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Take a poll of current students and you are likely to find that mathematics and science are listed among the most difficult subjects to learn. While numbers and statistics may not come easy to everyone, there are many reasons and ways that these subjects can become not only applicable but also enjoyable to most students.
When it comes to subjects that don’t come “naturally” it’s all about a little effort and a lot of creativity. In other words, the text book might not be the best way for every student to learn. If that’s the case, the first step towards solving the student’s challenge is to identify what does work for that student. What are their loves? What does come naturally to them? After that is determined then you can find the corresponding points where their abilities and interests intersect with the subject at hand.
For example, a student that loves technology might enjoy learning mathematical concepts after using a software-based calculation program (such as Microsoft Excel(r) or OpenOffice Calc(r)) that uses principles of math to create complex equations. A student with business interests will be motivated by learning about a Profit and Loss report and how numbers not only reflect their business accomplishments but can be used as a learning tool to change their business future. Likewise, students interested in health care, environment or sustainability may quickly find the benefits of a science education and how that will not only add to their knowledge base, but their credibility as well.
