Canadian Students Lag in Math: Expert Solutions Needed

Canadian students have faced a marked decline in math scores over the past decade, necessitating a comprehensive shift in strategies from educators, parents, and society. Lynda Colgan, a veteran educator at Queens University, highlighted the normalization of poor math performance, stating that it is socially acceptable to struggle in math, unlike reading. This mindset creates significant challenges.

Understanding the Decline in Math Scores

Recent findings from the C.D. Howe Institute reveal that Canadian students across all provinces are underperforming compared to international benchmarks in math. According to Anna Stokke, a mathematician at the University of Winnipeg, this decline predates the COVID-19 pandemic. Stokke noted that increased numbers of students struggle with math, and the decline equates to a loss of two years of learning in some regions.

Factors Contributing to the Decline

• Shift to Inquiry-Based Learning: A move towards inquiry-based teaching has detracted from essential skill development in math.
• Teacher’s Mathematics Anxiety: Many educators bring their own math apprehension into the classroom, negatively influencing student attitudes.
• Misguided Educational Approaches: Current methods favor exploration over foundational skills, leaving students unsupported.

Colgan emphasized the importance of foundational math knowledge, noting that mathematicians leverage a wealth of prior understanding to tackle complex problems. However, today’s students are often left to discover solutions without adequate support.

Recommendations for Improvement

The C.D. Howe Institute argues that the issue is not financial, as Canada allocates more per student for education than the OECD average. Instead, they suggest a strategic refocus of resources to enhance educational outcomes. Specific recommendations to improve math performance include:

• Mandatory multiplication tables assessments by Grade 4.
• Universal math screening for students from kindergarten to Grade 8.

These initiatives aim to identify at-risk students before skill gaps escalate, emphasizing the importance of mastering math facts for future success.

Focus on Secondary Education

Improving math skills must extend into secondary education. Less than half of Canadian students graduate with a Grade 12 math credit. This deficiency restricts access to 65-75% of post-secondary programs, including technical and apprenticeship paths. Colgan stresses the inevitability of math in various fields, urging educators to recognize its importance.

Addressing the decline in Canadian math scores is critical. A collective effort from educators, parents, and policymakers is essential to foster a robust mathematical foundation for the next generation.