Mathematics poses challenges for many students, with recent studies highlighting a decline in proficiency. A TikTok math teacher revealed a 21-point drop in student performance from 2018 to 2023, prompting questions about educational practices and parental roles. Key struggles arise in sixth grade, particularly with fractions and negative numbers, which can hinder confidence in high school. Emphasizing foundational skills, the teacher advocates for consistent practice to bolster mathematical understanding and success.
Mathematics is a struggle for many students, a fact supported by recent studies assessing math proficiency across various educational levels, from middle school to high school. The belief that we possess an inherent math gene is fading; it appears that mathematical skills are not predetermined by our genetics. Instead, many of us grew up believing we fell into one of two categories: the scientifically inclined or the literarily skilled, often with a hint of bias against the latter.
Recently, a well-respected math teacher on TikTok shed light on the alarming statistics regarding student performance in math. According to the latest findings from the International Programme for Student Assessment (PISA), there has been a significant decline of 21 points between 2023 and 2018. This raises important questions: Is the educational system to blame, or do we need to reflect on our roles as parents? At what point do we lose our mathematical abilities?
Curriculum Challenges May Not Be the Culprit
Lucas Markarian, known online as Lucasmaths4, teaches math in southern France and believes that the curriculum is designed to support student success on PISA assessments. He explains to Figaro Étudiant, ‘In sixth grade, students revisit several concepts from middle school, including essential geometry and basic arithmetic, which typically do not present major challenges.‘
However, there are critical junctures where students begin to struggle. Markarian identifies three key moments in their academic journey, with the first occurring in sixth grade. He notes, ‘As soon as fractions are introduced, many students find it increasingly difficult.‘ This is the stage where the distinction between ‘strong’ and ‘weak’ math students begins to emerge.
Key Moments of Division in Math Skills
While some students manage to grasp geometry concepts such as theorems of Thales and Pythagoras, they encounter significant difficulty with relative numbers and operations involving negative numbers. Markarian adds, ‘When students need to add negative numbers or tackle problems involving factorization and expansion, they tend to struggle. The introduction of functions and vectors can also be confusing.‘ As they progress to high school, particularly in first grade, many students face a final hurdle that leaves them feeling bewildered, even if they once felt confident.
These issues often originate in fifth grade, where mathematical learning builds upon prior knowledge. The teacher points out that this is when students are introduced to literal calculations. He observes that many students do not understand how to compute minus three squared (which equals -9, for clarification). He argues that such calculations are critical for success in advanced math and advocates for more in-depth practice of these foundational skills. As he puts it, ‘They are simply not proficient in calculations.‘ Therefore, to excel in mathematics, consistent practice with literal calculations is essential.