Are Your Children Afraid of Mathematics?

by: June Noel A. Bandoy

Master Teacher I

San Vicente Elementary School

Mathematics is a difficult subject as they say. It is an exact Science and pupils get easily frustrated if they do not get the exact answer right away. Some pupils are afraid because they do not want to be embarrassed if they get incorrect answer. As teachers are now equipped with the new techniques and strategies in teaching the subject, they should encourage a change in the way pupils view Mathematics. Mathematics should not be hard; instead, it should be interesting. Mathematics must find significance in the experiences and life of the pupils; this allows the learners to appreciate the subject. Pupils will be motivated to learn Mathematics because they are able to do it.

Teachers, of course, play a vital role in molding learners to like the subject. They should properly encourage and challenge their pupils to become interested in Mathematics.

Here are some suggestions for the pupils to like the subject:

1. Explain the topic and its relevance

Pupils will not enjoy learning Mathematics if they are not aware of its importance in their daily life activities.

2. Understand and respect the individual nature of every learner

Pupils learn differently. Some pupils have difficulty because the ideas and information are not presented in the way that their mind absorbs it most easily. That is why the fear of learning Mathematics is developed.

3. Present the lesson in a non-threatening learning environment

Motivation will be high if the process of learning is enjoyable. The more they enjoy doing something, the more they become engaged, the more effective they will be.

4. Create activities related to the subject

For learning to be more effective, every lesson must have a visual, an auditory, and a kinesthetic component. Creativity in connecting the topic to the real-life situations is necessary.

5. Love your pupils unconditionally

The best way to develop a child’s self confidence is to make love dependent on nothing else but your pupil being himself.