2. Many students struggle with their math questions
, especially as they approach their teen years.
There are several reasons for this, which I will
discuss later.
However, every parent can help their child rise
above this struggle - and succeed. If a student
gives up, it can lead to a cycle of frustration and
failure that can haunt a student (and parents) for
years.
The extra effort you make is an investment in
your child's future.
As you already know, students who understand
math increase their chances of being accepted by
the University of their choice.
3. In addition, a superior math score on standardized
tests increases a student's likelihood of receiving a
scholarship or fellowship to pay for their education.
Math is also important to your child's future
employers. Employers are searching for applicants
who can apply mathematics to business problems.
Many employers now give math tests to job
applicants. High math grades in school will not be
accepted prima facie. Public schools have a
reputation (deserved) for inflating grades.
Employers are searching for employees who
actually know the material.
In addition, every citizen in a democracy needs a
working knowledge of math to cast an intelligent,
informed vote. Casting an informed vote requires
some knowledge of accounting and finance.
4. So how can a parent help their child prepare for
these things?
A parent can help their child in several ways.
1) Recognize that children are unique individuals who
mature at different rates. These differences are
apparent even with siblings being raised within the
same family.
A student's current level of mental development will
be reflected in their ability to understand abstract
concepts - such as the symbolism used in algebra.
If your child cannot grasp some of the more abstract
concepts in math, it's probably nothing to be
particularly worried about. Don't insult your child.
Just be encouraging and supportive. Wait until your
student matures a little more. Time will take care of
this problem.
5. 2) Help your child master the basic math skills used
in arithmetic before doing anything else.
Why? Algebra is built upon arithmetic. The symbols
used in algebra stand for numbers. The symbols
used in algebra behave the same way numbers
behave.
The underlying problem is usually this: Most algebra
students have never really learned how to ad,
subtract, divide, and multiply fractions, mixed
numbers, or decimals without the use of a
calculator.
The techniques used in arithmetic and algebra are
exactly the same. If a student can combine these
fractions using arithmetic: (1/3) + (3/5), they can
also combine these fractions using algebra: (a/b) +
(c/d).
6. 3) Set aside enough time at home for your child to
study the material presented in school.
Be aware of the fact that by 7th grade, government
regulations require the teacher to increase the pace
of math instruction dramatically. This is a big
surprise to most students. It means that more and
more unfamiliar material will be introduced at a
faster and faster pace.
Teachers are monitored to make sure they keep up
the pace.
Your child's teacher will be glad to provide you with
a calendar which shows the schedule of what topics
will be presented each week for the entire year. Be
sure to ask.
7. 4) Require your child to take notes in class and
notes on the material you review at home.
These must be detailed "how to" notes which show
EVERY step in every problem solution.
Direct your child to refer to those notes when he or
she encounters the same type of problem covered
in their notes. (Taking and organizing detailed
notes on math is real work. Your child will not want
to do it. Being required to refer to those notes is
pure torture for teenagers. However, taking and
using notes will put them in control of their own
learning more than anything else ever can. Without
their own notes, your child will endlessly ask for
more "help".
