Solving math problems is a persistent head ache for kids and parents. Many deem it a chore due to the difficulties they face in the process. The fact is many do not know that they are solving math problems wrongly and do not know the ways to solve them correctly.
Do students solve Math problems wrongly?
Yes, they do! But how and where do they go wrong?
Rote memorization
From the childhood of kids, they have been advised to follow the rules instead of practical methods in solving problems. When kids try to apply rules instead of practically approaching a Math problem, it becomes a constant struggle for them to pick up Math skills. Instead they can come into the real world, get to know life situations while trying simple Math problems.
When it goes to an extent, kids know how to apply abstract thinking for solving Math problems and go ahead with that. For example, Geometry expects students to visualize problems and approach them with creative imagination. When students try real life examples for visualizing Geometry problems, they are able to do it at their best. Online math tutors help students in this matter with their examples, real life samples, drawings and models.
Deeming problem solving skills as an inherent talent
Problem solving skills in Math are not inherent and inborn. They come out of practice. When a child enters Pre Calculus or Algebra stage, he finds it difficult to cope with the subject and gets stuck in problems. Teachers and parents think it is somewhat inherent to solve problems and consider it as a talent in kids. Not so. It is good if a child gets stuck in a problem. For, it helps him know the way out of the problem, solving it successfully. So, problem solving is a matter of practice and not something inborn.
Parents’ role in helping kids solve math problems
Parents should be positive and encouraging while helping kids in Math problems. They should not panic and create anxiety in the minds of kids. They should understand that problem solving is a natural process in life and Math problems reflect that. They can reorient their skills while helping kids or contact tutoring centers that offer help. Suppose the child struggles with geometry homework, they can seek math homework help from expert tutors online and redeem their kids’ faults at once. It is parental care and encouragement that drive away Math fear from the hearts of students.
Parents can go in for resources like Math puzzles, quizzes and games and accustom their kids with such practices from day 1 of their Math learning. Kids find Math fun and interesting and will sit with Math problems even when they are stuck in it. It is because doing Math becomes their way of life by this time. Even when they get to do assignments in complex topics as they find in Geometry, they take it as a challenge and do it with ease. Suppose, kids struggle even then, parents can seek virtual resources like math assignment help and resolve the struggle.
Summary
So, doing math is not the issue but whether you do it rightly or wrongly is the matter. Approaches and practices decide the matter and those who understand this fact come out successful in math problem solving.