Math is often considered one of the hardest subjects to learn, and it’s a challenge to teach for many educators too.
Once students get behind in math, it’s hard to help them recover and catch up. That’s why flexibility and new strategies in the classroom are essential when teaching math.
To help students who struggle with math, try implementing these tips when teaching!
Consider Learning Styles
Almost everyone is capable of learning math concepts, but not everyone learns in the same way. Recognize and cater to different learning styles in math class.
For visual learners, use visual aids that help to represent the numbers or math concepts being taught. For those who are kinesthetic learners, use hands-on activities instead of always using worksheets and written notes. You can even try making songs for math patterns and formulas for students who are auditory learners.
Make It Practical
One thing that can make math difficult for some is the fact that it can feel abstract. But bringing math into the real world can help those who are struggling with math.
No matter the level you’re teaching, there are ways to make math more practical and connected to everyday life. For elementary students, you can give examples about how to divide candies for a class or how to spend money, for example.
Even for older students, try relating the formulas they’re learning to their real-world applications. This way, math feels practical and easier to grasp.
Give Students Breaks
One way to help a child struggling with math is to give them a break.
Let’s face it: once a student gets discouraged, it’s hard to get them back into learning mode. Schedule regular breaks during math class to give them a chance to cool down.
If time away from math isn’t an option, you can still give breaks by offering time to do simple math. Having students review the basics, like multiplication tables, gives them a break from more difficult math problems. And these breaks also offer a quick way to help build up confidence for struggling students.
Practice, Practice, Practice!
Some students may need more time to process and understand math concepts. That’s okay!
Giving them supplemental math worksheets and other exercises can give them a much-needed boost. These can be given during class, as homework, or in tutoring.
Recognize Learning Disabilities
Why do students struggle with math? There are several answers, but for a (considerable) minority, their struggle may be related to learning disabilities.
Because math is such a difficult subject for so many, math-related learning disabilities, are often overlooked and not tested for.
But these disabilities may make math extra challenging for students who have them. If your student struggles to recognize numbers and is delayed in learning basic math functions, they may benefit from visiting their doctor or a developmental specialist.
Help Your Students Who Struggle With Math
There’s no one right way to help your students who struggle with math. Each student has their own needs, learning styles, and pace. Praise them for their progress, and keep trying new strategies along the way.
For more resources for students and teachers, check out our other education articles!
