by Sandra Godala-Bagadiong

Do not burden yourself with things that are not really exactly a problem. Be optimistic and always believe in your capabilities so that we may not be discouraged to focus on things that truly math-er(matter).

As a teacher and educator, I must admit that teaching is really very hard. But the brighter side of it is that it is indeed fulfilling. That feeling of imparting wisdom and knowledge to the multitude of students who are trying their best to learn and take steps toward achieving their dreams is indeed worth it. That’s why we teachers are always motivated!

Although we can’t deny the fact that we have waterloos or weak links that will really challenge us as educators. And definitely, one of those subject areas that we really struggle on teaching to our students in Mathematics. The numbers, operations, rules, and principles that it holds really make our students scratch their heads off and sometimes even cry. As a result, they often get low scores and grades in this major learning area. So what can we do to somehow resolve this issue? I have some tips that you might consider applying.

First, don’t pressure them with complicated and overwhelming figures and rules that fast. Take it easy ma’am and sir! The more we bombard them with too much information, the more that they will have a hard time appreciating and learn them. Information overload is a hindrance when it comes to learning. Keep it short, simple, and progressive. It will just be a waste of our precious energy if students will end up learning nothing.

Next, start your lessons with reconceptualization. Many times, students tend to forget concepts of mathematics because they are too many. So I think that it will be a great intervention if we will habitually remind them of these concepts so that they can have a higher probability of absorbing and applying our lessons. As a teacher, this strategy works for me in almost all subject areas.

Another important thing that you must do when teaching mathematics is being as creative and unique as possible. We know that this subject is kinda very technical and meticulous. So it tends to be very boring and not enticing. So make it interesting by applying some media like songs, poems, and stuff so that they may be more into it. At the same time, they may find it easier to retain.

Lastly, teach them how to use digital tools related to mathematics. In this way, they can increase their ICT skills and at the same time, it will aid them to do their job faster and easier. These productivity tools are always free to download. To maximize them and use them to your advantage. When they master these tools, they will surely become more efficient when it comes to solving and understanding math dilemmas.

About the Author:

Sandra Godala-Bagadiong is a teacher and school coordinator at Talipapa High School, Caloocan City. She finished her master’s degree major in educational management at the University of Caloocan City and currently taking up Doctor of Education in Governor Andres Pascual College.