The Gaps in Mathematics

As a Math Educator, we find gaps between our learners' (students) present situation and where they need to be in life in order to be successful.

 

 

I. Definition: 

 

1. Gaps:

(a) a break in a barrier (such as a wall, hedge, or line of military defense)

(b) lack of balance: disparity the gap between imports and exports
(c ) the wide difference in character or attitude the generation gap
(d) a problem caused by some disparity a communication gap credibility 

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2. Knowledge: 

(a) the fact or condition of knowing something with familiarity gained through experience or association (2): acquaintance with or understanding of a science, art, or technique
(b) the fact or condition of being aware of something (2): the range of one's information or understanding answered to the best of my knowledge
(c ) the circumstance or condition of apprehending truth or fact through reasoning: cognition
 (d) the fact or condition of having information or of being learned a person of unusual knowledge

 

3. Skills: 

(a) to make a difference

 

4. Motivation:

(a) the act or process of motivating some students need the motivation to help them through school.
(b) the condition of being motivated employees who lack motivation

 

5. Environment:

(a)  the circumstances, objects, or conditions by which one is surrounded

 

6. Habits:

(a) a manner of conducting oneself: bearing

(b)bodily appearance or make up a man of fleshy habit
(c )the prevailing disposition or character of a person's thoughts and feelings: mental makeup a philosophical habit
(d) a settled tendency or usual manner of behavior her habit of taking a morning walk

 

7. Communication:

(a)  a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior the function of pheromones in insect communication; also: the exchange of information
(b) personal rapport a lack of communication between old and young pers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

II. The Gaps in Math:

 

1. Knowledge Gap

• Definition: A disparity in levels of (especially technological) knowledge.

• Information is very important, and it is needed in order for students to perform a task in the classroom or at home

• Therefore, students use the information to do things if they are properly directed

• The teacher should be patient in the teaching

• Students should also be patient in the learning process

• Having the information without how and when to use it can be very confusing to students

 

 

2. Skills Gap

• Definition: A skill gap is defined as a lack of fundamental reading, writing, mathematical or communication skills employers require for a work environment that's efficient and operates smoothly

• Most students come in "Hating Math"

• Students lack the basic skills

• Learners or students get handed the knowledge in a book, online, or class but don't get the opportunity to practice and develop skills 

• Educators cannot expect students to pick up new skills without practice.  

 

3. Motivation Gap

• Definition: A difficulty in or barrier to the communication between two groups, places, etc.; a difference or disparity which causes this

• Students are not motivated

• Teachers need to motivate students by using a different type of assessment to Bridge the Gap in Math

• If somebody knows what to do but chooses not to do it, that's a motivation gap. 

• Reason 1: Sometimes the person doesn't really buy into the outcome or destination

• Reason 2: Sometimes the lesson or destination does not make sense

• Reason 3: Sometimes it is due to anxiety, or concern about a change

• Reason 4: Sometimes people get distracted or unfocused.

• Reason 5: Sometimes people just are not interested in making an effort

• Reason 6: Sometimes people fail because they lack enough of the big picture to guide their own success.

 

4. Habits Gap

• Habits in Math can be losing focus and not doing the necessary task that is repeated daily

• A large percentage of our daily activities is habit-driven by doing the same routine every time

 

5. Environment Gap

• The adaptation of student in a different environment  can be challenging

• Sometimes coming from a different place can create a gap 

 

6. Communication Gap

• Communication Gap is when the meaning intended by the speaker or sender is not what is understood by the recipient.

• Sometimes failure to perform is due not to a lack of knowledge but to a bad direction or instruction.

 

 

 

 

 

Reference: Dirksen, J. (2016). Design for how people learn (2nd edition). Berkely, California: New Riders.