Algebra, geometry, trigonometry are now being taught differently from what you probably remember. Keep an open dialogue with your student about transitions to these upper-level math courses. Common Core is more about investigative learning and understanding a concept completely. Students are required to explain how they came to answers about different questions.
Has your child or student asked ‘why’ when it comes to math? There are strategies to help navigate.
Stay involved with your child’s education even during Common Core math.
No matter how hard it gets, stay involved. Revisit basic concepts, such as addition, subtraction and fractions if your student gets nervous about a new math class. This will make them feel more comfortable about moving forward. There are some practice sites online students can use between tutoring sessions to help with foundation skills.
When Common Core came in, it shifted the focus to include an understanding of everything,” said AmyLee Kinder, who worked as a math specialist at Magic Johnson Bridgescape Academy in Chicago’s Humboldt Park last year. “It’s more about the process to get there. That’s very foreign to how people were taught in the past. It’s more about investigative learning and students going through a scenario and understanding a concept completely.
Laura Lurns · Learning Success expert
Key takeaways
- Modern math classes focus more on the process to the answer, so it is important for parents to ask their child why they got the answer they did.
- Sometimes the reason a kid is nervous about math is because they do not understand a previous concept. The best way to build their confidence back is to go back and help them with basic math.
- Going to a tutor early can really help the child; after all it would be harder to catch up later.
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