Why Students Avoid Mathematics?

“Mathematics is the mother of all sciences “is frequently heard saying. It does not bother the logical minds because of its concrete facts. However, it is hard to capture by literary and poetic nature. The concept prevails upon our students. The myth that math is a difficult subject to comprehend is baseless. As you climb stairs systematically and ultimately you find yourself on the roof, similarly in mathematics after some logical steps you get hold of the whole idea. If your behavior is rational, your mind will be of a mathematician.

Mathematics anxiety is not a common problem with our students only but I think it is an air, which goes throughout the whole world. A research in United States stunned me to know that only 17 percent of their High school seniors are proficient in mathematic. The job opportunities are much more for mathematics graduates than other disciplines. The proficiency in mathematics is not sufficient to meet US workforce demands. The students do not study mathematics because they are unable to get good grades in it. They had to labor hard but with poor outcome.

Students are less interested in math. From the very first day, they start their schooling. No doubt, kids are not ready to learn difficult concepts. They try to put the subject back and seem busy in other subjects of their interest. This is the turning point that a student loses his interest in the subject. Parents, if properly guide their kids and keep balance in all his subjects. They can easily avoid the worse conditions. Kids like to watch cartoons and cartoon stories must be used in comprising material to develop their interest in mathematics. It is observed students show deep interest in subjects that deal with their everyday life. They are inclined to perform something practically. The physical things and ideas have a great attraction for the students. Therefore, they make much effort in physical subjects. No doubt, mathematics is part and parcel of life but has to go through abstract concepts, which sometimes are difficult to understand for the students. Most of its concepts do not match with our simple daily life. They comprehend easily the routine relevant concepts but subtle somehow abstract ideas lose their mental grip.

Prior negative experiences also make a big hurdle in developing interest with the subject. For example, a kid of fourth grade solving sums feels difficulty and much disturbed and confused he would never be able to forget the experience. If he is taunted or rebuked for comprehending a concept he would lose interest defiantly as well as his confidence which was ultimately an asset for the young student. If parents, tutors or class teachers instill confidence in students, they will be able to overcome their difficulties. No matter if they are not be able to do much the good is, that they do not lose confidence. It can lead them to develop interest and proficiency in mathematics.

Despite all the reasons, the attitude and teaching methodology contributes much to develop interest for mathematics. The boring techniques will make the students just status in classroom or spectators who have nothing to-do with the ongoing exercise. The experienced teachers must be assigned to teach mathematics. The encouraging remarks are treasure of inspiration for the class. The dull and dry classroom atmosphere affects the minds negatively. The sharp and clever teacher can make his lessons effective. Practice incessantly, can bring about accuracy and proficiency. Revisions and going through the concept repeatedly is the key to success and to develop interest. Long intervals make the things vanish from the memory, which cause discouragement for the students. Making study groups in math’s class can also be an effective tool. Sometimes students hesitate putting cross-questions to the teacher, which they can easily ask from their classmates. The exchange of ideas also cause developing confidence in the students. The misconception that female students have nothing to do with mathematics is absolutely baseless, I think. The reasons for lack of interest are equal for all whether male or female.

I have not only highlighted the reasons but have also tried to suggest the remedies. If a teacher makes helpful techniques a part of his methodology, he will prove successful to much extent. The students if, try to overcome their deficiencies they can make it out. The parents if keep in mind their duties, they will never see their children struggling in mathematics.