You Don’t Have to Be Einstein to Help Your Kids at Maths

A Bristol maths expert has called for better links between parents and schools so they can more easily understand their children’s homework.

Jan Winter, a senior lecturer in Mathematics Education at the University of the West of England, said: "Some parents lack confidence because of bad experiences they had with maths when they were younger.

"Others have a lot to worry about and are likely to just lack confidence and practice rather than skills."

Her comments follow a nationwide survey which shows that more than a third of parents – 40 per cent – in the Bristol region feel unable to help with their children’s maths homework.

A straw poll by the Evening Post revealed parents in Bristol found new teaching methods and what is taught in the classroom as the main reasons why they had problems.

Ms Winter said: "The way maths is taught has changed a lot.

"Today’s children not only learn the methods but the understanding behind the methods.

"Parents struggle to understand the theory behind the method rather than the actual calculations."

Nationally more than 15 per cent of mothers and 10 per cent of fathers surveyed said they had little or no confidence with maths.

The study, commissioned by high street bank Abbey, found that those older than 55 were the most likely to feel confident in their skills (74 per cent) compared with 43 per cent of 18-24-year-olds, and 45 per cent of 25 to 34-year-olds.

The poll, of 2,000 adults and 300 parents found two thirds of those questioned now turn to a calculator to help them work out simple sums.

Ms Winter said: "Younger parents are more likely to lack confidence because they have so much to worry about and basically lack practice rather than skills.

"Older parents have more life experience and practice, so naturally they will be more confident.

"Parents who have been invited by schools to take part in lessons have seen their understanding improve."

The bank has produced the Abbey Kitchen Table Maths Guide which contains simple maths exercises for parents and children.

Ms Winter said: "Exercises in the Abbey guide will only work if they are in real life situations.

"If parents try to make it like a maths lesson at home it won’t help them or their children."

(c) 2008 Evening Post (Bristol UK). Provided by ProQuest LLC. All rights Reserved.