STRATEGIES FOR LIKING MATH

AMPARO S. KABILING

We have to admit, some of our students just dislike math. They would rather learn about something else other than numbers, and this subject has been a frustration for both teacher and students alike over the years.

What students don’t realize is that math is actually a tool of science. The problem is, math is being taught in just one way, which is through algorithms – or solving equations step by step. This means that there is just one right way to get to the answer.

Students who are okay at memorizing steps would do well on math tests. But the question is do they really understand the concept of how math works? Students who memorize the steps would tend to forget the math itself, not understanding why following those steps led to the answer.

That’s because math was not taught in context, so the students never really figured out how to apply it fully. If teachers want their students to truly understand how math works, they have to somehow integrate mathematical thinking and concepts with other subject areas.

But first, they have to strategize on how their students can like math. A detailed lesson plan can be used, but one that the students can execute, not just the teacher.

It takes more than just standing up in front of the class and imparting knowledge. The students have to absorb everything that a teacher says. In giving them the lesson plan, it would guide them to learn and copy examples on their own. The students would naturally collaborate with their peers and ask help from one another.

Their work is collaborative; they rely on each other for help, but they can also ask help from their teacher. So the teacher becomes not just one who imparts knowledge, but one who facilitates learning. The teacher becomes a resource for explaining areas that students need; and the students listen and learn.

Students need to be motivated to keep the process of learning going. It happens to some students right away, but others take months to get their interest. What a teacher needs to do is to make the learning process as fun as they can. They can use puzzles, mazes, geometric art, and the like.

— oOo— The author is Teacher III of Planas High School.