Why Maths is an Abstract Subject

Why is math so difficult for students? Why is it such a dreaded subject? At Maths Methods, we explore the different causes of this mindset to better understand how this perspective came about.

YOU CANNOT RELATE TO IT

Maths is a very abstract subject. Students learn better if they can relate what they are learning to real life. As math advances, the challenges in it become more so, making it even more difficult to relate to. Consequently, students are required to practice longer and work harder to understand the abstract concepts of maths.

YOU CAN BE EITHER RIGHT OR WRONG

Maths does not allow any room for any error, as other subjects will do. As a result, the child either understands what is being taught or just does not. This is the reason why math can become an experience for students that is frustrating and stressful.

IT BUILDS ON ITSELF

Maths is a cumulative subject, as everything builds on that which came before. So your child has to know the basics before moving on to newer topics. So, if the child falls behind in any one area, then learning advanced concepts will not make any sense without the foundational knowledge.

STUDENTS EXPECT THAT MATH WILL BE DIFFICULT

Students expect that math will be difficult, and this prophecy becomes self-fulfilling when it is. When students go into the learning of math that they think will be difficult, they easily give up when they are not able to understand something.

However, the hypnotherapist expert at Mindset Mastery explains that the power of such thoughts can determine your decisions in the future. He explains that “this negative mindset turns into a cycle of low confidence that leads to lower motivation and poor performance not just in math but also in life.”

But not to worry, this can be easily prevented with the right social influences and environmental cues.

MEMORIZATION BEFORE UNDERSTANDING

Many students treat math as a subject where they memorize formulas and concepts without understanding them. This works out initially, but as they go further they come across more difficult problems, and then most of them find they cannot solve them because they have never learned the skill of problem-solving that is needed to deal with new problems.

The guttering specialists at Campbelltown Macarthur Roofing say understanding math is a crucial skill in life. “Even as a guttering specialist, you do need a solid foundation in mathematics to grow your own business and manage your finances well.”

MATH HAS A REPUTATION OF BEING BORING

Math comes with a reputation of being both boring and difficult. Students do not find the study of math exciting. And when there is no excitement, students just do the bare minimum, so that they can go on to things that they would rather be doing, and this does not in any way help them to be successful in a math class.

MATH REQUIRES A LOT OF PRACTICE

Math is a subject that students do not automatically understand, as it requires both time and practice before it can be understood. As most students do not enjoy math, it can be quite a struggle for them to sit down and practice it. The lack of practice makes it hard for students to understand what they are required to learn, as they are not aware of the basics.

A "C" grade means that your child's understanding of a subject is satisfactory. And this grade allows them to move on to the next grade level. A "C" in math, however, means that your child has missed the basics that are fundamental building blocks for successful learning in the future, and remember that math has a cumulative nature. As math builds on itself, the "C" will make it hard for your child to learn, as there has been no proper understanding of the previous topics.

If you’ve read this article and are looking for a solution to the negative mindset towards Math, contact Maths Methods to see how we can make it an exciting topic for you or your child!

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Written by: Mary Paterson

Author Bio

Mary Paterson is an Australian writer and uni student living in Melbourne. As a Business Management major, Mary is passionate about business revenues. She also has a love for pets, she regularly takes her pet dog for a walk in the park.