Helping people to learn and succeed in mathematics

I was once told to remember that mathematics is 'the queen and servant of all the sciences' and I also believe that mathematics is 'the romance of numbers'.

For many the subject has enabled them through an advanced study of the subject to appreciate the applications of mathematics in the wonders of the solar system, and the galaxies, problems involving the speed of light and sound, the intricacies of international investment banking just to name a few.

But not all have been able to master the different avenues of mathematics such as the complicated algebra, the applications of trigonometry the uses of differentiation and integration in the amazing section called the calculus.

Instead many have found the subject mathematics difficult to handle most probably because it was not properly taught or because certain vital building blocks were left out or missed resulting in lack of continuity crucial in the learning and understanding of the subject.

A step by step approach is vital in mastering the subject and a missing link can cause considerable problems.

But I feel it is true to say that those who often say that they dislike the subject or don't understand it are doing themselves a great injustice.

It could be argued that we are all mathematicians mainly because we are constantly involved with numerical aspects of number involving everyday issues requiring proper and adequate knowledge of items such as size, weight, length , time, money, volume and a host of other important daily measurement issues:

Size: will it fit? Weight: can I carry it or lift it? Length: is it long enough? Time: will I reach there in time or how long will it take? Volume: how much fuel will I need for the journey? Speed: what is the speed limit or how fast am I travelling? Distance: how far away is it?

In a remote part of Africa, where a new road had been built, I once observed a local inhabitant attempting to cross the road accompanied by her four young children and with considerable personal baggage.

Having done so successfully she was asked how she manage. Her answer was amazingly mathematical!

She mentioned having to estimate the distance to reach the safety of the other side of the road, the speed of the oncoming traffic in both directions and her own speed with the disadvantage of luggage and four children.

I saw this as a true example of built in mathematical knowledge of kinematics involving relationships between speed, distance and time. That, without realising is the beauty of mathematics.

Experiencing maths anxiety does not mean that one is incapable of learning the subject. I believe that children are not born to be afraid of the subject but they somehow learn to fear and avoid it as they develop. 

I have seen some students facing unnecessary emotional and physical trauma before a maths test or exam without it being their fault!

I have witnessed that connecting mathematics concepts with the reality of daily life experiences can bring meaning to lessons and motivate students.

How amazing it is for example to watch dart players, snooker players card players making instantaneous calculations without paper and pencil or calculators to work out the next move accurately.

I am also enthralled by the rapid way a market trader totals the bill correctly for a long list of vegetables and fruit.

I believe that everyone has the potential to learn and succeed in mathematics.

I have often helped students to overcome fear of the subject using games, puzzles, diagrams, pictures, and visual aids along with seeking help from classmates and teachers.

I encourage people having difficulties with the subject to revise and revisit areas for more practice, study worked examples in detail and then attempt graded exercises starting methodically with easy examples leading on gradually to more difficult ones. When stuck immediately ask for help!

I often emphasise that when encountering difficulties in any mathematical topic, one should take a step back to find out which building blocks have been missed.

I repeatedly remind people that the subject is for everyone, that it is creative, encourages curiosity, improves the ability to communicate, improves quality of life, helps with managing finances, helps in solving problems, prevents memory loss and can lead to excellent careers.