The pandemic has undoubtedly had the most profound impact on children and adolescents. In addition to the psychological strain, many struggled particularly with distance learning at school. As one of the greatest challenges for teachers and students, this has not left young people unscathed, and the effects are likely to be felt for years to come.
The lack of interaction between teachers and students led to many gaps in knowledge that are difficult to identify after the fact. Concepts that should already have been understood are difficult to review during ongoing lessons due to time constraints. For much of the material that should have been mastered long ago, there was simply not enough time for practice.
Impact on learning outcomes
Over time, these learning gaps continue to grow. Since mathematics is traditionally taught in a cumulative manner, these gaps continue to hinder academic progress. To counteract this, it is necessary to accurately identify these learning gaps and address them in a targeted manner.
The biggest gaps in mathematical knowledge
1. General arithmetic skills
The frequent use of calculators in most math classes has been undermining students’ ability to do quick mental math for years. The lack of practice during the COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated this trend. This can only be countered by regularly practicing basic arithmetic operations in daily lessons.
2. Understanding word problems
Word problems are typically among the tasks perceived as most difficult in math class. It is precisely here that teachers need to provide as much individualized support as possible. We have compiled 6 points on what to focus on when solving word problems.
3. Percentages and final calculations
Nearly half of Germans and Austrians are already overwhelmed by simple percentage problems. However, this skill is indispensable later in life, whether dealing with loans, rent increases, or special offers. We therefore place special emphasis on this topic and leave no room for this knowledge gap.
4. Estimating Results
Although mathematics is an exact science, it is usually advisable to estimate the result first, if possible, before performing the calculation. Making reasonable estimates requires many skills. These include proficiency with units of measurement, as well as exponents and their calculation rules. If even one of these skills is lacking, the estimation itself becomes an insurmountable task.
5. Learning to Learn
The disruption of traditional classroom instruction has led many students to practice ineffectively and struggle to acquire knowledge on their own. This is likely due to distractions in the home environment and the lack of a structured learning setting. The lack of social interaction has also, in part, affected the ability to collaborate in a team—a skill necessary for efficient learning. Both our group lessons and individual practice sessions contribute to addressing these deficits as part of a holistic learning approach.
For our students, the time after the pandemic will also remain a challenge. All the practice that could not take place during this period must now be made up for if they do not want to constantly fall behind in class. So much for the bad news.
The good news is that with efficient learning methods, the missed practice can be made up in a short time, provided that students study regularly. It is up to us to make this time as painless as possible for our children.
