Mathematics

Mathematics is the subject area most affected by stress.

In order to overcome the 'fear factor' students need to 'over-learn', that is, learn to the point of automaticity. This means a good healthy dose of 'rote learning' of (for example)
* multiplication tables
* frequently used formula
* common procedures

Mastery of such skills will place students into a 'comfort zone'. They are supported as they begin to explore higher mathematical thinking.

Let us take just one simple example ......

The student does not know the 3 or the 7 times tables. He is also unsure of the procedure used in long multiplication. He is given the following basic task ...
576
x 37 can you begin to imagine the level of confusion and distress?

There are so-called educators who advice primary teachers that they no longer need to teach basic fractions as all the student needs is an introduction to decimal fractions and a calculator. So what is wrong with such advice?
a) Basic fractions are easier to understand - which representation makes most immediate sense - 0.625, 62.5% or 5/8?
b) An understanding of basic fractions helps to develop the concept of decimal fractions - 6/10 = a 6 in the tenths column.
c) Most junior high school students will encounter algebra - imagine trying to establish a concept of the following with scant knowledge of basic fractions ......
z = 56 (find the value of z)
4

Further, calculator dependent students are typically insensitive to obvious errors. The student who knows and has practised a procedure manually is capable of estimation and will usually pick up an obvious key-pad error. In order to correct an error the student must first recognise than an error has occurred.

Direct teaching followed by ample practice followed by on-going consolidation leads to mastery. Rote Learning is a vital component in mathematical competence. Such competence in turn frees the student to begin exploration of higher level mathematical thinking that involves reasoning and problem solving.

Mathematics can be a nightmare or a joy of intrigue and a great deal of fun. The human mind loves a solvable puzzle.