Some students aged between 13–17 found math to be the most difficult subject.
One of the reasons for finding problem-solving difficult is the short span of focus. Here are some of the common causes due to which students find problem-solving difficult:
Basic Concepts Are Not Clear
The most common problem while learning math skills is a lack of understanding of basic concepts. Math problem solving is the step by step process, if initial steps to solve the problem are not clear, students cannot solve a complex problem. Think of math as building construction, if the base of the building is not strong, the building can fall apart. Similarly, if students' basic concepts are not clear, they will not be able to solve complex problems. For e.g. In order to take square on a number, students need to know multiplication.
Lack of Practice
Many students don’t spend enough time practicing maths problems. Even students can understand the concept, but lack of practice will lead them to forget the concepts.
Sometimes students feel like they understand the concept during the lecture, but while solving the problem they find it difficult to solve the problem. It’s important for students to understand a problem then solve it on your own, and practice it weekly/monthly.
Focus Problem
Some students may have an attention disorder, these students find difficulty in paying attention in class. Students with attention disorder (ADHD) hardly understand instruction to solve a problem, As a result, they miss important steps in the problem-solving process and later struggle with math when trying to solve problems on their own.
If the student is struggling with all these conditions, parents/teachers should pay more attention to the student.
Teaching Method
In math, one problem can be solved with many techniques. Teachers should use the technique that is easy to understand or more procedural so that students can grab that concepts step by step. If concepts are linked with real-world problems, it will be easy for students to understand the problem. Teachers may use visual methods to elaborate on problems with students. If students are not understanding concepts easily, try to change the technique to solve the problem.
