How to help your child improve in Maths and Science

The latest findings of the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study 2019 (TIMSS) show the shocking state of Maths and Science education in South Africa. 

The study is based on results from learners in different countries all over the world. According to the results, six out of ten South African Grade 5 and 9 pupils lack basic Maths and Science knowledge. 

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Zenith Tsengwa, the CEO of the Maths & Science Infinity organisation, says the root cause of the problem is the South African school curriculum. 

He says the content does not relate to the realities of what the majority of pupils are exposed to. This includes the examples and wording that is used in the curriculum which children from disadvantaged areas are unable to relate to or understand. He says even some of the teachers don't relate and thus they teach without understanding. 

Tsengwa says the curriculum should use day-to-day examples that pupils from all walks of life can relate to. 

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Maths and Science teacher Kgwadi Mojapelo, who has also served as a Science Deputy Chief Marker for many years, says the other problem is teachers who do not understand the subjects. He says parents need to check the school, if all the children in the class struggle with the subjects, the problem might be the teacher. 

He says the other problem is that pupils don't take the subjects seriously because they have already decided that when they get to choose their subjects from Grade 10, they won't be needing them. This gives them a wrong attitude towards the subjects and it is reflected in their results. 

Mojapelo says parents can also be problematic. He says if you realise that your child has no passion for Maths and Science and is struggling, don't force them to take the subjects.  

Helping your child excel in Maths and Science

Tswengwa says people need to understand that Maths and Science are life. They need to apply Maths and Science in everything they do. 

"When they cook an egg, they need to understand that that is a chemical reaction," he says as an example.  

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"When I cut a polony in the middle, I'm cutting it at 180 degrees. When I cut bread into a rectangle, it is 95 degrees. So, automatically, when they walk into the school, they have already had Maths and Science the whole morning," says the expert. 

Mojapelo adds that to excel in Maths and Science the secret is to practice on a daily basis. She says the subjects are not for lazy pupils. 

Mojapelo, who has been a Maths and Science teacher for 29 years, says parents need to ensure that they check that they do not only stop at doing homework, but spend much more time practising. 

Knowing why you are doing the subject is also important. Mojapelo says when pupils do the subjects knowing that they are going to need them for a course they want to study at university, they will take the subjects seriously from a young age. 

He adds that parents also need to invest their time in checking their children's books and not only wait for the final year results.  

Image courtesy of iStock/ @diego_cervo