One of the keys to success in maths at secondary level is having a solid fluency in the foundational maths skills that are taught in primary school. Too often, students do not get sufficient practice at the different basic skills and so lack confidence needed to tackle the more complex ideas that appear in secondary mathematics and beyond. Students feel that they are “no good at maths” and opt for pass maths.
Maths skills build one on top of the other starting with addition and subtraction and onto multiplication, division, and division with remainders. Mastering maths is similar to mastering the piano: the growth of each skill is gradual and cumulative, each new improvement being built upon earlier achievements. It is only when the core skills are sufficiently secure that the student can proceed onto more complex computation in fractions, decimals, percentages, and algebra.
Feeling confident at these central skills means students are not afraid to meet the more complex mathematical ideas. To acquire this competency needs practice – the same as practice in music, sport, languages or reading. The key is little and often - important information is repeated in a cycle and can be accurately repeated by the student.
If you are wondering about your own child’s ability at maths you can book a free assessment (with no obligation ) to see just where his/her strengths and weaknesses lie. FCL Galway has centres open in Oranmore and Salthill and Ballinasloe. Phone Frank Murphy PhD on (091 ) 635678 or (086 ) 3724617 to book an assessment. Assessments are strictly on a first come, first served basis.
