher of mathematics will typically take responsibility for 15- 32 learners per class and around 250 -300 learners ranging from year 7 to year 11.
All too often; the attention of the teacher is drawn into Behaviour Management rather than learning.
Individual Learning Difficulties benefit from one-to-one coaching by a specialist tutor in both Subject and Learning Issues that impede the development of confidence.
3. The Importance of Times Tables in Developing Confidence in Mathematics
Whether we are Dyslexic, Dyscalculic or a variety of other learning issues; 60% of us find Times Tables extremely difficult to learn and retain.
Recently, a government initiative was launched to improve the number of children in the UK who can recall Times Tables.
However, we must have an alternative way, when they identify as being part of the 60% mentioned above.
I have methods for constructing Times Tables so that they do not have to be memorised.
4. The Importance of Discussion in developing confidence in Mathematics
A rich understanding of difficult concepts is developed through discussion and conversation. This is the best way for a coach/ tutor to find out what misconceptions prevent confidence and understanding in some of the challenging topics.
5. Ways of Learning or Memorising Facts/Formulae
There are many differences in the way individuals learn. Some of us do have difficulty with the recall of information, facts and formulae.
Using interactive fridge magnets on a whiteboard with discussion gets learners actively involved in looking at, selecting and allocating the knowledge to exam level questions.
This approach leads to learners spending much more time looking at the information and works particularly well for Visual and Kinaesthetic Learners (all too often – poorly catered for in school structures).
Having the opportunity to explain their own thinking; opens a learner to negotiated learning, leading to Authentic and Nurturing Learning Experiences.
Improving Maths Confidence with Amplius Learning
At Amplius Learning, we know that maths confidence can be tricky to build. That’s why our tailored learning programmes are designed with each individual student in mind. Our personalised syllabus allows children to grow in confidence at their own pace.
To find out more about how we can help your child, click here to speak to one of our qualified teachers.