Failure is Not Final
Failure is only final when metal fails, and a structure collapses, or brakes fail, and a disaster ensues. Neither of these scenarios is the scope of this blog. I am talking about failure in terms of academic progression or a test.
No one likes failing; it makes us feel bad. However, it is not the end of the story of learning. Yet, failing is part of the learning process. All ages and all stages of learning involve attempting, failing, reviewing and revising understanding. For example, learning to walk requires multiple layers of coordination and balance. Every child stands, totters, falls and then tries again, every effort applauded until mastery is achieved.
This process is taken for granted in early childhood programs and primary school. The mathematics curriculum is designed in such a way as to revisit topics, to allow students to practice and refine their techniques. There is a need to practice and revise learning, particularly the multiplication tables. Mathematics Tuition often involves reviewing and grounding students in this foundation step. It requires repetition, and if not taught correctly, can put a student a long way behind. Our expert and reliable tutors use a multi-sensory approach, verbalising and moving while consolidating multiplication tables. Once learnt, a student no longer has to use conscious energy to recall the facts.
The education system in Australia has a set curriculum with standards applied and is monitored through the NAPLAN system. We offer preparation programs for these tests. However, as these tests are indicative only, the value is learning how to conduct yourself during examinations. Our reliable and expert tutors know how to set students up for success.
Once students reach secondary school, they are under increasing pressure to perform, and the fear of failure begins to show. Once again, failure is part of the process of learning and need not be equated with disaster. Students need to be resilient and set realistic expectations, as do parents. Examine the failure realistically with full consideration for what is going on at the time. Good value tutoring will help your student work their way around issues, and our affordable tutors can assist a student achieve more.
Mathematics is one area in which failure is seen. Maths tutor Vermont looks at a student’s understanding of foundational concepts and then applies them to the problem at hand. Mathematics is simple to tutor, as mathematical rules and principles never change. Adding will always make things grow. Subtraction will always make items shrink. Multiplication makes things grow faster, and division breaks objects into smaller pieces. Once these four skills are mastered, the applications are endless.
Our world seems obsessed with statistics and probability, but this is only one area of application. Millions are spent each year on games of chance with minimal likelihood of winning, yet people are drawn toward the promise of an easy outcome. Life tends to not work like that. Even those who have had big wins rarely enjoy the spoils for long. They have not learnt how to manage their wealth, yet this is essentially knowing how to do the maths. An experienced and knowledgeable private tutor will teach a student how to work out what statistics shows what and encourage the student in good study habits and time management. Time and money management are mathematical applications.
Statistics and probability grow from a solid understanding of fractions, and to understand those, you need to be able to divide. An agile, flexible brain is of great benefit. Be sure to book an appointment with our reliable and affordable tutors at the first sign of failure in any foundation mathematical functions.