Akhila K R, Senior Coordinator & Secondary Maths Faculty, International Delhi Public School, Kanayannur, Kerala, points out that many of us think mathematics is only about numbers and formulas. But, in reality, it enables us to understand and manage many real situations in everyday life. It also inculcates the ability in us to think logically and make better decisions.
Mathematics is much more than a subject filled with numbers and formulas. It is a mindset that inspires logical thinking, problem-solving ability, and lifelong learning. When students learn mathematics, they are not simply learning how to calculate numbers. Instead, they are developing reasoning skills, curiosity, and the confidence to approach challenges in a thoughtful and structured way. Mathematics empowers students by teaching them how to analyse problems, think step by step, and find solutions.
Overcoming fear of maths
For many students, mathematics appears to be a difficult and intimidating subject. Often, children develop a fear of mathematics from a very young age. In many cases, this fear does not begin with the subject itself but with the environment in which it is taught. Some students feel afraid of their teacher, and gradually that fear becomes associated with the subject. As a result, mathematics begins to look like a huge and complicated topic that they cannot handle.
Another important reason why students struggle with mathematics is the lack of strong basics. Just like a building requires a strong foundation, learning also requires a solid base. If a building does not have a proper foundation, it will eventually collapse. In the same way, when students do not understand the basic concepts of mathematics, they find it very difficult to understand advanced topics later. As they move to higher classes, the subject becomes more complex, and without strong fundamentals, learning becomes frustrating and overwhelming.
This problem is not limited to mathematics alone; it can happen in any subject. However, it becomes especially visible in mathematics because each concept is connected to the previous one. When students miss the basics, they feel lost and unsure about how to begin solving problems. Yet, when we observe the world around us, it becomes clear that mathematics is everywhere in our daily lives. Mathematics is universal. It exists in every aspect of our routine, whether we realise it or not. For example, when we look at a clock, we are dealing with numbers and time calculations. When we plan to travel somewhere, we estimate how long it will take to reach our destination. We might say that we will arrive in five minutes or ten minutes. This process of estimating time is a simple example of mathematics in daily life.
Similarly, whenever we make decisions, we often analyse the advantages and disadvantages of a situation. This logical way of thinking is closely related to the skills developed through mathematics. If we face a problem at school or in our personal lives, we naturally begin to think about possible solutions. The ability to analyse a situation and work towards a solution is strongly influenced by mathematical thinking. In this way, mathematics trains our minds to think logically and systematically. It encourages us to approach problems calmly and rationally.
Step-by-step learning
When we talk about mathematics as a mindset, we are referring to the habit of thinking step by step. Mathematical thinking encourages us to break a problem into smaller parts and solve each part carefully. This approach can be applied not only to mathematical questions but also to many situations in life. Consider the example of preparing for an examination. For many students, exams themselves feel like a major problem or challenge. However, if they approach the situation logically, they can manage it effectively.
First, they need to collect their notes and study materials. Then they can plan their study schedule and begin learning each topic gradually. While studying, they may face difficulties or feel discouraged at times. They might think that they cannot understand a particular concept or that they will not succeed in the exam. However, the key principle of mathematical thinking is persistence. Instead of giving up, students should try again and continue working step by step. They can look for easier methods, discuss with teachers or friends, and explore different ways to understand the topic. By analysing the situation and trying different approaches, they eventually find a solution. This logical and systematic approach reflects the influence of mathematics on our thinking process.
Logical planning skills
Mathematics also helps us develop several important skills such as planning, organisation, decision-making, and problem-solving. For instance, imagine that we are planning a trip. Before starting the journey, we carefully plan everything. We decide where we want to go, calculate the distance from one place to another, and determine how long the journey will take. We also decide how we will travel, whether by car, train, or another means of transport. In addition, we think about how many people will be travelling and what places we want to visit once we reach our destination. This entire process involves planning and organisation.
A similar process occurs when solving a mathematical problem. When we see a question, we first try to understand which chapter or concept it belongs to. Then we plan the steps required to solve it. We decide which formula or equation should be applied and organise our work accordingly. Another important skill developed through mathematics is making smart decisions. During a trip, we might look for ways to reduce expenses or choose a more convenient route. In mathematics, we often face similar choices. A problem may have several methods of solution. Some methods are lengthy and complicated, while others are shorter and more efficient. By thinking carefully and using logical reasoning, we can choose the simplest and most effective method to reach the correct answer.
Mathematics also resembles solving puzzles in real life. Some problems may appear difficult at first, but once we begin analysing them step by step, they become much easier to understand. The same principle applies to challenges in daily life. If we approach them calmly and logically, we can often find practical solutions.
Mathematics also encourages curiosity and prepares us to face new challenges. It plays a crucial role in many fields, including science, technology, engineering, and economics. In fact, most academic disciplines rely on mathematics in one way or another. Without mathematics, scientific research and technological development would be extremely difficult. Mathematics forms the foundation upon which many other subjects are built.
More importantly, mathematics encourages curiosity. Whenever students begin a new chapter, they often feel curious about what they are going to learn and how the topic connects to real life. This curiosity motivates them to explore further and deepen their understanding. For this reason, mathematics can truly be considered one of the most beautiful subjects. It not only develops intellectual skills but also prepares individuals to face real-life challenges with confidence.
Ultimately, mathematics is closely connected to our mindset. If we believe that mathematics is impossible or too difficult, we will struggle to learn it. However, if we approach it with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn, the subject becomes much easier. A positive mindset helps us think better, learn better, and live better. Mathematics develops logical reasoning and problem-solving skills that are valuable not only in academic studies but also in real life.
From fear to success
I would like to share my own story as an example of how mathematics can transform our mindset. Today, I am a mathematics teacher. Many people assume that I must have been excellent in mathematics since childhood. However, that was not the case. Until the ninth grade, I was only an average student in mathematics. In fact, I even received a C grade in the subject during that time. The main reason was not that mathematics was too difficult for me. Instead, I realised that I had developed a fear of my teacher, and that fear gradually affected my attitude towards the subject.
When students feel afraid in the classroom, they often lose confidence and interest in learning. That was exactly what happened to me. Later, I decided that I needed to overcome this fear. I made a conscious decision to face the subject rather than avoid it. Instead of starting with the most difficult chapters, I began with the easier ones. When I solved those problems correctly, I felt a sense of achievement. This small success made me happy and gave me confidence. Gradually, I began to believe that I was capable of understanding mathematics. Once my confidence increased, I started tackling the more challenging chapters. Previously, I would avoid them completely. But now I faced them with determination.
I used different learning resources, read textbooks carefully, and practised regularly. Slowly but steadily, my understanding improved. The subject that once frightened me eventually became my favourite. I started scoring higher marks, and my confidence continued to grow. Eventually, I chose mathematics as my field of study and completed both my graduation and post-graduation in the subject. Later, I realised that teaching mathematics was my true passion. Today, I am proud to be a mathematics teacher. My journey taught me an important lesson: often, the biggest obstacle in learning is fear. Once we decide to face our fears with determination, success becomes possible.
In my own career, these skills helped me grow from a mathematics teacher to a senior coordinator in my school. Whenever I face challenges in school management or academic planning, I rely on logical thinking and structured problem-solving. These abilities come directly from my experience with mathematics. Therefore, mathematics is not merely a subject taught in classrooms. It is a powerful tool that shapes our thinking, strengthens our reasoning abilities, and prepares us for the challenges of life.
Creating supportive classrooms
As a teacher now, I believe that the classroom environment plays a very important role in shaping students’ attitudes towards mathematics. Students should not feel afraid of their teachers. Instead, teachers should create a friendly and supportive atmosphere. When students feel comfortable, they are more willing to ask questions and express their doubts. In my classroom, I try to build a friendly relationship with my students. I encourage them to ask questions freely and share their thoughts. I also try to connect mathematical concepts with real-life examples so that students can understand their practical relevance.
For example, when I introduced trigonometry to my tenth-grade students, I used a scene from a Tom and Jerry cartoon. In the scene, a woodpecker calculates the height of an electric pole to help save Jerry’s life. By showing this example, I demonstrated how trigonometry can be applied in real-life situations. Since cartoons are familiar and enjoyable for students, they became curious about the concept. This curiosity made the learning process more engaging and meaningful.
Another important aspect of teaching is encouraging students even when they make mistakes. Learning is a process, and mistakes are a natural part of that process. In my classroom, if I make a small mistake while explaining something, I encourage students to point it out. I accept their corrections and thank them. This approach helps create a positive learning environment where both teachers and students feel comfortable learning from each other.
We should not treat mathematics as a subject. We have to view it as something that helps us connect with everything in our real lives. Once that is developed, the students will develop the mindset that they can approach the teacher for any of their doubts. They should not be dependent on the teachers for revision of the subject. We skip some parts of the subject from revision, and we inform the students about it and ask them to prepare for the portion all by themselves. They will start working on the type of questions from that portion and how to solve them. We have to assign work to them from real life, such as finding the height of the building, doing a survey, and they will learn to approach things positively. They will develop logical thinking skills. The textbooks are only to cover the portion for the exams. The students need to be involved in real-life situations.
Teachers should learn to teach with enjoyment; it should be a passion, and not for money. This will have an impact on children only when they are involved with an interest, improve the students’ character, and will create a bond with teachers. Only then will the school life of both teachers and students be peaceful and pleasant.
Integrating technology and subjects
Most of the schools now have a digital board. We mix the worksheets, help them learn from videos related to the subject, and the teachers can also make videos on the subject topics and question papers. The students can use it as a reference. We use different tools and things available on digital boards. The students will be attracted by these tools, and they will start understanding things better.
We can easily integrate maths with subjects such as physics, where if we want to find the velocity of a thing, we can solve the equation using maths by applying the values. In chemistry, we also work on equations, balancing chemical equations, where we give numbers to balance the reactants and products. So such subjects can be integrated with mathematics.
Strengthening basic understanding
Most of the students have a problem with understanding the basics of mathematics. So, it is the teachers’ duty to create a bond with them, bring a closeness with them closer, so that they can approach the teachers for any help or problem. Then they will open up to the teachers, discuss their problems, and get a solution. I always focus more on such students. I talk to their parents also and convince them not to pressure them. They will improve gradually. This will make both the parents and students feel comfortable with the teacher. When we solve the problems and get the correct answer, we are happy that we are doing it the right way. We get the happy hormone in us, encouraging us to do more. Age does not matter with regard to teaching or knowledge in mathematics. It is how we handle the position. We start working towards precision, maintaining proper time and manner. This attitude works well for most of us.
Contact details
Akhila K R
Senior Coordinator & Secondary Maths Faculty, International Delhi Public School, Kanayannur, Kerala
M: 8281193920
E: akhilakr42@gmail.com