When picking classes, parents often worry about whether the classes are suitable for their child. Do advanced math classes really work? Will your child feel more stressed? Choosing the right class for math help is not easy. To help you with this important decision, here is some information on advanced math classes and how they can benefit young learners.
Advanced math classes help students achieve more
Attending additional math classes is effective in enhancing math skills. A study conducted on a math enrichment programme in New York City had 655 students attending math clubs with a trained teacher three times a week. Students were given more advanced math content and math help than their grade level. At the end of the study, findings show that students improved in their math skills and felt more positive about math after attending the programme.
These results show that students can learn better when they are given more advanced math topics. When teachers set the bar high, students meet — and exceed — it.
Advanced math classes help learners build confidence
“It takes a village to raise a child,” the saying goes. One study of math programmes found that advanced math classes can help students who are behind. The study found that students’ anxiety decreased and their confidence increased because they felt less alone learning math in a group. Advanced math classes provide math help so students can achieve and feel more confident about themselves in math class. Confidence can positively influence students to do better and be more motivated to attend classes. The effects can ultimately go far in benefitting learners long term.
Advanced math classes prepare children for PSLE
PSLE is well-known for generating challenging math questions every year. It’ll be important to know how to tackle these tough questions, and this is where advanced math classes come in. The classes target tricky and complex questions and teach students the techniques needed to solve such questions. Come PSLE, and students will feel better prepared to face complicated problems head on without panicking in the face of exam stress.
A holistic approach towards math
Advanced math classes can help students to excel and achieve their goals. There are four key areas that an advanced math class can focus on to bring out the best in your child and provide a holistic learning experience towards math.
1) Adapting math to each learner
Behind every great student taking the PSLE exam is a great teacher. Teachers know that caring about students is just as important as teaching students how to succeed on exams. A study of teachers of special education found that the best accelerated math programmes hire teachers who know how to connect with students.
Khan Academy teachers use videos. Kumon Mathematics teachers teach study skills. Duolingo Math teachers teach how to solve problems using key steps. We — at Spark Math — hire caring and experienced teachers who use all three techniques to create student-centred learning experiences. Our teachers know how to connect with students and provide personalised math help that fits each student’s needs best. When children are encouraged and inspired, they are more confident and perform better on exams.
2) Storytelling for math excellence
A study of a group of 2nd-grade Yup’ik Eskimo students found that students excelled when their teachers included storytelling of traditions and culture in school math. To further enrich the teaching experience, the teachers utilised music, videos, funny stories, and games. The results? Students paid more attention and did better on math tests.
Through the inclusion of stories, this method of teaching helps students to stay motivated to learn. To help our students learn better, Spark Math classes feature animation, videos and music in our content and curriculum. We strive to build a conducive environment best for learning, and for our students.
3) Building critical thinking skills with interactive math help
When learning, it can be important for students to share their thoughts out loud and be engaged in the process. In a study of 79 4th graders in an elementary school in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, students who could share what they knew using online digital tools did better on tests than students who only read a book. Technology can enhance learning further by providing interactive tools for students to share ideas quickly and more conveniently.
4) Providing opportunities to share and learn
Small-group, teacher-led math classes can provide students with more opportunities to learn. In a small-group class, students have more chances to share and present, and teachers are able to provide feedback. This helps them to develop their speaking skills and become more confident. By giving children chances to work with peers their age in safe and caring small-group settings, children make new friends and feel more confident about learning math.
Elevate your child’s learning journey in math
Attending advanced math classes has been shown to help learners become confident and critical thinkers. Most importantly, children get greater exposure to math concepts and more chances to learn.
At Spark Math, we focus on the four key areas above to provide a student-centred holistic approach. Through live teacher-led small group and artificial intelligence-based classes, we teach advanced math so your child is thoroughly engaged in learning — because we believe every child should have the opportunity to reach their greatest potential.
Spark Math online classes are designed for K2 to P4 students. Students can look forward to animated explanations and highly interactive lessons that help them to master math heuristics. Sign up for a FREE trial class to experience Spark Math today!
