The Myth of One “Right” Way in Maths – And Why It’s Holding Your Child Back

8 September 2024/Bettering Youth Team/Exams, Maths

Problem-solving in maths, what is that!? Many of us were taught that there’s only one correct way to solve a problem. Maybe you can still hear your teacher’s voice ringing in your ears, “Do it this way!” While this mindset may have been ingrained in the past, it’s a common misconception that could be holding your child back from reaching their full potential.

At Bettering Youth, we’re all about breaking down these outdated beliefs and helping students discover the power of multiple approaches to Maths. Especially when preparing for the 11+ exams, SATs exams, or even GCSE Maths Exams. This flexibility can make all the difference in your child’s confidence and success.

Multiple Paths to Success

Think about it – when you’re driving somewhere new, there’s often more than one route to take. You could take the scenic route, the faster highway, or the backroads. In the same way, Maths problems often have more than one solution path. And when students understand that flexibility, it opens up their thinking. That’s what problem-solving in Maths is all about!

This isn’t just about arriving at the right answer; it’s about developing problem-solving skills, creativity, and resilience. These are the qualities that don’t just lead to success in Maths but also to success in life. And at Bettering Youth, that’s exactly what we nurture in your child.

Why Does This Matter for Exams?

Exams across the child’s education career are known for their challenge and complexity, often requiring students to think on their feet. By allowing your child to explore multiple methods, they’re building the mental flexibility needed to adapt when they hit a roadblock. They’re also far less likely to feel discouraged when a certain approach doesn’t work right away.

For example, when tackling a word problem, some students might approach it visually, drawing out a diagram, while others might use mental arithmetic or even a process of elimination. There’s no single “correct” method – and that’s the beauty of it! Allowing your child to develop their unique approach means they can find the method that makes the most sense to them, building their confidence in the process.

The Bettering Youth Approach

At Bettering Youth, we encourage students to think outside the box and explore different ways to approach Maths problems. Instead of rigid formulas, we teach them to think critically, to ask themselves, “Is there another way I could solve this?” This ensures deep understanding of the concepts and not simply memorising the formulae.

We see time and time again that when students are given the freedom to explore, they experience a spark of joy and curiosity that makes them want to learn more. They become less afraid of mistakes because they understand that there’s more than one way to work through challenges.

Tips for Parents: Fostering a Flexible Mindset at Home

Wondering how you can support your child at home? Here are a few actionable tips:

Encourage Exploration: When your child is stuck on a Maths problem, instead of guiding them toward a single method, ask them if they can think of another way to solve it.
Celebrate Creativity: If your child comes up with a unique method to solve a problem, celebrate it! Even if it’s not the most efficient, acknowledging their effort will build confidence and creativity.
Ask Open-Ended Questions: Try asking your child questions like, “What do you think would happen if you tried it this way?” or “Can you think of a different approach?” This gets them thinking more deeply about their problem-solving strategies.
Stay Positive: If your child struggles to find a solution, keep the tone positive. Remind them that sometimes it takes trying different methods before finding the one that works best for them. Persistence is key!

Enriching Your Child’s Learning Experience

When it comes to building lifelong learners, it’s important that children understand learning isn’t just about right and wrong – it’s about curiosity, persistence, and flexibility. That’s the key to problem-solving in Maths.

By encouraging multiple methods in Maths, you’re helping your child grow into a confident problem-solver who’s ready to tackle their exams and any challenge that comes their way. Bettering Youth is here to support that journey. Our focus on student wellbeing means we’re as committed to their mental and emotional growth as we are to their academic success.

Let’s help your child discover that Maths is more than formulas and equations – it’s an opportunity to think creatively, approach challenges from different angles, and realize that success isn’t always a straight line.