HOW TO HELP OUR LEARNERS TO EMBRACE MATHEMATICS.
Here are practical, classroom-tested tips teachers can use to make Mathematics easier and less frightening:
1. First, Remove the Fear
Many learners already believe:
> “Math is hard.” “I’m not good at numbers.”
As a teacher:
Stop saying “This is very simple” (when it isn’t for them).
Stop embarrassing learners for wrong answers.
Celebrate attempts, not just correct answers.
Share stories of people who once struggled but improved.
A relaxed learner learns faster.
2. Start From What They Already Know
Before teaching abstraction:
Use real-life examples:
Market buying and selling (very relatable in Nigeria).
Create Shopping Corners in your classrooms.
Sharing food
Football scores
Pocket money
Example: Instead of jumping into fractions:
> “If 4 children share 1 loaf of bread equally, what happens?”
Let them visualize first.
3. Use Concrete → Pictorial → Abstract Method
This is very powerful.
Step 1: Concrete
Use:
Bottle tops
Sticks
Beans
Naira notes (drawn or modelled)
Step 2: Pictorial
Draw it on the board, or guide some of the learners to do the drawing.
Step 3: Abstract
Then introduce symbols and numbers.
Most teachers jump straight to symbols — and that creates confusion.
4. Encourage Talking in Math Class
Let learners:
Explain how they got an answer
Teach their classmates
Work in pairs or in groups
When learners explain, they understand better.
5. Fix the Foundation
Math phobia often comes from:
Poor understanding of:
Place value
Multiplication tables
Fractions
Before moving ahead:
Diagnose weak areas.
Repair them patiently.
Remember, a cracked foundation cannot carry a tall building.
6. Emphasize on “Why”, Not Only “How”
Instead of: “Just cross multiply.”
Explain: Why does cross multiplication work? And why apply it?
When learners understand reasoning, fear reduces.
7. Use Games
Math can be fun.
Examples:
Quick-fire multiplication competitions
Math bingo
Number puzzles
Timed mental math challenges
Even small competitions increase excitement.
8. Change the Language
Instead of:
“You’re wrong.” Say: 
“Let’s check that together.”
Instead of: “You don’t understand.” Say: “Let’s try another method.”
Language shapes confidence.
9. Teach Growth Mindset
Let them know:
> Nobody is born knowing Math. It is a skill — and skills improve with practice.
Remind them: Mistakes mean the brain is learning.
10. As Teachers, We Must Also Keep Learning
I hereby humbly encourage teachers to:
Attend workshops
Watch demonstration lessons
Share strategies among colleagues
Study child psychology (notify me if you need help).
Teaching Math is not just about knowing formulae — it is about understanding how children think.
11. Reduce Speed Pressure
Some learners are slow thinkers — but very accurate.
Avoid:
Rushing the entire class because of the fast ones.
Labeling learners as dull.
Speed improves with confidence.
12. Make Assessment Friendly
Instead of one big scary test:
Use short quizzes.
Use oral questions.
Use practical tasks.
Frequent low-pressure assessments reduce anxiety.
Very Important: The Teacher’s Attitude
If a teacher says:
> “I hate Math.” “This topic is difficult.”
Learners will automatically fear it.
Confidence is contagious. So is fear.
Terhemen Aondoakaa
Zenith Solace Educational Concepts Ltd
09039680147
08033496584
Here are practical, classroom-tested tips teachers can use to make Mathematics easier and less frightening:
1. First, Remove the Fear
Many learners already believe:
> “Math is hard.” “I’m not good at numbers.”
As a teacher:
Stop saying “This is very simple” (when it isn’t for them).
Stop embarrassing learners for wrong answers.
Celebrate attempts, not just correct answers.
Share stories of people who once struggled but improved.
A relaxed learner learns faster.
2. Start From What They Already Know
Before teaching abstraction:
Use real-life examples:
Market buying and selling (very relatable in Nigeria).
Create Shopping Corners in your classrooms.
Sharing food
Football scores
Pocket money
Example: Instead of jumping into fractions:
> “If 4 children share 1 loaf of bread equally, what happens?”
Let them visualize first.
3. Use Concrete → Pictorial → Abstract Method
This is very powerful.
Step 1: Concrete
Use:
Bottle tops
Sticks
Beans
Naira notes (drawn or modelled)
Step 2: Pictorial
Draw it on the board, or guide some of the learners to do the drawing.
Step 3: Abstract
Then introduce symbols and numbers.
Most teachers jump straight to symbols — and that creates confusion.
4. Encourage Talking in Math Class
Let learners:
Explain how they got an answer
Teach their classmates
Work in pairs or in groups
When learners explain, they understand better.
5. Fix the Foundation
Math phobia often comes from:
Poor understanding of:
Place value
Multiplication tables
Fractions
Before moving ahead:
Diagnose weak areas.
Repair them patiently.
Remember, a cracked foundation cannot carry a tall building.
6. Emphasize on “Why”, Not Only “How”
Instead of: “Just cross multiply.”
Explain: Why does cross multiplication work? And why apply it?
When learners understand reasoning, fear reduces.
7. Use Games
Math can be fun.
Examples:
Quick-fire multiplication competitions
Math bingo
Number puzzles
Timed mental math challenges
Even small competitions increase excitement.
8. Change the Language
Instead of:
“You’re wrong.” Say: “Let’s check that together.”Instead of:
“You don’t understand.” Say: “Let’s try another method.”Language shapes confidence.
9. Teach Growth Mindset
Let them know:
> Nobody is born knowing Math. It is a skill — and skills improve with practice.
Remind them: Mistakes mean the brain is learning.
10. As Teachers, We Must Also Keep Learning
I hereby humbly encourage teachers to:
Attend workshops
Watch demonstration lessons
Share strategies among colleagues
Study child psychology (notify me if you need help).
Teaching Math is not just about knowing formulae — it is about understanding how children think.
11. Reduce Speed Pressure
Some learners are slow thinkers — but very accurate.
Avoid:
Rushing the entire class because of the fast ones.
Labeling learners as dull.
Speed improves with confidence.
12. Make Assessment Friendly
Instead of one big scary test:
Use short quizzes.
Use oral questions.
Use practical tasks.
Frequent low-pressure assessments reduce anxiety.
Very Important: The Teacher’s Attitude
If a teacher says:
> “I hate Math.” “This topic is difficult.”
Learners will automatically fear it.
Confidence is contagious. So is fear.
Terhemen Aondoakaa
Zenith Solace Educational Concepts Ltd
09039680147
08033496584