Math is an important subject that is being taught to students from playgroup to high school level. In earlier classes, number systems, fractions and teaching basic arithmetic are the target but as we move on to higher levels of math, we find difficulty in their practical application. Trigonometry, differentials, integrals, limits, sequence, series, probability, inequalities, quadratic equations and many more concepts are taught to students and students do not find their application in practical life.
Secondary classes where mathematical base concepts are being built can take advantage of online tools like fraction calculators online for see step-by-step solutions to their questions. Students who cannot find the real-world application of mathematical concepts and therefore do not create interest in mathematics often find mathematics as a boring and difficult subject to study.
The traditional teaching method of math is solving problems without focusing on underlying concepts and emphasis on procedural knowledge. Students may not be exposed to a wide range of real-world mathematical theory applications. They may struggle to generalize mathematical concepts to new contexts if they do not see a variety of examples.
How to connect math theory with practical application?
It is a common issue for students, teachers and professionals on how to overcome the gap between math theory and application. To understand the real-world importance of mathematical concepts here are a few tips and strategies to address the problem:
- Collect Real-world applications
Mathematics should be taught with real-world scenarios that illustrate the concept being taught. Mathematical concepts have practical applications in fields like science, engineering, economics and everyday life.
- In physics, graphs are widely used to study the relationship between two quantities.
For example: The relationship between distance and time v=d/t gives a velocity.
- Moreover, trigonometry quantities sin, cosine, and tan are used to find the coordinate component of dimensions in defining vectors in multidimensional space.
For example: The x component of displacement A is found by Acos𝛉 and the y component is given by Asin𝛉
- In economic mean, mode, median, and probability are used.
- In engineering the system behavior is defined by the equation of differentials and integrals.
- Algebra is used to find the unknown value.
- Provisional Problem Solving
Teachers should generate an idea or scenario, a framework that relates to student experience or interest.
- It could be linked with other subjects or previous concepts they were taught in earlier classes.
- Often word problems or statements are generated to view concepts in practical world problems. For example, the LCM concept is taught at a basic level but it is a part of problem-solving at advanced level math courses.
- Hand on activities
Hands-on exercises and experiments that show mathematical ideas should be included. This could include manipulatives, experiments, or participation in interactive projects.
Physical experiences can help to improve comprehension and bridge the gap between theory and practice.
- To understand fractions, ask students to bake a cake and describe its ingredients like ¼ cup of milk, 1 cup of flour, and ½ cup of sugar. Describe them in detail. What does that mean? On a basic level, the fraction is easy but as you grow in secondary class addition, multiplication of fraction becomes difficult.
- Students find fraction calculator online a helpful tool in understanding fraction concepts in mathematics and fraction-calculator.net provides the facility to students to enhance their learning.
- Including visuals in the lecture
Students learn better if visuals are involved in class such as graphs, charts, diagrams and simulations to show mathematical concepts. To understand abstract theories visuals provide a concrete way to strengthen the concept of math.
- Visual learning facilitates students’ understanding of concepts by stimulating pictures and influencing their cognitive processes. Indeed, studies demonstrate that we process pictures much faster than text.
- Like in defining fractions or percentages visuals in pie chart form can represent part of the whole which is a definition of the fraction. Complex fractions solving is difficult like adding proper and mixed fractions with different denominators but a fraction calculator can do it in a few seconds.
Conclusion
Mathematical concepts become interesting to understand if few strategies are adopted by our teachers. The use of multimedia visuals provide ease in understanding like fraction and percentages are easily understood by charts. On the internet various simulations, graphing and problem-solving calculators like fraction calculators are available. Integration technology has provided ease in bridging the gap between real-world problems and theory.
