Engaging with math creatively
Thonisha Joselin Sonia
Mathematics is often perceived as a challenging subject by many students. The fear of numbers, formulas, and calculations can lead to a mental block. As educators, one of our greatest challenges is to find effective ways to simplify math and make it an enjoyable learning experience for students.
Recently, I conducted a math lab activity that aimed to address this issue. The activity involved using a dot mat and coloured dots to help students find the Least Common Multiple (LCM) of given numbers. This hands-on approach enabled students to visualize the concept of LCM in a concrete and engaging way.
Creating patterns to discover LCM
In this activity, students were given dot mats and coloured dots to find the LCM of two numbers, 3 and 4. The process began with students placing three blue dots in the first row and four red dots in the second row. The students then compared the rows to see which one had fewer dots.
Next, they added another set of three blue dots to the first row and a set of four red dots to the second row, continuing this pattern until both rows had the same number of dots. This final step showed the students that the first time both rows had an equal number of dots, they had found the LCM.
This pattern-based approach allowed students to visualize the concept of LCM more clearly. By physically creating and comparing the multiples, they could see the process of finding the LCM unfold right in front of them, making it easier to understand.
From fear to fascination
At the beginning of the activity, some students were hesitant, their math phobia evident in their reluctance to engage. However, as the activity progressed, I could see a transformation. The students began to interact more confidently with the dot mat, and their understanding of the concept deepened.
One student, who had always struggled with the idea of multiples and LCM, approached me with a smile, saying, “This is the first time I’ve actually understood what LCM is.” This was a moment of achievement, not just for the student, but also for me as an educator. It was clear that the hands-on, visual approach had significantly reduced the student’s anxiety and helped them build confidence in their mathematical abilities.
A shift in teaching methods
As a teacher, this experience reinforced the importance of innovative teaching methods in overcoming barriers that students face in learning math. Traditional teaching methods, while effective for some, do not always address the needs of all students. By incorporating activities that allow for visualization and hands-on learning, we can make abstract concepts more accessible and reduce the fear associated with them.
Embracing math with confidence
This activity served as a reminder that math is not just about numbers on a page, it’s about patterns, relationships, and problem-solving. When students are able to see and touch these patterns, the fear that often accompanies math starts to dissipate.
For any student struggling with math, my advice is simple: don’t be afraid to explore different ways of learning. Use tools, visuals, and hands-on activities to help make sense of the numbers. And for teachers, never underestimate the power of creative teaching methods in transforming the way students perceive math.
Math phobia is not an insurmountable obstacle. With the right approach, it can be reduced, if not entirely eliminated, allowing students to engage with math more positively and with greater confidence.
The author is a passionate educator with over a decade of experience in teaching mathematics, specializing in experiential learning for primary and secondary students. She dedicates her time to making math enjoyable and accessible through creative classroom activities. She can be reached at thonishajoselinsonia@gmail.com.
