The question "Why do we learn math for?" is one of the first question I ask the child when doing the diagnostic math lesson. Their answers fascinates me sometimes and really put into perspective how they actually feel about math, and at times shows me why they have such a hard time with math concepts.
One of the most common answer that I get is " we learn math to be smarter." In schools, we are teaching them the concepts and asking them to memorize them more than understand why we need to learn these processes. When do we use division by 2? Give them scenarios that they can relate to: When you went to EB games to buy a wii game...u ever see the deal for 2 games for $20? Normally the wii game is $20/ea but if you see that deal how much is one game for? How much you saved? Giving them scenarios also helps them with tackling word problems.
The second most common answer I get is " I don't know why we learn math for." When teaching them any math concept, it is important to relate it to a real life situation. They will have an easier time to understand it and actually find it useful for certain situations. When you make anything more meaningful, it all makes more sense. Play games like candy store with real candies and pennies. One plays the buyer and the other plays the seller. Ask them questions like - how many minutes did you take to get ready this morning? How many cups of milk did you drink this morning? Did you watch tv today? For how long? - let them discover how and why learning math is important. They use it everyday....and most don't even know that they do.
One of the most common answer that I get is " we learn math to be smarter." In schools, we are teaching them the concepts and asking them to memorize them more than understand why we need to learn these processes. When do we use division by 2? Give them scenarios that they can relate to: When you went to EB games to buy a wii game...u ever see the deal for 2 games for $20? Normally the wii game is $20/ea but if you see that deal how much is one game for? How much you saved? Giving them scenarios also helps them with tackling word problems.
The second most common answer I get is " I don't know why we learn math for." When teaching them any math concept, it is important to relate it to a real life situation. They will have an easier time to understand it and actually find it useful for certain situations. When you make anything more meaningful, it all makes more sense. Play games like candy store with real candies and pennies. One plays the buyer and the other plays the seller. Ask them questions like - how many minutes did you take to get ready this morning? How many cups of milk did you drink this morning? Did you watch tv today? For how long? - let them discover how and why learning math is important. They use it everyday....and most don't even know that they do.