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Everyone has their own experiences and opinions on maths, quite often negative. Whether good or bad, we all know that it can sometimes seem a bit dull. But that shouldn't be the way, nor is it the way! Particularly in this modern day and age, smart, mathematics-based technology is all around us, and you need a certain level of maths to understand it! Some of the most interesting jobs that you can do rely heavily on maths: becoming a doctor, nurse, vet, engineer, scientist, software developer, and so on. Putting a need for maths to one side for a minute though, we must also remember that mathematics isn't just about numbers; adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing them. Maths is also about patterns, too! Therefore, jobs in fashion and design can also benefit from maths skills and actually bring a whole new level of excitement to working with numbers and shapes! Plus, when we consider maths in general, what could be more fun than solving puzzles?! With brain teasers and games like Sudoku, you can have a blast when learning to use numbers cleverly and creatively. Not to mention the educational fun you can have with Lego... keep reading to find out how playing Lego plays a big part in Maths revision for some!
Maths In The Workplace
As we've already stated, maths plays a huge role in numerous professional roles. If you're seeking a career in Finance, then some level of math qualification is required, but you may not necessarily need a degree. Areas you might want to consider are accountancy, actuarial work, investment management, investment banking, and retail banking. Aside from the financial sector, there are industries such as engineering and information technology that can benefit from someone who is good with numbers. Alternatively, different avenues that maths graduates follow include roles like defence and intelligence officer, statistician, operational researcher, academic mathematician, teacher of Maths in a primary or secondary school, or positions within the law, media, business or public sectors. You can see what jobs are out there for maths enthusiasts by visiting a job website. So, what should you do as an adult if you want to re-train or apply for jobs that involve math? Or if you need to learn or relearn certain areas of math or improve your mental maths for any reason? Are there any maths tricks or techniques that can help you get over your fear of the subject? How do you approach maths as a new learner? Do you need the help of a certified teacher? These are just some questions that we intend to answer for you below.
Learn A Second Language: Maths For Beginners Adults
Learning maths is comparable to learning a foreign language since it has its own vocabulary, rules and way of thinking. However, this language is completely international and is the same for every single person on the planet. Even if someone arrives at an answer a slightly different way (think of the competitors on daytime TV show Countdown trying to reach that randomly generated digit with the same board of numbers), the principle of maths stays the same and can't be manipulated like many other languages and subjects, including scientific ones. Just like a language, even if you learn all the vocabulary (or in this case, theorems), it will quickly disappear if you don't put it to use in context. Find a reputable A level maths tutor here.
You can Search to know about some of the best mathematics teacher in Malaysia
Maths isn't a passive subject, you need to actively put in the work to get something out of it. This is why you should never think to yourself, 'I wasn't born good at maths so I never will be'. If you change your mindset, you could unlock many unopened doors in your brain and come to realise that anyone can become a maths genius, in time, if they really try! You also shouldn't listen to throwaway comments from parents or family members saying 'I've never been good at Maths', as this negative thinking can have an influence on you. Normalised negative attitudes towards Maths have led to four in five adults in the UK reportedly having low numeracy levels. Come on, being good at maths isn't such an impossible feat and nor is it something to be embarrassed by (could this stigma about 'maths geeks' be something that puts people off even trying, I wonder?)! While there is evidence to support the common thought that there is a maths gene, scientists say that those with a developed number sense from birth are more likely to be good at maths, not that they are better. Furthermore, more scientists suggest that the biggest obstacle for maths learning is the fear of learning itself! So you need to take a deep breath and just let your brain take you on a journey! It is important to note, however, that no one can simply become a maths genius overnight. Or can they? Scientists believe that the left hemisphere of our brains, where all of the logical thinking takes place, is swarming with activity yet, for many people, this area is closed off for one reason or another. Whether or not we all have genius-like skills lying dormant in our brains is yet to be proven, but there are real-life cases of people who have managed to unlock this life-changing skill and go from an incompetent mathematician to a numbers expert, not unlike those who have suddenly awoken from a coma or trauma and been able to speak another language fluently that they had never learned before. The website Toptenz lists ten people who have gone on to become pros in fields they never had an inclination to pursue before following a head injury, called 'acquired savant syndrome'. While cases are rare and often extreme, it begs the question of whether we all have knowledge of everything just waiting to be unleashed. Surely, there has to be an easier way than almost losing your life to find a key skill though... like taking a pill that makes you better at maths?! We are only joking, of course, because there is no satisfaction in being good at something if you haven't put in the hard work and effort to have made it happen.
Maths is not learnt, it is practised.
So, now that we are back down on Earth, in order to learn how to solve problems with fluency, you'll have to understand the workings of the maths solutions.
Every aspect of mathematics links together. From times tables to algebra to geometry to probability to calculus to arithmetic to triangles to quadratic equations to reasoning, the key to maths mastery is gaining an appreciation of the relationships between different math concepts.
Everyone encounters mathematics at some point. Whether you're an A-level student, an undergraduate, studying for certain exams, or simply looking to improve your maths proficiency, there is a way to get back on top form with maths.
Rest assured, everyone is capable of studying maths!
Private Tuition, Self Study And Basic Maths Courses For Adults
There are many ways to get back into doing maths, but it generally boils down to two options: you either teach yourself or learn math with a teacher.
Teaching Yourself Maths isn't Impossible
If you find yourself needing to study maths without a mentor, or would just prefer to go it alone, don't worry - being a self-taught mathematician is perfectly possible! There are plenty of textbooks and other maths resources that can be easily found on the internet to keep you on track with your mathematics education. Follow video tutorials on Youtube with teachers such as Mr Barton Maths or make use of BBC Skillswise maths guides. You can even find year-long maths courses. Free online maths tutor will help you focus on specific mathematical concepts as they talk you through solutions. E-learning is an excellent way to optimise your learning journey and you can even do it for free! OpenLearn from The Open University offers hundreds of courses of all levels and durations - and you can start whenever you like! Work at your own pace, track your progress and receive a certificate of participation at the end. The Open University is just one example of the many online distance learning organisations, and you can do anything from a free short course to a maths degree! If you decide to pay for a course, you will usually receive video maths lessons with exercises to complete and submit to the teacher. This method of learning doesn't always end with an official qualification, however, you will gain useful math skills and knowledge.
The suitability and flexible schedule of distance learning is making it increasingly popular. Whether you're at university or have a full-time or part-time job, the course works around you.
You could also look for school support websites aimed at helping children with their school subjects as they progress through their academic careers. You can sign up to platforms such as IXL maths (which you have to pay for, but it's only £7.99 a month) or even look at BBC Bitesize Maths. Websites like these often list topics according to the school year and level (year 5 maths or GCSE maths revision for example) so you can have a go at some free maths worksheets and quizzes to see where you are in your learning, as well as set yourself some goals. And if you fancy a maths workout, why not play some free online math games for kids? Maths websites such as Hoodamath and Math Playground offer relevant and fun maths games to help you discover that maths is fun! And if you'd like to practice maths on-the-go, why not have a look for some math games apps for your smartphone or tablet? You can start where you feel comfortable and see how far you'd like to go, from counting and the number line to equivalent fractions and geometric math problems.
Learning Basic Math For Adults with a Teacher
Math's isn't an easy subject if you're just encountering it for the first time but there are tips to make maths easier to learn. Of course, having a logical mind and good problem-solving skills helps. However, not everyone has a 'mathematical mind'. Some people are more creative and tend to think outside of the box - but this isn't an issue since, according to Professor Jo Boaler, anyone can train their brain to think mathematically! The best mindset for learning is a positive one.
So how do you get in touch with someone who is qualified to teach maths? There are several options:
- Look for classes in local schools, colleges and universities: Many educational institutions are used to host math courses during the evenings, so it's worth looking around and seeing what's available near you.
- Go to an adult education organisation: These companies cater exclusively to adults who want to improve their knowledge in a certain area and are quite common in the UK.
- Take night classes: Adult math education doesn't just take place in school, but in town halls, village halls and conference centres too. Math lessons are usually delivered in the evenings to allow people time to make their way from their place of work.
- Get a private maths tutor: There are many different ways to find yourself a one to one tutor depending on whether you want to learn maths online or face-to-face, and what level you wish to achieve. You can look for tutors advertising in local shops and newspapers or use an online platform such as Superprof to find a registered teacher near you.
The advantage to having a private maths tutor is that you have the full, undivided attention of your teacher, and no one else to distract you. When it comes to setting goals, having an educator to guide you can be invaluable since they know what key points you should be working on and how to adapt teaching to your personal learning style. Your maths tutor will assess you and create a tailored learning plan based on your strengths and weaknesses. This aspect of teaching math is vital for many learners of maths who struggle with traditional methods. Unlike organised mathematics courses, with private math tutoring, you can go at your own pace and not worry about asking silly questions in front of your classmates.
Superprof: Teaching Maths For Adults Privately
Superprof, a leading platform for tutors and students to connect and form working partnerships, offers a user-friendly website on which you can instantly locate tutors offering maths tutoring services in your area, as well as those who are able to offer remote online tuition. There are close to 60,000 tutors listed online who can help you electronically or via video call with your maths concerns. With prices starting from just £5 per hour, you can find someone who can meet your needs and get you moving forward with your math lessons. Some are mathematicians, some are qualified teachers, whilst others are individuals who are talented with numbers and want to pass on their knowledge and skills. Be sure to read about your prospective tutor and take advantage of the one free lesson policy so that you can get a feel for their teaching methods and work out if you think you will get along in a professional student-teacher manner. Remember, the cost does not always reflect the person's experience and qualifications but, that said, you do get what you pay for so don't be reluctant to pay for a good tutor and then complain that you haven't learned what you had wanted to! It is important to have a good relationship with your tutor so that you look forward to your lessons with positivity instead of dreading each time you come into contact. If you choose or are forced to pick a tutor who does not live nearby, the chances are that they will set you work by sending you documents, and will also schedule some face to face catch ups via Skype or video call to ensure that you benefit from some face to face time as well as just sitting with your head down in formulas and equations.
Resources for Re-learning Maths As A Mature Student
Relearning maths demands dedicating your time and plenty of willpower. You also need to optimise your workspace for learning and overcoming the fear of maths.
Give yourself the best chance of success in maths by creating the right learning environment. Set aside a space that you can dedicate to learning and get rid of as many distractions as you can. This means putting your mobile phone out of reach and on silent, closing all open social media tabs on your computer, and letting those around you know that you need to be spending time on your studies.
Revision Flashcards
This method of learning not only allows you to understand the content of your math course but will also help you remember important formulae, theorems and maths facts as well as specific maths vocabulary. Flashcards let you consolidate your knowledge by moving away from the textbook and putting things into your own words, drawing diagrams, and creating your own colour-coded system. You can have a set of math revision cards for each topic (such as Pythagorean theorem, trigonometry, differential equations, graphing, polynomial functions, factorising and integration), or for each level of your learning plan. This method is useful if you learn visually or by testing yourself, allowing you to add your own definitions and a structure that makes sense to you. Personalisation is the key to success when it comes to revision flashcards and learning in general. A tailored learning plan which is based on your individual learning strategies is the most effective way of making sure you retain important information. You don't need fancy software or even a computer to make these interactive math resources - just some paper and coloured pencils!
Past Exam Papers
Whether you're trying to get back into the swing of conquering maths questions on a regular basis, or just looking at practising a new maths concept, maths past papers are a great way to get to grips with exam question format. Past maths test papers are an invaluable revision resource. You can find them on the website of every major exam board including AQA, Edexcel, and OCR. Working through exam papers can help you prepare for the real thing, as you get to know what each board is looking for and how they tend to word problems. Past exam papers will also help you spot the key topics of your maths course, so you can know what to expect before you turn over the first page of your GCSE or A Level exam. One of the biggest benefits of using past papers is that you can read the examiners' notes after your attempt to see exactly how an examiner would have responded to your answers. You'll see the extent of the detail required to get that top answer, and you can take a really valuable lesson away. Exam boards also have answer booklets for each paper so you can see how you're improving. And how should I use them? The best way of learning how to tackle certain big maths problems is to practice different questions on the same topic over and over again. This means that you can see what you did right and where you went wrong, so you can do better next time and make answering in a certain way an automatic reaction. It's not enough to just do questions - you really need to understand where the answers are coming from.
Learning Maths Using LEGO
Alycia Zimmerman, a math teacher from New York, uses a simple yet effective method to help her pupils with their number sense.
Learning through methods other than reading and listening to course content can offer a change of scenery and add a fun side to maths.
This creative method that combines maths and LEGO puts forward a positive initiative to teach math in a completely different yet practical way. LEGO can be used to demonstrate basic math such as addition and subtraction, as well as multiplication and division or fractions and decimals. Bringing a playful side to maths can help you appreciate that maths is fun!
Different Ways Lego Might Be Used To Learn Basic Maths For Adults
Here are just some examples of how you or a teacher might use lego pieces to play around with simple Maths theories.
| Method | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Use bricks in single lines | Visual understanding of counting |
| Use bricks in multiple lines or layers | Visual understanding of multiplication |
| Use lego characters | Visual understanding of statistics, groups of numbers, adding and subtracting |
Learning Basic Maths With Puzzles
Mathematical puzzles and brainteasers combine reasoning with numbers, calculations and figures. But it's not all in your head! Brain training is equally good for your entire body and wellbeing. The NHS itself states that "keeping the mind active may have various benefits, including a reduced risk of dementia. In general, it would seem sensible to keep the mind as well as the body active." There are various things that keeping your mind active with cognitive training can do for you, such as:
- Increase your ability to memorise
- Cut down on the risk, and slow the decline, of mental illnesses such as Dementia
- Improve your brain processing speed
- Prevent boredom
- Enhance concentration
Final Tips For Learning Basic Maths for Adults
When learning or relearning a subject that is such an important part of day-to-day and professional life:
- Take your time and make sure you don't miss any details
- Create a designated math zone where you can give questions your full attention
- Develop a pragmatic and logical mindset
- Practice exercises until they become second nature
- Realise that there is only one correct answer to every maths question
And one last piece of advice: don't be tempted to skip sections of your learning programme. Each part of the maths curriculum is important for a different reason, and missing one out puts you at risk of not understanding something further down the line. All mathematical topics are interlinked, so dedicating enough time to learning each one will set you up for success in the future.
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