Mathematics can be fun and exciting!

Over time, mathematics education has moved towards more relevant and dynamic activities. For example, playing pontoon (a card game) with pretend money, to experience the stacked odds involved with gambling. Or designing and rotating the floor plan of a house using computer software to gain spacial awareness whilst being creative at the same time.

Often in life we use the logical, mathematical part of our brain without even realising it; when making decisions, following instructions, solving problems, organising our day (and others), completing tasks, settling disputes, trying to get others to see reason, and so on.

This sort of thing needs to be mirrored as much as possible in the classroom; students can engage and enjoy maths without even realising how much mathematical activity is occurring. There is much to be said for learning through play and exploration.

If students can first find the joy and satisfaction in learning new skills, then they become more willing to consolidate their skill through practise problems and mathematical exercises. There is also a greater awakening to numeric and algebraic patterns. This leads to fluency in the global language of mathematics.

Just like in our everyday language of communication, the logical language of mathematics has rules and conventions that need to be learned. This is so others can follow and understand our logic, reasoning and train of thought.

Learning a new language can be fun, but it’s not easy; it takes serious dedication.

The fastest growing branch of mathematical language is that of coding and programming. The demand for knowledge and skills in this area is growing rapidly to keep pace with the increasingly complex digital world.

The power of mathematics is evident in all the devices and apps being used everyday. At a more basic level though, we are also using our own mathematical brain powers on a daily basis. The task in maths lessons is to find a dynamic way to develop this high order sequential and systematic brain activity.

If we start with the fun stuff and recognise this deeper purpose of developing our minds, then hopefully the motivation for studying maths will follow. We are all lifelong learners so keep those minds activated!