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Why Is Math So Confusing? Unraveling the Mysteries of Numbers
Introduction:
Have you ever stared at a math problem, feeling a wave of confusion wash over you? You're not alone. Many people struggle with math, finding it frustrating, daunting, and frankly, confusing. This isn't necessarily because they lack intelligence; it's often due to a combination of factors that make math seem more complex than it needs to be. This comprehensive guide delves into the reasons why math can be so confusing, offering practical strategies and insights to help you overcome these challenges and build a stronger, more confident relationship with numbers. We'll explore common pitfalls, different learning styles, and effective techniques to improve your math skills.
Why Is Math So Confusing? Breaking Down the Barriers
1. Abstract Concepts & Lack of Real-World Connection:
One of the biggest hurdles in math is its abstract nature. While many subjects deal with tangible objects and easily observable phenomena, math often deals with concepts that are invisible and intangible. Equations, variables, and abstract symbols can feel detached from reality, making it difficult to grasp their meaning and significance. The lack of immediate, practical application can further exacerbate this issue. Students often ask, "When am I ever going to use this in real life?" This disconnect weakens the learning process and contributes to feelings of confusion.
2. Cumulative Nature of Math:
Unlike some subjects where you can grasp individual concepts independently, math is cumulative. Each new concept builds upon previously learned ones. If you have gaps in your foundational understanding, it becomes increasingly difficult to comprehend more advanced topics. A shaky understanding of fractions, for example, will make learning algebra significantly harder. This cumulative nature necessitates consistent effort and attention to detail, making it challenging for those who struggle to keep up.
3. Rigid Rules and Procedures:
Math is often presented as a collection of rigid rules and procedures that must be followed precisely. A slight deviation from the prescribed method can lead to incorrect answers, reinforcing the feeling that math is unforgiving and inflexible. This contrasts with more creative subjects where multiple approaches might be valid. The perceived rigidity of math can intimidate and discourage learners.
4. Language Barriers & Mathematical Terminology:
Mathematical language can be highly specialized and often differs significantly from everyday language. Understanding the specific meaning of terms like "coefficient," "derivative," or "integral" is crucial, but mastering this vocabulary can be a significant challenge for many. This linguistic barrier adds another layer of complexity to an already demanding subject.
5. Different Learning Styles & Teaching Methods:
Learning styles vary significantly from person to person. Some learners thrive in visual environments, others prefer hands-on activities, while some benefit most from auditory learning. Unfortunately, traditional math instruction often relies on a single teaching method, potentially leaving many students feeling lost and confused. The mismatch between teaching style and individual learning preferences contributes to the overall difficulty experienced by many.
6. Fear of Failure & Math Anxiety:
Math anxiety is a real and prevalent phenomenon. The fear of making mistakes or failing to understand complex concepts can create a self-fulfilling prophecy, hindering learning and perpetuating feelings of confusion. This anxiety can significantly impair cognitive function, making it harder to focus and process information effectively. Overcoming math anxiety requires addressing the underlying emotional barriers alongside improving technical skills.
7. Insufficient Practice and Reinforcement:
Like any skill, proficiency in math requires consistent practice and reinforcement. Simply listening to lectures or passively reading textbooks is often insufficient. Active problem-solving, seeking help when needed, and regularly reviewing concepts are crucial for solidifying understanding. A lack of dedicated practice allows gaps in knowledge to develop, leading to increased confusion in later stages.
8. Lack of Effective Support and Resources:
Access to quality support and resources can significantly influence a person's ability to overcome mathematical challenges. This includes access to skilled tutors, supportive teachers, effective learning materials, and online resources. Lack of these resources can leave students feeling isolated and overwhelmed, deepening their confusion.
Strategies to Overcome Math Confusion:
Break down complex problems: Tackle problems in smaller, manageable steps.
Visualize concepts: Use diagrams, graphs, and other visual aids.
Connect math to real-world applications: Find practical examples to illustrate abstract concepts.
Practice consistently: Regular practice is key to building fluency and confidence.
Seek help when needed: Don't hesitate to ask for help from teachers, tutors, or classmates.
Identify your learning style: Find learning methods that work best for you.
Address math anxiety: Practice relaxation techniques and positive self-talk.
Utilize online resources: Explore online tutorials, practice problems, and interactive learning tools.
Article Outline: Why Is Math So Confusing?
Introduction: Hooking the reader and outlining the article's content.
Chapter 1: The Abstract Nature of Math: Discussing the challenges of dealing with intangible concepts.
Chapter 2: The Cumulative Nature of Math: Explaining the importance of foundational knowledge.
Chapter 3: Rigid Rules and Procedures: Addressing the perception of inflexibility in math.
Chapter 4: Language and Terminology: Highlighting the challenges of mathematical vocabulary.
Chapter 5: Learning Styles and Teaching Methods: Exploring the impact of individual learning preferences.
Chapter 6: Math Anxiety and Fear of Failure: Discussing the psychological barriers to learning math.
Chapter 7: Insufficient Practice and Reinforcement: Stressing the importance of consistent practice.
Chapter 8: Lack of Support and Resources: Emphasizing the need for effective learning support.
Conclusion: Summarizing key points and offering encouragement.
(The detailed content for each chapter is provided above in the main body of the article.)
FAQs:
1. Why do I struggle with math even though I'm good at other subjects? Different subjects engage different cognitive skills. Math often requires a specific type of logical thinking and attention to detail.
2. Is it possible to overcome math anxiety? Absolutely! With targeted strategies, practice, and support, math anxiety can be managed and even overcome.
3. What are some effective ways to practice math? Practice regularly, use varied problem types, seek feedback on your work, and engage in interactive learning activities.
4. How can I improve my understanding of abstract math concepts? Relate abstract concepts to concrete examples, use visual aids, and break down complex problems into smaller parts.
5. Why is it important to master foundational math skills? Because math is cumulative; gaps in foundational knowledge will significantly hinder your progress in more advanced topics.
6. What resources are available for those struggling with math? Online tutorials, tutoring services, math textbooks, and educational websites.
7. What if I'm still confused after trying these strategies? Seek help from a teacher, tutor, or mentor. Don't be afraid to ask for assistance.
8. Is there a "math learning style" that works best for everyone? No, learning styles vary. Experiment to find what works best for you (visual, auditory, kinesthetic).
9. Can I learn math effectively on my own? Yes, with self-discipline, appropriate resources, and a structured approach, self-learning is definitely possible.
Related Articles:
1. Overcoming Math Anxiety: Practical Tips and Techniques: Strategies to manage and reduce math-related stress.
2. The Importance of Foundational Math Skills: A detailed look at why basic math is crucial for future learning.
3. Different Learning Styles and Their Impact on Math Education: Exploring diverse learning preferences and how they influence math comprehension.
4. Effective Study Techniques for Math: Proven methods to improve math learning and retention.
5. Using Technology to Learn Math: Exploring online resources, apps, and software to enhance math learning.
6. The Role of Practice in Math Proficiency: Emphasizing the importance of consistent practice and problem-solving.
7. Understanding Abstract Concepts in Mathematics: Strategies for grasping intangible math ideas.
8. Common Mistakes in Math and How to Avoid Them: Identifying common errors and providing solutions.
9. Building a Strong Foundation in Algebra: A guide for building a solid understanding of algebra concepts.
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| why is math so confusing: Naive Set Theory Paul Richard Halmos, 1960 From the Reviews: .,.He (the author) uses the language and notation of ordinary informal mathematics to state the basic set-theoretic facts which a beginning student of advanced mathematics needs to know. ...Because of the informal method of presentation, the book is eminently suited for use as a textbook or for self-study. The reader should derive from this volume a maximum of understanding of the theorems of set theory and of their basic importance in the study of mathematics. Philosophy and Phenomenological Research |
| why is math so confusing: Schaum's Outline of Elementary Algebra Barnett Rich, Philip Schmidt, 2003-09-22 This third edition of the perennial bestseller defines the recent changes in how the discipline is taught and introduces a new perspective on the discipline. New material in this third edition includes: A modernized section on trigonometry An introduction to mathematical modeling Instruction in use of the graphing calculator 2,000 solved problems 3,000 supplementary practice problems and more |
| why is math so confusing: Principia Mathematica Alfred North Whitehead, Bertrand Russell, 1927 The Principia Mathematica has long been recognised as one of the intellectual landmarks of the century. |
| why is math so confusing: Infinitesimal Amir Alexander, 2014-07-03 On August 10, 1632, five leading Jesuits convened in a sombre Roman palazzo to pass judgment on a simple idea: that a continuous line is composed of distinct and limitlessly tiny parts. The doctrine would become the foundation of calculus, but on that fateful day the judges ruled that it was forbidden. With the stroke of a pen they set off a war for the soul of the modern world. Amir Alexander takes us from the bloody religious strife of the sixteenth century to the battlefields of the English civil war and the fierce confrontations between leading thinkers like Galileo and Hobbes. The legitimacy of popes and kings, as well as our modern beliefs in human liberty and progressive science, hung in the balance; the answer hinged on the infinitesimal. Pulsing with drama and excitement, Infinitesimal will forever change the way you look at a simple line. |
| why is math so confusing: The Teaching Gap James W. Stigler, James Hiebert, 2009-06-16 A revised edition of a popular resource builds on the authors' findings that key problems in teaching methods are causing America to lag behind international academic standards, outlining a program for administrators, instructors, and parents that incorporates solutions based on current research. Reprint. |
| why is math so confusing: Linear Algebra Done Right Sheldon Axler, 1997-07-18 This text for a second course in linear algebra, aimed at math majors and graduates, adopts a novel approach by banishing determinants to the end of the book and focusing on understanding the structure of linear operators on vector spaces. The author has taken unusual care to motivate concepts and to simplify proofs. For example, the book presents - without having defined determinants - a clean proof that every linear operator on a finite-dimensional complex vector space has an eigenvalue. The book starts by discussing vector spaces, linear independence, span, basics, and dimension. Students are introduced to inner-product spaces in the first half of the book and shortly thereafter to the finite- dimensional spectral theorem. A variety of interesting exercises in each chapter helps students understand and manipulate the objects of linear algebra. This second edition features new chapters on diagonal matrices, on linear functionals and adjoints, and on the spectral theorem; some sections, such as those on self-adjoint and normal operators, have been entirely rewritten; and hundreds of minor improvements have been made throughout the text. |
| why is math so confusing: Lectures on Linear Algebra I. M. Gelfand, 1989-01-01 Prominent Russian mathematician's concise, well-written exposition considers n-dimensional spaces, linear and bilinear forms, linear transformations, canonical form of an arbitrary linear transformation, and an introduction to tensors. While not designed as an introductory text, the book's well-chosen topics, brevity of presentation, and the author's reputation will recommend it to all students, teachers, and mathematicians working in this sector. |
| why is math so confusing: The Great Mental Models, Volume 1 Shane Parrish, Rhiannon Beaubien, 2024-10-15 Discover the essential thinking tools you’ve been missing with The Great Mental Models series by Shane Parrish, New York Times bestselling author and the mind behind the acclaimed Farnam Street blog and “The Knowledge Project” podcast. This first book in the series is your guide to learning the crucial thinking tools nobody ever taught you. Time and time again, great thinkers such as Charlie Munger and Warren Buffett have credited their success to mental models–representations of how something works that can scale onto other fields. Mastering a small number of mental models enables you to rapidly grasp new information, identify patterns others miss, and avoid the common mistakes that hold people back. The Great Mental Models: Volume 1, General Thinking Concepts shows you how making a few tiny changes in the way you think can deliver big results. Drawing on examples from history, business, art, and science, this book details nine of the most versatile, all-purpose mental models you can use right away to improve your decision making and productivity. This book will teach you how to: Avoid blind spots when looking at problems. Find non-obvious solutions. Anticipate and achieve desired outcomes. Play to your strengths, avoid your weaknesses, … and more. The Great Mental Models series demystifies once elusive concepts and illuminates rich knowledge that traditional education overlooks. This series is the most comprehensive and accessible guide on using mental models to better understand our world, solve problems, and gain an advantage. |
| why is math so confusing: Ask a Manager Alison Green, 2018-05-01 From the creator of the popular website Ask a Manager and New York’s work-advice columnist comes a witty, practical guide to 200 difficult professional conversations—featuring all-new advice! There’s a reason Alison Green has been called “the Dear Abby of the work world.” Ten years as a workplace-advice columnist have taught her that people avoid awkward conversations in the office because they simply don’t know what to say. Thankfully, Green does—and in this incredibly helpful book, she tackles the tough discussions you may need to have during your career. You’ll learn what to say when • coworkers push their work on you—then take credit for it • you accidentally trash-talk someone in an email then hit “reply all” • you’re being micromanaged—or not being managed at all • you catch a colleague in a lie • your boss seems unhappy with your work • your cubemate’s loud speakerphone is making you homicidal • you got drunk at the holiday party Praise for Ask a Manager “A must-read for anyone who works . . . [Alison Green’s] advice boils down to the idea that you should be professional (even when others are not) and that communicating in a straightforward manner with candor and kindness will get you far, no matter where you work.”—Booklist (starred review) “The author’s friendly, warm, no-nonsense writing is a pleasure to read, and her advice can be widely applied to relationships in all areas of readers’ lives. Ideal for anyone new to the job market or new to management, or anyone hoping to improve their work experience.”—Library Journal (starred review) “I am a huge fan of Alison Green’s Ask a Manager column. This book is even better. It teaches us how to deal with many of the most vexing big and little problems in our workplaces—and to do so with grace, confidence, and a sense of humor.”—Robert Sutton, Stanford professor and author of The No Asshole Rule and The Asshole Survival Guide “Ask a Manager is the ultimate playbook for navigating the traditional workforce in a diplomatic but firm way.”—Erin Lowry, author of Broke Millennial: Stop Scraping By and Get Your Financial Life Together |
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| why is math so confusing: A Programmer's Introduction to Mathematics Jeremy Kun, 2020-05-17 A Programmer's Introduction to Mathematics uses your familiarity with ideas from programming and software to teach mathematics. You'll learn about the central objects and theorems of mathematics, including graphs, calculus, linear algebra, eigenvalues, optimization, and more. You'll also be immersed in the often unspoken cultural attitudes of mathematics, learning both how to read and write proofs while understanding why mathematics is the way it is. Between each technical chapter is an essay describing a different aspect of mathematical culture, and discussions of the insights and meta-insights that constitute mathematical intuition. As you learn, we'll use new mathematical ideas to create wondrous programs, from cryptographic schemes to neural networks to hyperbolic tessellations. Each chapter also contains a set of exercises that have you actively explore mathematical topics on your own. In short, this book will teach you to engage with mathematics. A Programmer's Introduction to Mathematics is written by Jeremy Kun, who has been writing about math and programming for 10 years on his blog Math Intersect Programming. As of 2020, he works in datacenter optimization at Google.The second edition includes revisions to most chapters, some reorganized content and rewritten proofs, and the addition of three appendices. |
| why is math so confusing: The Problem with Math Is English Concepcion Molina, 2012-09-06 Teaching K-12 math becomes an easier task when everyone understands the language, symbolism, and representation of math concepts Published in partnership with SEDL, The Problem with Math Is English illustrates how students often understand fundamental mathematical concepts at a superficial level. Written to inspire ?aha? moments, this book enables teachers to help students identify and comprehend the nuances and true meaning of math concepts by exploring them through the lenses of language and symbolism, delving into such essential topics as multiplication, division, fractions, place value, proportional reasoning, graphs, slope, order of operations, and the distributive property. Offers a new way to approach teaching math content in a way that will improve how all students, and especially English language learners, understand math Emphasizes major attributes of conceptual understanding in mathematics, including simple yet deep definitions of key terms, connections among key topics, and insightful interpretation This important new book fills a gap in math education by illustrating how a deeper knowledge of math concepts can be developed in all students through a focus on language and symbolism. |
| why is math so confusing: Love and Math Edward Frenkel, 2013-10-01 An awesome, globe-spanning, and New York Times bestselling journey through the beauty and power of mathematics What if you had to take an art class in which you were only taught how to paint a fence? What if you were never shown the paintings of van Gogh and Picasso, weren't even told they existed? Alas, this is how math is taught, and so for most of us it becomes the intellectual equivalent of watching paint dry. In Love and Math, renowned mathematician Edward Frenkel reveals a side of math we've never seen, suffused with all the beauty and elegance of a work of art. In this heartfelt and passionate book, Frenkel shows that mathematics, far from occupying a specialist niche, goes to the heart of all matter, uniting us across cultures, time, and space. Love and Math tells two intertwined stories: of the wonders of mathematics and of one young man's journey learning and living it. Having braved a discriminatory educational system to become one of the twenty-first century's leading mathematicians, Frenkel now works on one of the biggest ideas to come out of math in the last 50 years: the Langlands Program. Considered by many to be a Grand Unified Theory of mathematics, the Langlands Program enables researchers to translate findings from one field to another so that they can solve problems, such as Fermat's last theorem, that had seemed intractable before. At its core, Love and Math is a story about accessing a new way of thinking, which can enrich our lives and empower us to better understand the world and our place in it. It is an invitation to discover the magic hidden universe of mathematics. |
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| why is math so confusing: Let's Play Math Denise Gaskins, 2012-09-04 |
| why is math so confusing: 5 Principles of the Modern Mathematics Classroom Gerald Aungst, 2015-10-09 Students pursue problems they’re curious about, not problems they’re told to solve. Creating a math classroom filled with confident problem solvers starts by introducing challenges discovered in the real world, not by presenting a sequence of prescribed problems, says Gerald Aungst. In this groundbreaking book, he offers a thoughtful approach for instilling a culture of learning in your classroom through five powerful, yet straightforward principles: Conjecture, Collaboration, Communication, Chaos, and Celebration. Aungst shows you how to Embrace collaboration and purposeful chaos to help students engage in productive struggle, using non-routine and unsolved problems Put each chapter’s principles into practice through a variety of strategies, activities, and by incorporating technology tools Introduce substantive, lasting cultural changes in your classroom through a manageable, gradual shift in processes and behaviors Five Principles of the Modern Mathematics Classroom offers new ideas for inspiring math students by building a more engaging and collaborative learning environment. Bravo! This book brings a conceptual framework for K-12 mathematics to life. As a parent and as the executive director of Edutopia, I commend Aungst for sharing his 5 principles. This is a perfect blend of inspiring and practical. Highly recommended! Cindy Johanson, Executive Director, Edutopia George Lucas Educational Foundation Aungst ignites the magic of mathematics by reminding us what makes mathematicians so passionate about their subject matter. Grounded in research, his work takes us on a journey into classrooms so that we may take away tips to put into practice today. Erin Klein, Teacher, Speaker, and Author of Redesigning Learning Spaces |
| why is math so confusing: Calculus Made Easy Silvanus P. Thompson, Martin Gardner, 2014-03-18 Calculus Made Easy by Silvanus P. Thompson and Martin Gardner has long been the most popular calculus primer. This major revision of the classic math text makes the subject at hand still more comprehensible to readers of all levels. With a new introduction, three new chapters, modernized language and methods throughout, and an appendix of challenging and enjoyable practice problems, Calculus Made Easy has been thoroughly updated for the modern reader. |
| why is math so confusing: Basic Algebraic Geometry 2 Igor Rostislavovich Shafarevich, 1994 The second volume of Shafarevich's introductory book on algebraic geometry focuses on schemes, complex algebraic varieties and complex manifolds. As with Volume 1 the author has revised the text and added new material, e.g. a section on real algebraic curves. Although the material is more advanced than in Volume 1 the algebraic apparatus is kept to a minimum making the book accessible to non-specialists. It can be read independently of Volume 1 and is suitable for beginning graduate students in mathematics as well as in theoretical physics. |
| why is math so confusing: Calculus Michael Spivak, 1980 |
| why is math so confusing: Math for Smarty Pants Marilyn Burns, 1982 Text, illustrations, and suggested activities offer a common-sense approach to mathematic fundamentals for those who are slightly terrified of numbers. |
| why is math so confusing: Math Made Easy Reed Lerner, 2016-01-24 Improve test scores, master real world math, and stop relying on your calculator! Math Made Easy is a fast and simple approach to mental math and quicker calculation. With sections for both mathophobes and mathletes alike, this unique book will transform the way you do math. This guide is filled with practical tricks that will help you: - Calculate tips mentally with ease - Perform complex math problems entirely in your head - Transform seemingly difficult math into simple equations Do you consider yourself bad at math? There is no such thing as a bad student - only a bad teacher! It's time to give yourself another chance by learning a new way to look at math. We start with addition and subtraction to rebuild your approach from the ground up. Or are you a math champ? Learn new tricks to do problems even faster and perform calculations in your head that will leave everyone impressed. Are you planning to apply to college in the US? The redesigned SAT will include a no-calculator math section - it's going to be more important than ever to be able to do calculations quickly and effectively on your own. Applying to grad school? Good math skills are a must for the GRE and GMAT. Plus, Math Made Easy is filled with practice questions to make sure you've got each technique down. As Socrates said, Wisdom begins with wonder. Aren't you curious to see what you are capable of? |
| why is math so confusing: Introduction to Mathematical Thinking Keith J. Devlin, 2012 Mathematical thinking is not the same as 'doing math'--unless you are a professional mathematician. For most people, 'doing math' means the application of procedures and symbolic manipulations. Mathematical thinking, in contrast, is what the name reflects, a way of thinking about things in the world that humans have developed over three thousand years. It does not have to be about mathematics at all, which means that many people can benefit from learning this powerful way of thinking, not just mathematicians and scientists.--Back cover. |
| why is math so confusing: Mathematical Methods of Physics Jon Mathews, Robert Lee Walker, 1964 |
| why is math so confusing: Elementary and Middle School Mathematics John A. Van de Walle, Karen S. Karp, Jennifer M. Bay-Williams, 2013 Elementary and Middle School Mathematics: Teaching Developmentally provides an unparalleled depth of ideas and discussion to help teachers develop a real understanding of the mathematics they will teach and the most effective methods of teaching the various mathematics topics. This text reflects the NCTM and Common Core State Standards and the benefits of problem-based mathematics instruction. It is structured for maximum flexibility, offering 23 chapters that may be mixed and matched to fit any course or teaching approach. This comprehensive, practical text offers readers a strong theoretical perspective reflecting the most current research on how students learn mathematics, ways to best teach it, and many problem-based activities to engage students. An important reference to consult throughout a teaching career, Van de Walle, Karp and Bay-William's book helps teachers and their preK-8 students find the excitement that happens when mathematics makes sense. |
| why is math so confusing: The Art of Problem Solving, Volume 1 Sandor Lehoczky, Richard Rusczyk, 2006 ... offer[s] a challenging exploration of problem solving mathematics and preparation for programs such as MATHCOUNTS and the American Mathematics Competition.--Back cover |
| why is math so confusing: ATTITUDES TOWARDS MATHEMATICS AND MATHEMATICAL ACHIEVEMENT IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN ENGLAND: EXPLORING THE ROLE OF SOCIAL CLASS, GENDER AND ETHNICITY Jeffery Quaye, 2020-02-02 This book is essential reading in the sociology of education, social policy and mathematics education. It is for teachers, principals, superintendents, school leaders and policymakers. For too long, many children have not achieved their best potential in mathematics at both primary and secondary schools. Although scholarly interest in students' attitudes towards mathematics and achievement in mathematics has increased, there is scant research which explores the explanatory potential of Bourdieu's trilogy of habitus, cultural capital and social field in investigating students' attitudes towards mathematics. The content is based on a rich empirical study of 1106 students aged 14-16 and gives a detailed account drawing on both quantitative and qualitative data to show the intersection of social class, gender and ethnicity on students' aspiration, attitudes towards mathematics and mathematical achievement at GCSE in secondary schools in England. |
| why is math so confusing: New Additional Mathematics Soo Thong Ho, Nyak Hiong Khor, 2001 |
| why is math so confusing: Is Maths Real? Eugenia Cheng, 2023-06-01 Why is -(-1) = 1? Why do odd and even numbers alternate? What's the point of algebra? Is maths even real? From imaginary numbers to the perplexing order of operations we all had drilled into us, Eugenia Cheng - mathematician, writer and woman on a mission to rid the world of maths phobia - brings us maths as we've never seen it before, revealing how profound insights can emerge from seemingly unlikely sources. Written with intelligence and passion, Is Maths Real? is a celebration of the true, curious spirit of the discipline. |
| why is math so confusing: Higher Math for Beginners Y. B. Zeldovich, I. M. Yaglom, 1987 |
| why is math so confusing: How the Math Gets Done Catheryne Draper, 2017-10-20 How the Math Gets Done: Why Parents Don't Need to Worry About New vs. Old Math provides a roadmap to understanding what the symbols for math operations (add, subtract, multiply, and divide) really mean, what the clues are to interpret these symbols, and a kind of short story of how they evolved over time. to decipher the enigmatic squiggles of those verbs called operations. How the Math Gets Done: Why Parents Don't Need to Worry About New vs. Old Math compares the old and the new methods for math procedures from a “Big Idea” perspective by organizing the information in four sections: Definition, Organization, Relationships and Patterns, and Connections. Each section contains three chapters that clarify the issues related to each “Big Idea” section. The Conclusion offers parents even more hints and guidelines to help their child through this “math country” of procedures for calculating in math. |
| why is math so confusing: Elementary Mathematics for Teachers Thomas H. Parker, Scott Baldridge, 2004 Textbook on numbers, arithmetic, and prealgebra for elementary school mathematics teachers. Designed to be used with five Primary Mathematics books (textbooks 3A, 4A, 5A, 6A, and workbook 5A; all U.S. ed.), part of an elementary mathematics curriculum designed by Singapore's Ministry of Education and adapted for use in the U.S. |
| why is math so confusing: User-Friendly Math for Parents Catheryne Draper, 2017-06-08 User-Friendly Numbers in Math for Parents shares stories of students’ reasoning, thinking, and sometimes misunderstandings about numbers - stories that provide the opportunity to see math differently. Most of the students are visual-spatial, creative, daydreamers who may miss the details in math, a characteristic of visual-spatial learners. Through these stories, parents will see mathematics through their child’s eyes, both the clarity and the confusion. Armed with this new sight, and therefore insight, parents will be able to talk differently with their child about the number language of math. By seeing numbers through “new eyes,” children and parents can take control of the math language and therefore, the mathematics. This book focuses more on the “why” reasons behind math number relationships, explained in plain English and with images that show number relationships. By including more images and fewer formulas, readers – especially the visual spatial learners – have a better chance of understanding how number organizers apply to different number types. Recognizing connections among number formats significantly reduces the impatience, frustration, and heartache around homework. |
| why is math so confusing: How to Teach Maths Steve Chinn, 2020-11-23 How to Teach Maths challenges everything you thought you knew about how maths is taught in classrooms. Award-winning author Steve Chinn casts a critical eye over many of the long-established methods and beliefs of maths teaching. Drawing from decades of classroom experience and research, he shows how mathematics teaching across the whole ability range can be radically improved by learning from the successful methods and principles used for the bottom quartile of achievers: the outliers. Chinn guides readers through re-adjusting the presentation of maths to learners, considering learners’ needs first, and explains the importance of securing early learning to create a conceptual foundation for later success. This highly accessible book uses clear diagrams and examples to support maths teachers through many critical issues, including the following: The context of maths education today Topics that cause students the most difficulty Effective communication in the mathematics classroom Addressing maths anxiety The perfect resource for maths teachers at all levels, this book is especially useful for those wanting to teach the foundations of mathematics in a developmental way to learners of all ages and abilities. It has the potential to change the way maths is taught forever. |
| why is math so confusing: How I Wish I Had Taught Maths: Reflections on research, conversations with experts, and 12 years of mistakes Craig Barton, 2018-01-01 I genuinely believe I have never taught mathematics better, and my students have never learned more. I just wish I had known all of this twelve years ago.Craig Barton is one of the UK's most respected teachers of mathematics. In his remarkable new book, he explains how he has delved into the world of academic research and emerged with a range of simple, practical, effective strategies that anyone can employ to save time and energy and have a positive impact on the long-term learning and enjoyment of students. Craig presents the findings of over 100 books and research articles from the fields of Cognitive Science, Memory, Psychology and Behavioural Economics, together with the conversations he has had with world renowned educational experts on his Mr Barton Maths Podcast, and subsequent experiments with my students and colleagues. |
