The ability to develop thinking is not only thanks to math

Don't expect too much.

According to Dr. Nguyen Chu Gia Vuong (Vietnam Institute of Mathematics), the current reality shows that teaching mathematics in general schools is causing many parents to worry because the study time is long, the amount of knowledge is heavy, but the teaching is in a routine way. Students' learning is mainly solving exercises with high frequency of repetition. Meanwhile, the nature of teaching mathematics does not mean just teaching students to calculate but must teach students the ability to think logically, analyze, argue, synthesize and solve problems...

The current general mathematics program has the task of developing mathematical abilities for students in accordance with their development, in which thinking and reasoning are among the core abilities.

These abilities are not consistent with the math scores of students in high school or in exams. Wanting their children to participate in activities that increase their thinking ability, creativity, etc. is a legitimate demand, a correct way of thinking for parents. However, Dr. Vuong believes that parents should not expect too much from the ability to help their children develop thinking ability just by studying math better. Of course, math is the subject where thinking ability is easiest to practice, especially for countries that do not have many economic conditions. But it is not the only subject that helps practice thinking. People can learn thinking through other subjects and other activities. For example, literature is also a subject that is very helpful in developing thinking.

Therefore, if parents do not focus on short-term goals in educational activities (such as achieving high scores in tests and exams), but want to train their children's thinking, then let them participate in activities in the form of clubs, in different fields. It could be a math club, or a physics club, or a chemistry club, or an information technology club..., or more generally, such as learning about natural sciences, life sciences... Participating in any activity depends on the student's inclinations, strengths, and interests; do not be prejudiced that learning this or that subject is good.

Should study the current math program firmly and well

According to Dr. Tran Nam Dung, lecturer of mathematics education, Faculty of Mathematics and Information Technology, University of Science (VNU-HCM), the centers that teach thinking mathematics in HCMC generally have their own philosophy, programs and subjects, and are licensed to operate. The basic problem is that the centers must fulfill their commitments to customers. Because there is still a situation of teaching "lacking thinking" mathematics, extra classes outside of school always have students. But no one is sure whether the centers that teach thinking mathematics can help students solve the problem of "lack of thinking" or not.

Many parents send their children to mental math classes.

However, Dr. Dung also stated that the current general mathematics program has the task of developing students' mathematical abilities in accordance with their development, in which thinking and reasoning are among the core abilities. The general mathematics program is designed scientifically and consistently. Therefore, the first thing to do with mathematics is to study mathematics well and firmly in school. Extracurricular lessons outside should only be supplementary, enhancing, and creating more interest for students.

"A piece of advice for parents (when letting their children study extracurricular activities) is to choose programs with a clear roadmap, output standards, study once a week, and not create additional pressure for students. Parents should also refer to the curriculum and it is best to spend time studying with their children. Interaction and question-and-answer processes are essential for the development of thinking," Dr. Dung shared.

However, the problem is whether parents are qualified enough to help their children develop their thinking when studying with them, when they may not understand the nature of the lessons that students are taught. Dr. Dung said: "Teaching students to think is the job of teachers, while parents only think and discuss with their children, not teach them. Mathematical thinking is actually very natural, so with the primary school program, if parents cannot learn with their children, it means that the program has problems (because it is too difficult, too complicated)".

Source link: https://thanhnien.vn/kha-nang-phat-trien-tu-duy-khong-chi-nho-vao-mon-toan-18523060401491806.htm