Mathematics is often considered the foundation of logical thinking and problem-solving, but a recent study published in Nature challenges the assumption that all mathematics is learned in the same way. The study, conducted by the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) and co-authored by Nobel laureates Esther Duflo and Abhijit Banerjee, reveals an unexpected divide in the way Indian children engage with mathematics.
According to the study, children who work in markets show exceptional skills in real-world calculations, such as calculating totals, estimating prices and applying discounts. However, they struggle with school-based textbook problems. On the other hand, students who receive formal schooling perform well in academic mathematics but struggle with practical, everyday calculations.
This paradox raises fundamental questions about how mathematical knowledge is acquired, retained and applied. Why do children with no formal education excel at real-world calculations while struggling with structured academic problems? Why do school-educated students, who are trained in formulas and mathematical theories, face difficulties in applying them in practical situations? And most importantly, how can the Indian education system bridge this gap to create a holistic approach to learning mathematics.
This divide also has an impact on homeschooling, where learning is more personalised, and flexibility of curriculum can be a strength. Homeschooling offers a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between academic and practical mathematics, designing lessons according to the child’s pace and learning style. So, how can homeschooling be leveraged to improve math skills and bridge the gap between practical and academic mathematics??
Understanding the Divide: Practical vs. Academic Math
Mathematical ability is often viewed as a singular skill, but in fact, it is divided into two broad categories: academic mathematics and applied mathematics.
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Academic Math:
- Taught in schools through a structured curriculum that focuses on formulas, theorems, and problem-solving techniques.
- This includes solving written equations, learning algebra, geometry, calculus, and other advanced concepts.
- Often assessed through standardized tests and exams.
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Practical Math:
- Developed through real-life experience, often without formal education.
- It involves mental arithmetic, estimating prices, calculating profit margins, applying discounts, and handling money.
- It is acquired as a survival skill, especially among children working in markets or small businesses.
The study found that children working in the market can perform complex calculations mentally with remarkable speed and accuracy. They have an innate understanding of numbers, developed through daily exposure to financial transactions. However, when presented with a structured math problem in a classroom format, they struggle to apply their skills.
In contrast, school-going children excel at solving theoretical math problems, but often lack the ability to apply them to real-world situations. They may know the formula for percentage calculations, but struggle to calculate discounts while shopping. This contrast suggests that the way math is taught versus learned through experience plays a key role in shaping mathematical ability.
Why Does This Divide Exist?
Several factors contribute to this apparent difference in mathematical proficiency:
1. Rote Learning in Schools
The Indian education system has long emphasized rote learning — memorizing formulas, equations, and problem-solving methods without understanding their practical applications. While students may perform well in exams, they often fail to understand how these concepts apply to everyday life.
2. Lack of Real-World Application in Schools
Most schools focus on theoretical knowledge rather than experiential learning. Math textbooks rarely include real-life scenarios such as calculating grocery bills, applying discounts, or managing finances. As a result, students may view math as an abstract subject rather than a practical skill.
3. Necessity-Driven Learning Among Working Children
For children working in the markets, math is not a subject – it is a necessity. They develop mental math skills for the sake of survival. Unlike school-based education, their mathematical abilities are shaped by the daily practice of handling money, negotiating prices and making quick calculations.
4. Assessment Methods That Prioritize Theory Over Application
Standardized tests and exams focus more on written problem-solving rather than practical application. This leads to a situation where students who excel on written tests are not necessarily proficient in real-world mathematics, and vice versa.
5. Societal Perception of Informal Learning
Informal learning – such as the mathematical skills developed by working children – is often undervalued in traditional education systems. Despite their impressive calculation abilities, these children may be considered "uneducated" because they lack formal academic training.
Why Does This Matter?
This divide between practical, academic and homeschooling mathematics is more than just a curiosity – it has real implications for education, employment and economic mobility.
- For working children, their inability to grasp formal mathematics limits their opportunities for higher education and better-paying jobs. Despite their skills, they may struggle to pass exams or obtain qualifications that could improve their socio-economic status.
- For school-going students, a lack of practical mathematics skills can affect their ability to make financial decisions, negotiate salaries or manage personal finances later in life.
- For homeschooling students, they are generally given individual attention, allowing for a personalised approach to mathematics that can address both academic and practical applications. However, just like formal schooling, homeschooling can face challenges in ensuring that children develop a well-rounded mathematical foundation that includes both academic and practical skills.
If the aim of education is to prepare students for the real world, the Indian school education system must recognise the importance of both practical and theoretical mathematics and find ways to integrate them effectively.
How Can the Education System Bridge This Gap?
1. Application-Based Learning in Schools
Instead of teaching math as an abstract subject, schools should integrate real-world scenarios into the curriculum. Some possible strategies include:
- Using financial literacy modules to teach students how to calculate interest rates, apply discounts, and budget expenditures.
- Encouraging teachers to use storytelling and role-playing activities to simulate real-life financial decisions.
2. Experiential Learning Programs
To help school-going children develop practical math skills, schools can:
- Organize field trips to markets or businesses where students can observe and practice real-world calculations.
- Initiate “math in action” activities where students manage mock stores, track sales and calculate profits.
3. Recognizing and Valuing Informal Learning
Rather than dismissing the mathematical abilities of working children, educators should find ways to connect their intuitive skills to formal education. Some possible approaches include:
- Creating flexible educational programs that allow working children to continue learning without disrupting their work.
- Initiating bridge programs that help children transition from informal to formal learning systems.
4. Reforming Assessment Methods
Traditional exams should include both theoretical and applied math components. Possible reforms include:
- Adding real-world problem-solving questions to exams.
- Allowing verbal or mental math assessments alongside written exams.
5. Training Teachers to Foster Both Skills
Many teachers themselves were trained in a rote-learning environment. Providing them with training in experiential teaching methods can help them teach mathematics in a way that is interesting and applicable to real life.
Conclusion
Mathematics is not just about solving equations – it is about understanding and navigating the world. The study conducted by Esther Duflo, Abhijit Banerjee and their team at J-PAL has highlighted a critical gap in the way mathematics is learned and applied in India. The gap between practical and academic mathematics is not just an educational issue; it has far-reaching implications for economic opportunities, financial literacy and career prospects.
For India to truly empower its students – whether in classrooms or in the marketplace – the education system must adopt a balanced approach that combines both theoretical rigor and real-world applicability. By doing so, we can ensure that children are learning mathematics for life, not just for exams.
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