Why Students Find it Difficult to Excel in Assessment? A Simple Strategy for Assessment Success

 

Why Students Find it Difficult to Excel in Assessment?

Assessments are an essential part of the learning process, helping educators measure student progress and identify areas for improvement. However, many students struggle to achieve excellence in periodical assessments despite being introduced to lessons, completing homework, and engaging in classroom activities. The key issue lies not in the students' understanding but in the lack of writing practice, weak listening skills, and low classroom participation.

Understanding the Root Cause of Poor Assessment Performance

Many students comprehend the concepts well and even express their thoughts effectively in initial discussions. However, when the assessment approaches, they often score average marks. Why does this happen?

1. Limited Writing Practice – Understanding a concept and being able to write about it effectively are two different skills. Many students lack the necessary writing practice to articulate their knowledge accurately during assessments.

2. Weak Listening Skills – A significant portion of learning occurs through listening. If students do not actively engage in listening during lessons, they miss key details that could enhance their understanding and response quality.

3. Low Presentation in Class – Speaking and presenting ideas out loud helps reinforce learning. Students who do not actively participate in discussions may struggle to express their knowledge in written form later.

4. Assessment Pressure – Many students experience anxiety during assessments, which impacts their ability to recall information and present it effectively.

A Simple Yet Effective Solution

The solution to improving student performance in assessments is to adopt a multi-sensory learning approach, ensuring that students listen, speak, write, and rewrite until mastery is achieved. Here’s how:

1. Oral Assessments – Instead of relying solely on written tests, conduct one-on-one oral assessments. This will help evaluate listening and comprehension skills more effectively.

2. Speaking Practice – Encourage students to present their understanding verbally in class. This builds confidence and strengthens their ability to articulate their thoughts during written assessments.

3. Rewriting for Perfection – Have students rewrite their answers multiple times to improve fluency and eliminate errors. This reinforces concepts and enhances writing clarity.

4. Multi-Sensory Learning – Engaging students in active learning using multiple senses helps solidify knowledge and makes learning more interactive and enjoyable.

Transformative Benefits

By implementing these strategies, the impact on student learning and assessment performance will be significant:

Higher Academic Performance – Students will perform better in assessments as they refine their skills through practice. ✔ Increased Interest in Learning – A structured approach will eliminate unnecessary stress and make learning more engaging. ✔ Stronger Cognitive and Emotional Growth – Confidence in speaking and writing will lead to overall academic and personal development. ✔ Happier and Motivated Learners – When students succeed, they feel encouraged, reducing anxiety and fostering a positive attitude toward learning.

Education is not just about memorisation but about developing essential skills that lead to mastery. By incorporating oral assessments, speaking opportunities, and writing reinforcement, schools can ensure that students achieve excellence in their periodical assessments. When assessments become a tool for growth rather than a source of stress, learning thrives, and students develop a lifelong love for knowledge.

How to Learn Maths Effectively: A key to Success

How to Learn Maths Effectively: A key to Success

Maths can feel like a confusing maze of numbers and formulas, leaving many students wondering, "How do I learn maths effectively?" If you've ever struggled with solving equations or remembering formulas during an exam, you’re not alone. The secret to mastering maths isn’t just about understanding—it’s about consistent practice, regular assessments, and overcoming the fear of failure.

Maths is Like Driving – Understanding Isn’t Enough!

Imagine this: You sit in a driving class, and the instructor explains everything in detail—how the accelerator moves the car, the brake slows it down, and the steering wheel keeps you on the right path. You nod along, feeling confident. It all makes sense.

But then, you’re asked to take a driving test alone. No instructor, no guidance, just you and the road. As you start the engine, doubt creeps in. Do I actually know how to drive, or did I just understand the instructions?

This is exactly how learning maths works. In class, teachers explain concepts, and solving problems with guidance feels easy. But when it’s time for a test, your brain hesitates. The same formulas you understood in class suddenly seem confusing. Why? Because just like driving, maths isn’t about knowing—it’s about practicing until it becomes second nature.

Many students struggle with maths because they rely only on listening and memorisation instead of active practice. Here’s how you can learn maths easily and build confidence:

1. Practice Regularly 

Just like driving, the more you practice, the more comfortable you become. Solving maths problems daily helps strengthen your understanding and improves speed.

2. Test Yourself with Periodic Assessments 

Imagine if your first time driving alone was during the actual test—it would be stressful! The same applies to math. If you don’t challenge yourself with quizzes and self-tests before exams, fear and hesitation will take over. Regular assessments help reduce exam anxiety.

3. Overcome the Fear of Failure 

One major reason students lose interest in maths is the fear of making mistakes in front of parents or classmates. But mistakes are part of learning! Instead of avoiding tough problems, embrace challenges as opportunities to improve.

4. Apply Maths in Real Life 

Use maths in everyday life—whether it’s calculating discounts, managing time, or measuring ingredients in a recipe. This makes learning maths easy and fun!

5. Focus on Understanding, Not Just Memorisation 

Maths isn’t about memorising formulas but understanding when and how to use them. Focus on why a formula works, not just how to apply it.

Learn Maths Like You Learn to Drive

If you only listen to explanations without practicing, you’ll struggle when it’s time to apply your knowledge. Without practice and assessment, math feels overwhelming, leading to fear of failure and low confidence.

But if you practice consistently, take regular self-assessments, and embrace mistakes as part of learning, you’ll develop the confidence to tackle maths just like a skilled driver navigates the road.

So, don’t just understand—practice, assess, improve, and master maths

effortlessly! 

Why Students Fail in Mathematics: The Hidden Truth

Why Students Fail in Mathematics: 

The Hidden Truth

Mathematics is often perceived as a challenging subject, leading to anxiety among students and immense pressure on parents. However, the real issue lies not in the complexity of maths but in the lack of effective practice both in classrooms and at home. 

The Core Issue: Insufficient Practice and Reinforcement

A prevalent problem in maths education is the assumption that students fully understand concepts after a single explanation. Teachers often introduce a topic once and expect students to master it through independent home practice, without sufficient in-class reinforcement. This approach overlooks the necessity of guided practice and immediate feedback, leading to a weak foundation in mathematical skills.

Effective Strategies for Enhancing Maths Learning

To address this issue, educators and parents can implement several strategies to transform maths learning into an engaging and successful experience:

• Explicit Instruction: Teachers should provide clear, direct explanations of mathematical concepts, ensuring that students comprehend the foundational principles before progressing.

• Concrete Representational Abstract (CRA) Approach: This instructional strategy involves three stages:

  • Concrete: Using physical objects to model mathematical concepts.

  • Representational: Transitioning to visual representations, such as drawings or diagrams.

  • Abstract: Moving to symbolic representations, like numbers and equations.

  Implementing the CRA approach helps students build a deep understanding of maths concepts by connecting tangible experiences to abstract ideas.

• Regular In-Class Practice: Incorporating practice sessions within the classroom allows students to apply new concepts under the guidance of their teacher. This immediate application reinforces learning and enables timely correction of misunderstandings.

• Collaborative Learning: Encouraging group activities and discussions among students fosters a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts. Collaborative learning enables students to share different problem-solving strategies and learn from each other.

• Utilising Maths Solvers and Educational Tools: Integrating technology, such as maths solver applications and interactive educational platforms, can provide students with additional practice opportunities and instant feedback, enhancing their learning experience.

The Role of Parents in Supporting Maths Education

Parents play a crucial role in their children's mathematical development. To effectively support their learning:

• Foster a Positive Attitude: Encourage a growth mindset by emphasising that mathematical abilities can improve with practice and effort.

• Provide Resources: Offer access to maths guides, online tutorials, and educational games that make learning maths enjoyable and accessible.

• Engage in Maths-Related Activities: Incorporate maths into daily life through activities like cooking (measuring ingredients) or shopping (calculating totals), demonstrating the practical applications of mathematical concepts.

Mathematics is not inherently difficult; the challenges arise from inadequate practice and reinforcement. By implementing effective teaching strategies, providing ample in-class practice, and fostering a supportive home environment, we can bridge the practice gap and empower students to excel in mathematics. Embracing these approaches will transform maths from a source of anxiety into an accessible and rewarding subject for all learners.