Understanding Underachievement in Mathematics

Mathematics: an important subject

As the world’s dependence on technology has grown, the demand for people who can think in the abstract terms of math and science is also increasing. Particularly, mathematics is often been termed as “gatekeeper” of success. Therefore, schools usually put a great emphasis on learning mathematics. However, many students find it challenging thus underachieve in this subject.

Why students underachieve in mathematics? 

Following are some of the possible reasons for students’ underachievement in mathematics.

Mathematics Subject-Specific:

• Gaps in knowledge and understanding
• Weaknesses in some areas of mathematics compared with others
• Poor understanding of mathematical concepts
• Lack of ability to recall basic number facts
• Unable or unwilling to use a range of mental calculation strategies

Using Mathematics across the curriculum 

• Difficulty in making and using connections within mathematics
• Unable to connect mathematics with real world and/or own interests
• Difficulty in identifying and using patterns to help with calculations and making generalizations
• Difficulties with comprehending the language of mathematical word problems
• Lack images to visualize mathematical situations
• Difficulty in applying knowledge and skills in unfamiliar situations

Thinking Skills and Personal Capabilities 

• Prefer to work within comfort zone on routine activities
• Unwilling to take risks – want to get everything right
• Difficulty in making choices and decisions
• Difficulty in discussing methods and ideas with others, and working collaboratively
• Unwilling to respond to questions

Assessment for Learning 

• Believe mathematics is about “doing work” only – unaware of own learning
• Making little apparent progress in raising achievement

Identifying the accurate cause for poor performance in this subject could help teachers to provide appropriate support in a right direction to the child.