All too often pupils get bored with maths lessons because the subject is presented in a way which disregards how it can be used in real life situations.
Admittedly there have been useful advances in this area of teaching over recent years, but still the kinds of problem set for discussion or coursework can be artificial and invented specifically to chime with the syllabus rather than the modern world.
In my opinion, one of the most important qualities we need to inculcate in our schools is enthusiasm for the subject, and this applies whether its maths or something else.
Admittedly there have been useful advances in this area of teaching over recent years, but still the kinds of problem set for discussion or coursework can be artificial and invented specifically to chime with the syllabus rather than the modern world.
In my opinion, one of the most important qualities we need to inculcate in our schools is enthusiasm for the subject, and this applies whether its maths or something else.
The very small percentage of our pupils who are mathematically gifted and may well go on to study the subject at University and possibly become noted in their field one day will not have a problem in this respect. They will quickly see the shape and meaning of abstract concepts. I am more concerned with helping the vast majority who find maths strange, difficult, or even dislikeable. Given the correct encouragement I'm sure that many of these could become competent if not brilliant mathematicians.
So how do we do this?
In a nutshell, by two principal strategies:-
1. By harnessing their interest, showing how maths is relevant to some important activity in today's world (e.g. computing; encryption and security; driving a car; finance)
2. By encouraging them to master a topic or procedure beyond what the syllabus requires, so that they feel they 're 'good at maths'.
Any teaching scheme incorporating these two elements has to be enormously beneficial to the student.
