What made Math most people's most hated subject? How do you feel about your Math classes?

Question

I am a teacher here in the Philippines in the field of Mathematics. It is quite frustrating that most of my students do not appreciate the value of learning this subject. It is not uncommon that I would hear wise cracks about how they find no use for it in the real world.

Answer 1

I enjoyed math and still do, so I really can't say why people hate it so. I hear a lot of people claim that certain knowledge is useless because you don't use it in the "real world". I don't agree with that attitude. Math does give you a different way of looking at the world. Problem solving skills are useful in every aspect of life.

Answer 2

That is "Math Anxiety" a feeling of intense frustration or helplessness about one's ability to do math. It is undeniable that many students have failed in math and they considered it as the most difficult subject. As a result, mathematics became the most-hated subject which also made math teachers as the least favorite to a large number of students.

Honestly, I admit that mathematics my favorite subjects in school. I am very good at it, in fact i tutor algebra. I love math because of the lessons and values I've learned from it which are applicable to real life. The truth is that I realized how significant math is to my life and to each and everyone of us.

Math anxiety affects a lot people at one time or another, but it is a barrier we can overcome. With determination and a positive outlook – and a little help – you will accomplish things you once thought impossible.

Answer 3

Since I was a kid, I already enjoyed my Math classes. It is my all-time favorite subject. However, even if the subject is hard (yes, I admit it), it doesn't stop me from trying my best to do better. I mean, that's the challenge, to do good even if you know it is hard. I bet many students hate Math because they want just to memorize stuff and make words stick to their minds. Mathematics is about skill and technique to apply various concepts. Every little detail in this subject might apply to a more complex concept. Once you learn something, you must not unlearn it because it is still useful unlike other subjects that discuss totally different topics.

People want to do things the easy way. Memorizing concepts word by word has always been one of the easiest things to do. On the other hand, application and analysis are found in different level of difficulty. It requires practice. Much, much practice!

I love math because I love the challenge. A failed long test does not bring me down. Instead, it boosts me to do better.

People should be optimistic and at the same time learn to practice the science of numbers! (^^,)

Answer 4

I don't exactly hate Math. But I'm not crazy about it either. I guess those who curse the subject cannot understand why they should learn all those topics when they wouldn't actually use sine and cosine when going to the grocery or something. Also, it needs a lot of practice and even if you memorize all the formulae, problems in exams can be very unpredictable and complicated. And since the only things you can memorize in Math are the formulae and most thinking would have to be done on your toes when taking a Math test, students become frustrated because most of them would rather memorize facts for a test than do a lot of critical thinking during the test itself.

Answer 5

This fact is undeniably right! It's really true among most of the students that Math is their worst/least favourite subject, but however, some consider this as their favourite. Only a small number of people appreciate the significance of Math not only academically, but also practically. A wide range of people that I know(including myself), dislike Math because we really find it difficult and so head aching. Especially all those problems and stuffs. Even just by learning the topic, it takes a lot of our time. It needs a lot of effort being put to it, and requires the main process - thinking. On the other hand, some who already have the talent on it shows no adversity or whatsoever a normal student does. If you already have the talent - you're rally lucky, but if you don't, you need to do your part. Exert much effort not just in learning, but also in thinking and solving. In the end, it's also us who will gain a lot, more than we've expected - it trains us to think rationally and to endure patience.

Answer 6

Hm truthfully, Math is one of my favorite subjects. I think the reason people don't appreciate Math is because it is a very difficult and frustrating class for most. Even I, admittedly find it very frustrating, but I also find it challenging. And yes, it also because it is hard to find a connection to the real world that Math is gone unappreciated.

But I find that shows, such as Numb3rs are aimed at giving a better appreciation of mathematics, though it is mostly aimed toward the older generation rather than the children.

Answer 7

People hate Math because it is stereotyped to be hated anyway. Moreover, i can say that it is quite complicated compared to other fields since it includes analytical and cognitive skills for one to be able to completely understand and answer the problems. In other words, all the other subjects are put into play, i.e. use of the language to trick the students, self-discipline to practice and practice, and the like.

My Calculus professor told us that learning Math is not for us to master the operations per se, but it also teaches us good work ethics like discipline.

I do not fear my math classes. Sometimes, it's just psychological. People tend to think that math is hard that's why they cannot focus; making them more frustrated in the process.

My tip is: Just love Math and Math will love you back!

haha:)

Answer 8

Based from my personal experiences,there are (2) reasons that we have to look into as to why it has become a major problem for most students to appreciate Math:
1.The stigma/preconceived notion that has been attached to Math teachers as -strict,rigid and apathetic,most especially to slow learners;thus affecting the students attitude toward the subject.
2.The teaching attitude and method of Math teachers should not only be based from their own vantage point of view,but should also be based from the students' perspective of learning the subject.

If I were a Math teacher,I would prioritise a more detailed explanation to anticipate every possible question,and not just simply rely on rote memorisation of formula's.

Answer 9

I admit I used to hate Math before, good thing that was only a thing in the past. One reason why people hate the said subject is that they hear negative comments from other people. We, as Filipinos, value others' opinions a lot. So when we hear a groan or a complaint when asked how he/she sees Math, he/she apply that notion to himself/herself and slowly begin to think that the subject is difficult to pass or it's for extremely bright people only. Another reason is that they think that studying or mastering it wouldn't be any use in the world. People have different careers they want in life. For example, I dream of becoming a TV reporter. What do I need Math for? Something like that. However, these common notions can still be changed by the proper teaching and guiding by both teachers and parents. But of course, with persistence, one can love Math when he/she puts those notions aside and enjoy it. With this attitude, one can excel and overcome this waterloo.

Answer 10

a lot of time math doesnt really work in the real world. and other times its like why would i need to do it the math way when i can easily just measure or something. for example my calc ab teacher last year made us drive and record the speed every min or so to show that if you integrate using trapezoid rule you should get your distance and while that does work why would you really do that when u have the technology to just tell u how far you traveled.

while i dont think you need that much math to survive, simple mathamtics is useful in everyday life for things such as cooking and tax and such. but when it comes to higher math...it seems pretty pointless unless you go into engineering

yet math is my favorite subject. I am going to finish high school with a total of 7 credits for math.