People solve problems
like those everyday in every aspect of life. They do not consider it math
because their experience with maths has been contrived questions from a text
book. They are simply a problem that is interesting to them at the time. They
have never been taught to consider that the problem they are solving requires
the use of math. Their experience with maths has been so far removed from the
real world that they do not see the connection between what they are doing and
what they learned
Children can explore
some fascinating mathematical possibilities in the world around them every day.
For instance, math can be found outdoors in nature by looking for symmetry in
leaves; count the number, sizes, and kinds of trees on your street and look at
the various shapes and patterns of blooming flowers. Worksheets
and rote memorization are hardly fascinating stimuli for young students. But
activities that apply math to their lives help children master math. Deep
learning takes place when a student is excited about the subject and feels
comfortable in trying to solve challenges related to a problem. Designing
lessons and unstructured activities that raise children's curiosity about math
helps them learn.
An important part of
learning math is learning how to solve problems. Children are encouraged to use
trial and error to develop their ability to reason and to learn how to go about
problem solving. They learn that there may be more than one way to solve a
problem and more than one answer. They also learn to express themselves clearly
as they explain their solutions. But most importantly, teachers should
present situations and encourage the children to formulate their own responses.
Teaching problem solving by presenting real problems. Teachers should arm their
students with the language of reason and logic and incite their curiosity and let
them solve.
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