If a person feels incompetent, confused and frustrated about a skill or activity, interest in that activity will quickly disappear. The loss of interest increases the confusion and frustration until all interest is lost and learning ceases. This often happens with the current methods of teaching basic math.

When learning to ride a bicycle, only the minimal actions are learned at first which are steering, pedaling, stopping and balancing. These actions give the ability to function at a basic level and derive the benefits of this practical activity. Confidence is gained with the continued use of these practical activities which leads to continued practice, improvement, knowledge and increased skill. Basic math could be taught in a similar fashion.

Math study should begin in the simplest way possible that leads to solid practical skills. In everyday life, almost everybody uses a calculator rather than hand calculation. More advanced computations are also done with calculators, spreadsheets and math software. Beginning math education should adopt the same methods that are commonly used in everyday life. The only math skills that should be studied at the beginning levels are those that are useful in everyday life. When these are mastered, students should have the basic skills, confidence and interest to learn more advanced math.

These basic lessons could be taught in less than 1 school year and provide two major benefits. Students would have a solid set of skills that will be directly useful in everyday life. The material only deals with the basic math skills and facts and so will be easy to master for all students. Early success in mastering these lessons will result in improved confidence which will lead to increased interest in learning more about math. The program should also help students who are lost and confused about math to gain a solid foundation. It would also be a good review tool for people who had been away from math courses for a time.

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