Mistakes In Math – A Vehicle Of Learning
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We accept that making mistakes is part of learning and growing up, but this is overlooked in math education as a valuable tool for student development. Just like learning to ride a bike, learning math requires taking risks and being prepared to do things wrong. Children need to be encouraged to step out of their comfort zones and take on problems they are uncertain of. Doing so will give them increased confidence both through learning theory and gaining experience in taking those risks. This will help them not only with their math but with their overall education.
The appearance of a student’s workbook is a good indication of how prepared she is to attempt difficult problems. If she is willing to leave mistakes on the page and have another go at the problem, this demonstrates confidence in the topic. Such a child does not see the wrong answer as a failure but merely a step towards getting the problem right. The more aware child will understand that there was an error in her method and that keeping the previous attempt serves to remind her of the correction she made to that method.
The child who feels the need to remove the mistake and only have the perfectly correct solution in their book will have a narrower, less flexible approach to the topic. This second child will be less willing to attempt strange or difficult problems, as they view success as the completed, correct answer. Many times a child with this mindset will erase all their attempts to answer a question on a test, preferring to leave the page blank than risk having an error on it.
Some time ago I taught a grade 7 student who made a particularly strong impression on me. The first time I collected his homework book I noticed that it was filled with nonsense. This child had strung together the numbers, letters and symbols we had been using in class into what resembled sums. This child was a recent migrant with almost no prior schooling and a non-English speaking background. Despite barely being able to add, this child had tried to emulate the work being done in class. He knew he had little knowledge of the subject. But he was prepared to take those risks in order to achieve in the subject.
That was an outstanding effort. This child knew he did not have enough understanding of the topic, but he tried his best and was prepared to be wrong. He was even prepared to risk ridicule in order to learn about the topic. That same child made outstanding progress in math throughout the year and by its end he had almost reached the standard of the other students in the class that had been at school for up to seven years longer than him.
Risk taking in math needs to be both encouraged and rewarded with praise, irrespective of whether such risks produce the correct answer or not. It’s amazing how encouraging a simple “Good effort, well done, now try it this way” comment can be for a child. Making mistakes is not only inevitable but essential in math. Encouraging students to not be afraid of this will help them develop a more positive approach to their education.
Looking for free math resources? Check out the Math Help section of Roger Vanderlely’s website, www.green-planet-solar-energy.com. You may also be interested in reading about finding cheap solar panels to reduce your home electricity bill.
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