Many students walk into our classrooms fearful of math. This even happens in the early elementary school years. This past year, there was a first grade girl who burst into sobs every time her teacher said the word math. It is amazing that a child can be that fearful of a subject so early in her education. Many times these children give up. It is better not to try than to try and fail. As educators, we must discover what is happening to make these children feel the way they do. We must then prescribe a "cure".
Technology can help. As adults, many of us feared computers when they first came out. We were worried that we might break them. Children did not have those same fears back then, and the children of today have grown up with technology that we only dreamed about from watching Star Trek. Computers sometimes have a way of maintaining a child's attention when a teacher cannot. Once a concept has been taught, drill and practice software is useful in reinforcing the new learning. Tutorial software can also be used to help students learn at their own pace. This is beneficial for both the slow learner as well as the accelerated learner. Teachers usually have multiple ability levels in their classroom. If technology is used, then teachers can put some students on a tutorial program on their level while he or she works with another group on a different level. Research is showing us that many students do not have background knowledge from which to hang new knowledge. Simulation software would be an excellent tool for helping those students build experiences.
It is easy to suggest that these types of programs be implemented into the classroom; however, implementation is another matter. Staff development should be offered so that teachers can see the programs, and they can see how they can be integrated into the curriculum. Change is never easy, but when we can see the benefits, we are more likely to tolerate it and maybe even embrace it.
