I first became interested in mathematics in elementary school. How? Because someone else knew how to multiply and tell time and I couldn’t, which bothered me a great deal. When I got home and told my mom, she asked if I really wanted to learn. I said yes. She said okay and walked out. Next thing I know, the 0s multiplication table was tacked up on my bedroom wall. My mom said I could not go outside and play until I learned that table. One of the worst things you could have done to me when I was a child was keep me from going outside. (To you young folk today, that’s what we did for entertainment.)
Let’s just say, that table didn’t stand a chance. I memorized it (not fully understanding the concept of repeated addition), but I had it. Next day, the 1s went up. Same command. You can’t go play until this is learned. 1s went up and 1s went down (meaning into my head and locked). This continued until I’d satisfied my mother’s standard of learning everything up to the 12s table.
Consider this for a moment. When you use your GPS, multiple routes are usually recommended for getting from Point A to Point B. It is similar with learning mathematics. Your path might be different from someone else’s. As a result, you may get to the final destination at different points in time. You may have to take one or multiple detours. You may have to find a different mode of transportation. Whatever the case, you and only you have to find something inside yourself that says, I can do this.
The tips offered here are not meant to provide an exhaustive list. They are intended to offer a starting point as you consider the best way to strategically navigate your math journey. To me, learning mathematics takes 3 Ps: practice, patience, and perseverance.
So, let’s highlight today’s strategy that can be done prior to entering the classroom.
Take an inventory of your math skills.
Identify your areas of strength and areas that need improvement. Why do this? One quick and easy answer is that if you do not address your weaknesses, then getting better may take longer or you may not reach the ultimate goal. And let me add here: there is no shame in admitting you have a weakness or area to improve because we all do.
Over the years, I have witnessed two big Fs (fractions and factoring) serve as impediments, unnecessarily in some cases, to student success. Let’s take the latter for a brief moment. Factoring is generally taught in Algebra 1, which would be about 8th or 9th grade for some students. You might be amazed to know how many college Calculus students that I have encountered who struggled with this concept.
At this point, someone might ask what is the big deal if a student cannot factor? Well, if that student has several calculus problems to tackle and each one involves factoring at some stage of the problem, then they could waste considerable time performing a skill that should have been mastered earlier. Now, it takes longer to finish each problem and the possibility of frustration can creep in and create doubt.
Back when I was a student, certain skills were drilled into us via worksheets and speed drills. Factoring was one of them. I am not calling for a return to those days. I am simply suggesting that you have to address the symptom so that it does not become bigger than it should.
What are some takeaways?
Parents, this week I would like you to talk to your child about how they feel about their abilities to do math. Maybe it will provide an opportunity for you to share your math story (whether it was good, bad, or indifferent). Also, find a way to assist, if necessary, your child in building their fundamentals. Do not leave it to calculators because in this age of technology, your child will be expected to perform even when the tech doesn’t work, and it will not some days.
Students, this week I would like you to dive into the foundational skills and practice them. Just like the foundation is the most important part of a house, your foundational skills in math are going to serve you well later because they will provide the support for your success.
That’s it for today. See you next week with another strategy to consider prior to entering the mathematics classroom.
MAAP 2 STEM 
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