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Learning math in school can sometimes feel like a chore for many children, especially if they don’t understand when they will ever use it. Many students often wonder, “What is the point of math if you are not interested in a career as a mathematician?” Unfortunately, many educators overlook the importance of explaining the purpose of learning mathematics and how it is needed throughout life while relating it to real-world circumstances.
There is no denying the importance of mathematics in our daily life. But some students find learning math boring, too abstract, complex, or not creative enough. These reasons all add to why they may shy away from the subject. However, since math is a significant component of education, students need to understand and do well on their assigned work to get to the next grade and eventually graduate.
But, it isn’t just about getting a student to pass a test. By simply focusing on just getting by in math and passing tests, this surface level knowledge of math may work in the short term, but they will eventually encounter barriers. Your child could be extremely limited on post-secondary program choices and career choices.
Many people often wonder, “Why is mathematics important to learn?,” and don’t quite know how to explain it to a child. So, let’s break it down into the many benefits of math.
Math is more than just numbers and equations – it has been scientifically proven to help develop specific areas of the brain, leading to improved analytical and reasoning skills. When we engage in mathematical thinking, our brains are forced to form new connections between neurons, which strengthens those connections over time. This process enhances our ability to solve mathematical problems and helps us think critically and logically in other areas of our lives. Overall, learning mathematics is like giving your brain a workout!
Math is an essential part of our everyday lives and can be used to solve practical problems we face. From calculating a sale discount at the grocery store to figuring out the distance between two points, math skills can positively impact our lives.
Being proficient in math allows us to analyze data, make meaningful decisions, and solve real-world problems effectively. These skills are not only useful in academic settings but can also be applied in everyday situations. With the right math knowledge, one can estimate expenses, understand financial statements, and even determine the best route to take while commuting.
Math does not have to be complicated; by knowing how to apply basic mathematical concepts to everyday life, anyone can become more practical and reap its many benefits.
Mathematics is an essential subject that holds a crucial place in education. It provides logical thinking, develops problem-solving skills, and lays a foundation for a career in numerous industries. However, in a scholastic sense, math holds a greater significance as it acts as one of the stepping stones into going into a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) major.
STEM careers are in high demand, and the job market for these sectors rapidly increases yearly. Math contributes significantly to these industries, providing the fundamental knowledge necessary for understanding complex systems and technologies. As such, it has become a mandatory subject in most schools and is something students should consider taking seriously if they want to pursue a career in STEM.
Learning math skills at an early age can create a basic foundation for everything a child learns in the future. Research shows that the development of math skills is a better indicator of future success in reading and math than any other skill. A study from Stanford University recently determined that the brain goes through a physical change as it creates specific connections after repeated practice with math skills.
Math can help train the mind the same way sport trains the body. Many educators believe that learning the four pillars of math can help students think critically, helping them in their chosen career path. But, if one of those pillars is weak, it could significantly impact their future.
At Dropkick Math, we understand how important it is for students to have a solid foundation of learning in all four pillars of math. Our programs focus on number sense, operational sense, proportional reasoning and algebraic reasoning.
We have worked with educators to recognize common areas of difficulty in mathematics that students have and created programs to address each area. We understand the importance of mathematics for students, so we have created a range of programs that make learning fun!
If your child is asking, “How will math help us in the future?” check out our other blog post, which can help you explain it to them!
Your child is currently developing the building blocks of all math they will be exposed to in their academic career. But, if all they have is memorized rules and procedures, they will falter at some point. A conceptual understanding of mathematics is crucial for their future. At Dropkick Math, we can help your child better understand the Four Pillars of Mathematics that can build confidence and understanding in math for years to come.
To help ensure your child is on track, have them take our Early Indicators Quiz to determine any gaps in understanding. If it does seem like a child is experiencing any gaps in learning, we can recommend a program that will target the missing knowledge.
Learn more about our programs and how they can help your child stay on track with their learning for their future.
