Mathematics is also called that Language of the universe designated. But for many students it often seems insurmountable. Teachers talk about logic and meaning, but for them the numbers seem like hieroglyphs and fractions become a real test. Of course, the parents also notice this – whether through the results of class work, the desperate cramming at the kitchen table or the conversation with the teacher.
tutoring can be an opportunity to offer children and young people the professional support they need to help them learn to understand mathematics. This can usually be done from the comfort of your own home; Because support is increasingly available digitally these days.
Basic requirements for good learning
It is important to know that the social environment plays an important role in school success. Parents should show interest in the learning process, promote a positive attitude towards school and create a good learning environment at home. This includes fixed learning times, support with homework and motivation instead of pressure. They should also support children in developing independence and a good culture of mistakes: because mistakes are part of learning. Open communication between parents, children and teachers as well as patience and understanding are crucial for children to enjoy learning and develop well in the long term.
Especially when school performance in math doesn’t turn out as expected, many parents quickly start thinking about their child’s future. Because it has been proven: no other subject has had such an influence on later life as mathematics. Brain development correlates with math lessons, and with it the likelihood of higher income, better financial security and better health.
Many parents then ask themselves what can be done to positively influence the development of school performance. It is important to remember that children are not machines that can be easily adjusted to maximum performance. They are independent personalities with individual strengths, weaknesses, needs and concerns. That’s why it often takes a lot of empathy and patience if parents want to help their children become more successful at school. At the same time, it is important to understand why the child is performing poorly at school.
The cognitive bottleneck in the classroom
If you notice that there is a problem, especially in a specific subject such as math, it is worth becoming aware of the structural fundamentals. There are often learning difficulties, especially in math. Mathematics teacher Michael Felten recently worked in one Guest post on the School portal put forward the thesis: “The more spoiled a child is, the more difficult it will be to find the mental activity to learn math.” Philippe Wampfler, on the other hand, locates the reasons in the learning and examination culture of the subject. “Instead of encouraging learners to formulate their thoughts, discover mathematical processes independently and continually celebrate small successes, math lessons are based too much on exam tasks,” he – also a teacher – counters.
And aren’t subjects like geography, English and physics full of complicated content and have a comparable learning and examination culture?
The answer to these questions lies primarily in the cumulative nature of the subject and the fact that almost everything in mathematics builds on one another. If the basics are missing, you will stumble when introducing the next topic. And if there are almost 30 students in a classroom, some of them usually cannot be fully looked after. Initially, gaps in understanding arise here and there. After all, a single teacher can hardly address every uncertainty, if he even notices it. The downward spiral that results leads to frustration and avoidance until math becomes a problem subject and the gaps become ditches.
Fill gaps with tutoring
In order to fill gaps and gaps, tutoring is a popular option to further deepen knowledge after lessons.
One option for tutoring is for another student – possibly from a higher class – to try to help with homework and explain concepts that he or she may have only recently learned in class. There is also tutoring, which is carried out by pedagogically and scientifically trained specialists. Ideally, they have mastered the material in depth and are given enough time to get to know the individual student. And: ideally, they manage to build a good relationship with their tutor students.
Would you prefer face-to-face tutoring or online?
Learning platforms can usually be helpful when looking for experts. Modern technology makes it possible to find suitable tutors. Tutoring often takes place online, which can be particularly valuable for students in rural areas. Added to this is modern technology and what it can offer for learning. Interactive whiteboards, adaptive learning algorithms and multimodal learning are just some of the aspects that make learning online easier.
Research on the psychology of learning also shows that familiar surroundings, such as your own room, can lower cortisol levels. And that plays a role, because stress is an enemy of logical thinking – a skill that is definitely needed in math. When the pressure of the classroom is removed and the inhibition to ask questions is reduced, the brain opens up to new concepts more easily. But that doesn’t mean that face-to-face learning is less valuable or should be eliminated completely. Some children may benefit from meeting regularly with a tutor – as long as they can manage the distance well.
But From a neurobiological perspective, digital media promote the general learning process of children and young people tends to. One Study by the Technical University of Munich showed: Students perform better in science and mathematics and are more motivated when digital media are used. However, success depends on how media is used. It is greater when children and young people do not learn alone.
An investment in digital education
So mathematics is not a subject that you consume passively and listen to with half an ear and still pass the class test. Instead, it requires interaction, a culture of error and precise feedback. And those who understand the basics can also master more demanding topics and gain confidence in the subject.
March 9, 2026