Beyond the Classroom: The Real-World Impact of Maths

“Maths seems pointless unless I want to be an astronaut or scientist one day. It’s such a struggle for me that honestly, I don't see the point in trying. I'll just scrape through and focus on a career where I won't have to deal with numbers. After school, I doubt I'll ever need it again!”

Does this mindset sound all too familiar? Are your conversations about Maths with your child full of dread, perceived difficulty, and reluctance to approach the subject? As parents and caregivers, life’s experiences have taught us that Mathematics holds a relevance that extends far beyond the narrow confines of career aspirations in space or laboratory settings.

From mastering financial literacy to optimising time management and shaping career choices, Mathematics is undeniably a cornerstone of critical life skills. This rings especially true against the backdrop of South Africa, where as of 2023, the unemployment rate reached a record high. Here, the foundations of a strong career and the confidence to confront Mathematical challenges mean more than simple academic goals—they are essential tools for navigating a challenging economic landscape and surviving life.

However, this article isn’t about merely pointing out the problem. Instead, it delves into Teach Me 2’s distinctive approach: one that aims to get your child’s confidence back, nurture a passion for Mathematics, tackle the fear around it and ultimately empower them to take control of their future success. In essence, it’s about placing the power back into their hands. Rather than avoid Maths, students who learn to embrace it will have a future of unlimited possibility. Here’s how we do it!

Maths is unavoidable—and that is a good thing!

Disliking or fearing Maths can turn it into a looming monster you'd rather avoid at all costs. It might be easy for students to dodge their Maths homework, or scrape through exams but once they step into the 'real world,' that monster starts knocking on their door!

Mathematics can be found in every corner of life. Shifting our mindset toward it can transform it from a pesky subject full of algebra and graphs into a valuable skill set. We'll lean on these tools for career choices, big decisions (like marriage and home buying), and even mastering time management.

Furthermore, embracing Maths with confidence at school sets students up to tackle life’s puzzles effectively. They’ll excel at problem analysis, breaking down complexities, spotting patterns, and using logical reasoning to crack solutions wide open.

George, one of our most qualified tutors and an experienced actuary and numbers expert, advises that excelling in Maths requires a relaxed attitude towards the subject and consistent practice. "Picking up your favourite topics first is a way to boost confidence and then start building on that confidence in other areas," he adds. "By far the most effective way to improve is to practice as much as you can—the more questions you try out, the better your chances."

In Malcolm Gladwell’s book "Outliers," he highlights how common it is that people give up on solving a Mathematical problem after just a few minutes, resorting to checking the memo for a quick answer. In contrast, those who excel in Mathematics dedicate much more time to grappling with the problem independently. This persistence is a skill that anyone can develop simply by embracing the challenge and trying. Training your brain to confront and conquer these challenges not only builds skills and confidence within the realm of Mathematics but also sets a foundation for problem-solving that extends far beyond numbers.

While it’s true that most of us won’t encounter advanced Mathematical problems in our daily lives, the perseverance and problem-solving mindset cultivated through Mathematics are invaluable. These qualities extend beyond equations and shape our ability to confront challenges in any area of life.

Numbers unlock your potential:

Drawing on these skills, you might not immediately connect solving Maths problems to excelling as a graphic designer or communications manager, for example. If your child dreams of becoming a marine biologist, you might wonder how diving in the ocean relates to acing Maths exams. But here’s the secret: keeping your options open is key. Many careers incorporate Maths in some form, and its importance is only growing in today’s competitive job market.

Maths is a key component of careers in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) field. This education isn’t just about promising lucrative careers, global opportunities, and early retirement—it’s also about adapting to the future job market. Countries like the US, Ireland, and New Zealand are paving the way for STEM graduates to thrive, with higher earning potentials. For instance, recent research indicates that in South Africa, chemical engineers with STEM degrees earn an average salary of R603,999, with civil engineering and computer science graduates close behind at R577,579 and R546,259 respectively.

Empower your child’s future with Teach Me 2

To sum this up (no pun intended), Maths isn’t just a classroom hassle—it’s your secret weapon for tackling life’s puzzles with confidence. Embrace the numbers, and you’ll find yourself equipped to follow your dreams!

At Teach Me 2, we’re here to turn your dreams into reality. Our team of experienced, top-tier tutors spans South Africa, boasting postgraduate degrees in STEM fields and beyond. Even young doctors are on hand to help students excel!

Whether it’s through personalised one-on-one tutoring or our new online classrooms—led by teachers with an average of 20 years experience in renowned schools—we offer tailored solutions starting at just R290 a month for Matric and Grade 11 students focusing on Maths and Physical Science revision.

Chat with us today and let’s help your child reclaim their confidence and their future!