For many students, especially those hoping to pursue STEM-related careers after school, math represents a significant part of their academic success. Math lays the foundations for critical thinking, problem-solving, and logical reasoning for future engineers, architects, and business professionals. For some parents, helping their child succeed in mathematics can feel extremely daunting, especially if they have experienced challenges with the subject or were taught with different methods or syllabi. Thankfully, there are resources that parents can rely on, such as a private math tutor or online math tutor, which can make it easier for them to support their children in reaching their goals.
Why Math Is Important For Academic Success
While math students learn how to solve equations and plot graphs, there are many skills beyond the classroom that math teaches:
- Critical thinking skills: math encourages students to approach problems systematically by breaking down complex problems into smaller components and using logical reasoning to solve them. Skills like this are important in almost all academic disciplines.
- Real-life applications: Budgeting, shopping, and making financial decisions may become part of every college student’s and later adult’s life. Sound foundational knowledge can help people navigate real-world scenarios with confidence.
- Career opportunities: Specialist math skills are required for business professions such as accounting. Careers in STEM (science, technology, math, engineering) are in high demand, and excelling at math during school can open doors to these fields.
Common challenges to success in math:
Unfortunately (given its importance), many students report struggling with math during school. Some of the most common challenges to success in math include:
- Falling behind early: Math concepts build on top of one another, often using similar principles in more complex contexts. Students who have not fully grasped foundational concepts will likely struggle with the material as it becomes more advanced.
- Math anxiety: Some students simply struggle with the very idea of math, and many fear that it will be more difficult than it is. This can lead to mental blocks and a lack of confidence, greatly affecting a student’s performance.
- Lack of individualized attention: It can be extremely difficult to get the necessary individual attention for every student in a classroom setting. Teachers are tasked with teaching and reviewing material, behavior management and other factors. They might not have time to address each student’s unique challenges, which can mean some students are left struggling.
The Role Of A Tutor In Mastering Math:
Working with an online math tutor or private math tutor can address many of the above issues for students and make a significant difference in their academic journey.
Personalized Learning Plans: Research indicates that when students can learn with plans tailored to their strengths, weaknesses, preferences, and goals, they are more likely to succeed.
Confidence: For many students, being able to ask questions, explain their challenges or anxieties, and make mistakes in a safe space is a key factor to their success. Individualized feedback and encouragement can also help to improve a student’s confidence.
How Parents Can Help Their Children Excel:
Most parents are not math experts – this does not mean they don’t play a vital role in their child’s success. These are some practical steps any parent can take to support their child:
- Create an encouraging environment: Helping your child to view challenges as opportunities for growth and celebrating each achieved milestone can go a long way to building their confidence.
- Use real-life examples: When applicable, show your child examples of how math is used and important in daily life. Examples include budgeting for a grocery shop, measuring ingredients while cooking, or budgeting their pocket money.
- Encourage consistency: Regular practice will be essential to your child’s success. Gentle encouragement to complete even fifteen-twenty minutes daily can help your child solidify concepts and build their confidence.
- Seek professional help when needed: If your child has been struggling with their math classes, seek help from an online math tutor or other experienced professional who can provide the correct targeted support.
Conclusion
Some may think mathematics is unnecessary for some academic disciplines, but it teaches children how to acquire information differently. With the help of the right tutor and parental support, children can easily grasp math concepts and apply them to real-life scenarios and academic disciplines.
