Over the past two years, students have had to adjust to a different kind of school life. One week they are in class, and the next, they are in front of a screen and expected to learn the same way as if they were being taught in person. Students faced multiple schedule changes, were assigned new teachers mid-year, and battled with glitchy internet connections. It has perhaps been one of the most challenging times for educators and children in our history. 

Studies show that the impact of the pandemic on K-12 student learning has been significant, leaving students months behind on their learning, especially in mathematics. The fallout from the pandemic threatens to constrict this generation’s opportunities far into adulthood. The ripple effect could affect their chances of attending college and ultimately finding a job that enables them to support a family. 

Why is the Pandemic Loss Greater in Math?

This has been a uniquely challenging time for students, and it is no surprise that it has left its mark on student learning and well-being. Mathematics has been found to be the most affected than any other subject. Many students have become disengaged from school altogether and may have slipped backward, losing the skill or knowledge they once had. They have also simply learned less than they would in a previous year, which has led to unfinished learning. 

Educators believe this gap is due to a few possible reasons, including:

• Unlike reading, math is best when formally learned at school. Teachers are trained to teach children in person using examples. Teachers find this much more challenging with virtual learning. 
• When a child is struggling with math at home, parents often feel less equipped to help, leading to an obstacle in student progress. 
• Math anxiety has been worsened by stress and trauma related to the pandemic. This can lead to students giving up on math and simply walking away when faced with work they can’t handle.

Compared to declines in reading, math learning has been found to be more significant and seen more in younger grades. Early learning experts are sounding the alarm that the youngest learners are the most affected and there is a need to help fill in those learning gaps they may be experiencing. 

How To Help Your Child In Math

Your attitude about learning can directly influence your child’s educational success. Decades of research have found that students’ success is positively impacted by parent involvement. At Dropkick Math, we believe that you are setting an example and strengthening your relationship when you learn alongside your child. Part of learning math is building your confidence in number sense, and your child will see this in you, giving them a boost as well. 

Math education has evolved over the years, and it is essential that you understand the way it is taught in order to help your child learn. We have developed our programs to involve the parent or caregiver. With Dropkick Math, you will learn the type of math your child is working on rather than trying to help them with the kind of math you were taught as a child. 

As one of the leading math tutoring services in Ontario, our trained instructors at Dropkick Math support learning key math skills by focusing on relationships and engaging the parent/guardian. Get started today by learning more about our programs.