Teaching maths to your kids can literally be a nightmare. But teachers over the world feel that it could indeed be an easy task if they make use of the "Shanghai technique", which has become quite a rage locally as well and more and more schools in India are planning to add it to their teaching methodology.
What is Shanghai technique?
Known as the Shanghai technique, the method came to the limelight when it was found that teens from Shanghai performed better in the PISA (Programme for International Students' Assessment) test than their peers from other cities.
The technique focusses more on understanding concepts and how they are utilised in solving math problems. The teacher goes ahead and breaks down concepts and explains to the students one by one. He/She does not finish the chapter unless and until every student has grasped it.
- Reports say that the technique significantly helps in cutting down math teaching time in schools.
- It also emphasises on continuous assessment which is beneficial for students in applying arithmetic concepts. The teachers are also required to undergo a special five-year training to master it.
- The students also help their buddies out in class and sit in pairs after the lesson to solve problems together. This way the boring mathematics class becomes fun.
How it helps Indian students?
Education experts in Hyderabad feel that the technique touches on a very important part of education, which is treating every student as an equal and also would help weaker students in polishing their concepts.
"If this method is about progressing to next lesson after everyone understands, that means it's talking about equity in understanding. This can be suitable for classes with less than 16 students, In India, a middle-path between Shanghai method and local methods is better," said Chukka Ramaiah, educationist to a leading national newspaper.
If this technique is adopted by Indian schools, there would be no need to for kids to take tuitions as well, feel many parents theindusparent spoke to.
"The fact is that in schools the teachers teach to a larger audience and in the hurry to finish chapters they are not able to focus on individual students who then have to go for coaching classes. If this method is used then why would they take tuitions," says Prerna Pandey, mother of a 13-year-old girl, who'd be appearing for her boards next year.
How studying in a group helps students
While it might be difficult for teachers to focus on each and every student due to the volume of students they have, studying in groups can indeed be a fun of learning for older kids and would also help them learn about working as a team later on in life. Here are some ways it can benefit your child:
1. Helps ease school stress: Attending classes and lectures can be too stressful for kids and studying in a group could be a good way to ease off the stress.
2. Focuses on problem-solving: Students can focus on the concepts and methods one by one, which they are many times unable to do in class.
3. ...and learning new methods: As every student has a different style of learning, group study would only work if moderated by a teacher or an adult, but would introduce the student to newer methods and techniques, nonetheless.
Also Read: Five steps to improve your child's English at home
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