Ever wonder how you could get your child the help he needs in math? The answer you maybe looking for is math tutor software. Such software allows your child to learn at his or her own pace, review topics he may need to reinforce, and do all of this in the comfort of your home. Tutoring software of all kinds is available. Some are more general and focus on grade level, and other software is more specific and focus on a single subject, such as algebra. Whatever the software, it is sure to help your child learn math.
As your child tries math tutor software for the first time, he may review some topics that he already feels he knows. Though he may be tempted to skip such sections, it is best that he follow the software and re-learn those topics. Often times, it is a misunderstanding of the basics that causes problems down the line. It is important to pinpoint the problem areas as soon as possible. Math tutor software may be better the child’s teacher in this respect, because the teacher does not have the time to review all previous topics with the child to pinpoint the origin of misunderstanding, whereas the software does. As a child uses the software, he will gain a better understanding of the subject through learning to soft problems step by step (answers are usually explained step by step) and by repetition. Since most math tutor software titles are loaded with extra problems, he will have the opportunity to practice more.
So, how can your child get the most of the tutoring software? There are a couple of ways. The first is to USE the software. I’ve heard countless parents complain that a new such-and-such package goes completely unused. Sit down with your child and make a specific, realizable schedule. Rather than tell your child “use this math tutor software,” and expect him to run off and become a math wizard, take the time to help him use it. Then, once he gets going and learns to use the software, put aside a set amount of time (one hour is usually good) for your child to use the software on his own. A time limit will prevent him from rushing through.
Another tool that comes with most math tutor software is the games. Kids love games, and they will get more practice on the subject matter the more time they spend with the software. By playing with games on the software, he may learn more without even realizing it. But, it is important to remember that the games should only supplement experience, not dominate it. The bulk of the software should be devoted to learning problem solving skills–learning the fundamentals step by step until they are understood.
So, as you can see there are definite gains to be had from math tutor software. They teach material a child may have had trouble learning in class, they reinforce subject matter through repetition, and they make learning fun for the student. I hope you and your child enjoy using computer software to help you learn more about math.
By: Andrew Tsai
Posts Tagged ‘Repetition’
How Math Tutor Software Enhances Learning
April 13th, 2010Mathematics Concepts and Skills: Repetion in Maths
August 2nd, 2009Over the last couple of decades there has been a decreasing emphasis on the importance of repetition of mathematics concepts and skills in the learning of this subject. The emphasis has shifted more toward thinking skills and “working outside the square”, meaning being able to apply problem solving skills to real life situations. This has been accompanied by an increase in the amount of written material in secondary school math textbooks and a decrease in the amount of repetitive exercises where only the basic mathematical skill is practiced.
This is good in theory, but continually declining standards of mathematics in Australia and the US indicate that this approach to maths is not as good as it seems. The problem lies with its fundamental assumption that students already possess the basic skills needed for problem solving. In maths, it is not possible to “work outside the square” unless one is competent with all the skills contained within the square. For example, a student will not be able to solve a problem concerning the amount of wire needed to fence Farmer Brown’s paddock unless they can accurately calculate perimeter first.
Being able to complete repetitive textbook exercises does not guarantee success in application problems. What it does do is give students the tools they need to tackle problems beyond the textbook. Attempting to solve abstract problems without a solid skill base is like building a house on sand; it is a futile exercise.
This situation can be compared to physical training. One can understand the benefits of being able to build muscle through exercise, but unless you do this you will fail when it comes to the application task of weight lifting. Math works the same way. Repetition of basic skills builds the skill so that it becomes a reflex. When a skill is a reflex it can be applied to other situations. Posessing the skill does not guarantee success in the application, but it does allow for that success.
The role of repetition of basic skills in maths needs to be re-examined in the context of primary and lower secondary education. Without a firm foundation of numeracy skills to build on, students will continue to struggle with maths throughout their school careers.
Roger Vanderlely.
Free math resources and science experiments are available at my website, http://www.green-planet-solar-energy.com. Many of these can be downloaded and saved to your computer for your free ongoing use.
By: Roger Vanderlely
