5 Simple ways to motivate a child disinterested in mathematics

Every child who avoids studying maths has a preconceived idea that he will never need to use anything more than the basic functions of arithmetic in real life. Getting such students to take interest in the subject can be quite a task and most mathematics teachers remain perplexed about finding ways to change the way their students look at the subject. Students easily get disheartened when they fail to understand or solve their math problems which drive them farther away from the subject.

Teachers must make them realize that failing a couple of times is okay and that they would eventually surmount the challenges they face. It is imperative that teachers try to make students look at maths as more than just mind-boggling formulas.

Here are a few techniques teachers could incorporate in their teaching methodology to make students change their negative approach towards the subject:

1)      Try using more figures and visuals wherever possible while teaching: Children today have a natural preference for learning visually.

2)      Try explaining concepts using real life examples: Kids ought to know that math does not just start or end in their books but is also of immense help in day-to-day activities.

3)      Start with basic level calculations: Try not to overwhelm young developing minds with big numbers and complex calculations. Stick to simple examples till the time students pick up on the method of solving the problem.

4)      Reward them for being consistent and finding a solution - Show them that perseverance does wonders in the process of learning. One must be patient so as not to intimidate the students and demotivate them.

5)      Always be enthusiastic while teaching: Often your mood will reflect in the way you teach. Children often take a shine to energetic and cheerful teachers and once you have their attention, they are all yours!

Remember, children have the natural quality of being curious and impressionable. So all you have to do is just tap into their inquisitive minds by using the simple but effective methods we have listed above. Read More...

5 important life-skills schools should start teaching

Ever met a nerd with poor social skills or heard about a scientist who was afraid of women? I am sure, most of you know where I am going with these questions. Today, we shall learn about the skills that school books and teachers don’t normally teach students, but are nevertheless important to get by in the real world. Teachers often donate marks to students in subjects like ‘Moral Science’ because it is not as important as mathematics. 

A look at the 5 things schools must start teaching their students for helping them develop important real life-skills:

1.       Compassion : We’d find many people who are proud about their IQ but are not really bothered about having a good amount of EQ. Being compassionate is something all religious books talk about so why should schools even meander into the territories of religion? It is important to understand that emotions are an integral part of a person’s personality. What good is your intelligence if you are not compassionate enough to use it for the good of other people? Schools must teach the importance of kindness, empathy and compassion to children so that they grow up to become good human beings and not just smart people.

2.       Soft skills: It is usually too late to learn soft skills once you are grown up. Lacking good communication skills can create havoc in your professional as well as personal life. Schools must teach kids the value of building relationships, communication and networking.

3.       Logic and critical thinking – Not all good-graders manage to crack competitive exams which require strong aptitude skills. Exams like IIT JEE and CAT test the aptitude and application skills and rote learning is of use for students aspiring to clear these exams.

4.       Decision making – It is of utmost importance for kids to able to be decide things for themselves by differentiating between things correctly. Schools should undertake various activities which test and improve the task management and problem solving skills of students.

5.       Importance of failure – Often, kids are taught that failing is a bad thing. A lot of young people resort to suicide fearing the education system and society which is so very intolerant towards failure. The truth is that failure makes one value success, and also that one does not handle failure by running away from situation. Teacher and parents must keep motivating kids against all odds. Read More..