M: Barriers Related to Mathematics

Question 1

CAUSES OF MATHEMATICS PROBLEMS (6)

Answer 1

1. Being absent or changing school -> fall behind -> new knowledge is built in prior knowledge
2. Teacher does not have knowledge, does not know how to teach, is not motivated
3. Teaching learners how to do mathematics without understanding concepts
4. Forcing learners to use specific methods rather than discover their own
5. Reading problems
6. Negative attitude or emotional problems

Question 2

MANIFESTATIONS OF MATHEMATICS PROBLEMS (7)

Answer 2

1. Avoid mathematic activities – orally or written
2. Think for a long time before doing or do quickly without thinking
3. Careless mistakes with simple mathematics
4. Confuse 4 main calculations
5. Don’t understand long division or multiplication
6. Don’t understand carrying over
7. Don’t understand word sums

Question 3

SUPPORTING LEARNERS WITH MATHEMATICS PROBLEMS (5)

Answer 3

1. Help learners early on -> every new concept in mathematics requires learners to have understanding of other concepts
2. Teach learners the relevance of mathematics in the real world
3. Motivate learners to enjoy mathematics
   a. Be motivated in mathematics myself
   b. Ensure goals are challenging but realistic
   c. Allow learners to discover things for themselves – active learning
4. Plan lessons well -> lessons should be well organised, structured & activities should be taught in a specific order
5. Teach learners methods before encouraging them to discover their own methods -> because if I don’t they will likely not be able to find their own