One of the keys to success in maths 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 lack the necessary fluency and feel that they are “no good at maths”.
Maths skills build one on top of the other starting with addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and division with remainders. 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. 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.
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 to see just where their strengths and weaknesses lie. If you decide to enrol, First Class Learning is offering a free two week trial of its programme.
FCL Galway has centres open in Oranmore and Salthill. Ring Frank Murphy PhD on (091 ) 635678 or (086 ) 3724617 and reserve your assessment now. Assessments are strictly on a first come, first served basis.
