Math is often seen as a flat subject without much practical use in the real world. You'll hear everyone from junior high students to parents of children say "When am I ever going to need to use this?" when talking about math as a beneficial subject. As a result, students become disconnected with the practical applications of mathematics in their school activities, jobs, and everyday lives. However, math is a critical component of the learning experience and research has proven its importance in determining a student’s future. Here are three benefits of promoting math at an early age:
Math Improves Critical Thinking
Systemized teaching methods and cookie-cutter approaches to education defeat the notion of critical thinking, which is crucial to establishing leadership abilities and learning how to question authority in a responsible manner. Mathematics allows room for experimentation, trial-and-error, and reasoning. Introducing math into a group discussion rather than a regimented drill allows students the ability to form a conceptual bridge between the actual computation involved and the real-world applications of upper-level mathematics.
Early Age Math Correlates to Better Jobs and Income
According to research published in Psychological Science, the relationship between early age reading and math abilities are directly linked to job success and income later in life. By using data from the National Child Development Study of over 17,000 people in England, Scotland, and Wales over the span of 50 years, researchers were able to prove that moving up one math or reading level at age 7 can result in benefits almost 35 years later. Students who perform even one grade level above their peers commonly experience better jobs, housing, and higher incomes later in life. Here’s a great article that further explains how math is a strong predictor of future academic success.
Math Takes Self-Confidence
It's a lot easier to be confident in yourself, others, or your work if you have the ability to be empirical and statistical in your analysis. Because a background in mathematics incorporates research, organization, problem solving, teamwork, critical thinking, and dedication, learning those elements through the subject can help form a more well-rounded, complete, and confident person later in life.
There’s no reason why learning math can’t be a fun and collaborative exercise. By using manipulatives and activity sheets that encourage group learning, Mango Math can be easily implemented into your existing STEM curriculum or after-school study time. For more information on a Mango Math crate or to order your own, visit this page or contact us today!
