How to Develop Students’ Interest in Mathematics -
  • Admin 4:57 pm, Thu, 3 February 22

How to Develop Students’ Interest in Mathematics

How-to-Develop-Student’s-interest-in-maths

Studying different subjects from a young age makes the child capable of grasping innumerable concepts and language in the growth years. Children get used to absorbing the lessons taught in different subjects. The segregation of subjects makes it easier for them to distinguish between each and it is only after a certain age that they are required to make interconnections between them. The basic subjects that a child is introduced to in primary school are Mathematics, Science, and Language.

Once they are introduced to these subjects children automatically tend to become interested in one and disinterested or rather less interested in the other. This may be because of various reasons, the ability of the child is primary. Sometimes a student’s logical understanding is far more polished than his language skills. While some students are excellent in grasping Language and not Mathematics.

This in no way means that a student cannot perform well in all subjects. It all depends on the right attitude and behaviour that the student possesses towards a particular subject. More often students become less interested in Mathematics because it requires a lot of concentration, regular practice, and calculations. The lack of interest in the subject makes them weak and hence they often score less in the subject.

Here are 5 best ways you can inspire your child’s interest in math

If you are one of those students who find Mathematics difficult or one of those parents who are finding it difficult to build interest in Mathematics in your child here are some ways that you can apply through which you can enhance your interest or your child’s interest towards Mathematics.

1. Boost confidence

Every individual has unique skills and no student can be considered dull in any form. Every student has his own capabilities and understanding according to which he/she performs in academics and sports. Confidence is the key factor when it comes to learning a subject and applying it in your daily life.

If your child lacks confidence in Mathematics, it becomes your responsibility to boost his/her confidence so that she is motivated to perform simple problems in the beginning and complex by the time she/he gets hold of the concept. If you are a student struggling to cope with the calculations then be patient. You need to relax and calm your mind and start with the easier topics. This will build your confidence. It will make you believe in yourself and your capabilities to solve complex topics as well.

Also read: How to Make the Perfect Study Timetable

2. Ask questions

One of the best ways to build your confidence and interest is to ask questions. Once you become curious about a certain topic or how it is supposed to be solved you will automatically be driven towards finding answers. This is called intrinsic motivation. Instead of focusing on getting higher marks in your exams and tests which is an extrinsic motivation one needs to focus on intrinsic motivation.

The drive to find out problems, the curiosity to ask questions will eventually lead you or your child into liking Mathematics. Asking questions is a great virtue and finding out correct answers is what makes a student excel in the subject.

3. Focus on the concept

Most of the time students make the mistake of rote learning in a subject that requires them to focus on the concept. Understanding a concept, building qualitative skills to solve open-ended questions by applying mathematical reasoning and logic will enhance the student’s ability to perform better, consequently building his interests in the subject.

The other mistake that the students usually make while practicing Mathematics is they place more emphasis on the process rather than the concept as a whole. A single problem can have innumerable approaches which you can apply in various ways. If you emphasize only the procedure rather than the idea then it might become difficult for you to solve difficult problems in higher classes, which in turn will fetch you fewer marks taking you away from the subject. Check out 5 Best GCSE Maths Books for Students

4. Solve authentic problems

It is advisable for students who are less interested in Mathematics to practice problems from the prescribed textbooks first rather than attempting random questions from the internet. A textbook prescribed by the board that the students are under will give them ample opportunity to enhance their calculation skills and progress smoothly towards finding Mathematics interesting as well. Thus A student lacking the knowledge will get some idea about the concept and then solve authentic problems and gain some knowledge regarding the topic of the subject.

Check out this library of free math videos for kids in class 3 – 10, algebra, and geometry.

5. Share positive views

A student will only become curious and build motivation within him when he finds that the subject is not a mountain that needs to be broken. It becomes necessary for people around the student to share positive reviews about Math. Math is not an alien subject, positive views from his peers will eventually make him open that fat book that he had been ignoring since the beginning of the session.  Hence, it is not only the student’s responsibility to build confidence and show effort but also the people around him.

Conclusion

Mathematics is a fascinating subject. Once a student gets engrossed in it he/she will forever be interested in solving problems and playing with numbers. One just needs to be patient and act in a correct manner to be able to make it interesting.

For kids who are small and lack the attention to calculate, they can surely focus on a story. Mathematics can be taught through storytelling. This activity serves the purpose of both language and mathematics. Apart from storytelling, if you apply the above ways in your daily study, you will improve your attention towards the subject that will ultimately fetch you good results in your academics.

Free Common Core: 1 to 10 Grade Math MCQ Practice Tests

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