Concepts for Everyday Life

Teaching math can be both enlightening and frustrating - often at the same time! Students don't always show a real interest in math, and sometimes have trouble grasping principles and applying them to everyday life.

How can you work with your children or students to increase their understanding of math principles and prepare them for the future? There are many "tips and tricks" used by teachers to get students to perform concepts and equations. These techniques may enable your students to perform an equation correctly, but do your students really understand the concepts?

Not necessarily, according to 1997 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year, George Abshire, a 7th grade math teacher at Jenks Middle School in Jenks. Abshire, finalists for the 1997 National Teacher of the Year, says "Unfortunately, many teachers put emphasis on mindless formulas and do not show students relevancy to everyday life."

"I try to have my students use reason to solve problems, so that they learn the principles of math - not just drills." Abshire suggests using everyday items and things students can actually see and use to teach math. One example that can have numerous applications in the classroom is to have all the students fill out an allowance survey. By taking into consideration several factors, including age, sex and amount, this exercise provides plenty of insight and a wonderful way to teach mean, median and mode. This problem also can show a "glass ceiling" for girls in their allowance - a problem they may continue to face in the future.

The groundwork for success in math is set at an early age and has repercussions throughout a student's lifetime. Students need strong math skills to thrive in today's highly technical and competitive world. New tools are available to assist, but a solid understanding of the principles are essential.

"Computers now allow professionals to depend on them for answers to complex problems," says Tom Carlisle, director of new technology for Phillips Petroleum Company. "But those answers are only as good as the information we put in."

Teachers provide the training for students to succeed in math. It's important that the techniques used to teach aren't just drills, but also activities that teach the concepts that apply to everyday life.