According to research, the U.S. math and science students are dragging behind international expectations. Students in America are either in the middle or bottom when it comes to math and science compared to other international schools (Quinn, 2015). Most of them do not have a clear understanding of what the subject is and what it can do for them. Most mistakes come about from the worry of memorization and quick problem-solving techniques. This results in students missing out a lot as they are subjects that rely on learning concepts sequentially. According to the National Assessment of Educational Programme, only 36% of eighth graders were confirmed proficient in math in the year 2013. This percentage dropped further to 33% in 2015 and remained the same in 2017. This essay will give a general discussion of reasons for underperformance in math and science in students in the United States.
The core problem that contributes to poor performance is with the way math is taught in schools. Teachers often concentrate on getting as much information into students’ heads as quickly as possible. They aim at meeting standards and giving tests. This teaching technique does not give students a depth understanding of math and science subjects. Students can thereafter not apply their knowledge to a variety of questions. Retention and application skills are the most fundamental factors in excelling in math and science exams. Most countries that perform better than the United States teach fewer subjects but go much deeper. This depth results in greater retention and ability to apply their knowledge. Math and science are like languages which develop by themselves. If one does not understand the foundation, they cannot understand their structure as well. This is the reason as to why it is difficult for students who struggled with the subjects in middle school to excel in high school. Students’ issues in these subjects should be addressed in middle school before their self-esteem is damaged and they give up in high school.
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Another factor that has contributed to poor performance is the U.S. weak math curriculum. Countries like Singapore that are ahead of the U.S. have world-class mathematics system. They have quality components aligned to produce students who master math and science. These components include the country’s highly logical national mathematics framework, textbooks that are rich in solving math problems and qualified teachers whose focus is teaching students to master the concepts. Reports have proved that U.S. teachers lack sound preparation. Their curricula are as well not challenging. They know little about the subject matter and this failure is extended to students.
Most schools hire teachers who do not have the required teaching credentials and enough competencies. Math and science teachers’ selection should be based on subject knowledge and evidence skill in inspiring students. The average parent in this country is as well not engaged in students’ performance. Most parents do not indulge children in early activities that help develop their learning skills. Children struggle a lot with homework without parents taking part. According to the National Math and Science Initiative, only 36% of U.S. high school students entering college are ready for university-level mathematics. The fact is that these subjects require attention to details, patience, persistence and willingness to solve problems from both teachers and students.
In conclusion, changes are required to be made in the education system and the expectations placed on teachers. Teachers should stop expecting students to learn in the same way and at the same pace (Entwistle &Ramsden, 2015). Teachers need to go in depth and explain how math and science are related and applied in life.
References
Quinn, D. M., & Cooc, N. (2015). Science achievement gaps by gender and race/ethnicity in elementary and middle school: Trends and predictors. Educational Researcher , 44 (6), 336-346.
Entwistle, N., & Ramsden, P. (2015). Understanding student learning (Routledge revivals) . New York: Routledge.
