Does your child understand math concepts “for the most part” but frequently struggles with solving problems?
Can they follow along in class but get stuck when working independently?
Do they encounter problems they aren't prepared for on tests, in spite of studying a lot and feeling well-prepared?
Many children experience these problem – at all levels of math!
During our consultations, we meet with students at all math levels, including students taking AP and Honors classes.
Some get decent (or even really good) grades and can solve many problems.
Despite that, it doesn’t take more than several minutes to find problems they are really confused about, or even have no idea how to solve.
It’s shocking!
To truly understand math, your child needs to expand beyond school’s surface-level fixation on homework and tests. Give up on the idea that solving a few examples and finishing homework is enough.
It isn’t.
Your child needs to approach studying methodically.
Your child needs to stop thinking of math in terms of grades. They need to start thinking in terms of understanding and solving.
To illustrate the point: one of the most common issues with school math is the difference between the homework scores and test scores. Many parents are shocked to find out that a good homework score doesn’t mean their child mastered the material.
Not even close!
Your child needs to go beyond homework and focus on:
- variations of problems
- combinations of concepts
- analyzing mistakes – and correcting them
- step by step understanding
- asking questions (especially targeted and “why” questions)
- solving independently
Variations of problems and combinations will allow your child to experience and understand concepts from different angles and perspectives. It will allow them to see how the elements of concepts connect and interact. That, along with in-depth analysis of their mistakes will develop their deep step-by-step understanding. By using this learning style, they will understand math at much deeper level than they could ever reach in class.