Maths gets a bad rap, and truth be told, it’s not entirely undeserved. Many students see maths as dull, difficult, or disconnected from their everyday lives. But here’s the thing: maths isn’t boring. When taught effectively, it’s logical, engaging, and even fun.
Yet, disengagement in maths classrooms is a growing issue. Despite its importance as a foundational skill, students across year levels are increasingly switching off. Research shows that students who struggle to engage in maths are less likely to pursue STEM careers, limiting their future opportunities.
This blog explores why students lose interest in maths and how educators can reignite their curiosity using personalised approaches and digital tools like Education Perfect (EP).
Why Are Students Disengaging from Maths?
Before we talk about solutions, it’s important to uncover the root causes of disengagement. Here are four major hurdles students face in maths classrooms:
“It’s too hard… or too easy.”
Not all students learn at the same pace. A one-size-fits-all approach often leaves some students feeling lost in a sea of complexity while others become bored waiting for instruction. When lessons don’t meet their individual learning levels, students are left frustrated or unmotivated, and disengagement becomes inevitable.
“It doesn’t feel relevant.”
When students can’t see the real-world value in what they’re learning, they’re less likely to remain invested. Tasks like solving equations “for X” can feel abstract and disconnected from their everyday lives or future prospects. This lack of relevance erodes motivation and turns curiosity into apathy.
“I’m just not a maths person.”
The myth of being ‘good’ or ‘bad’ at maths persists, often becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy. Students with maths anxiety or a fixed mindset start believing that success in maths is reserved for a naturally gifted few, making them less willing to experiment and more likely to give up before they’ve truly begun.
“It’s the same every day.”
If lessons rely heavily on repetitive worksheets and rote tasks, students quickly become bored. Without engaging activities or variety, there’s little room for creativity, problem-solving, or curiosity.
What Keeps Students Engaged in Maths?
While disengagement in maths is common, it’s not inevitable. Once you identify the barriers, you can start to break them down. Here are some elements that keep students engaged in maths classrooms:
Lessons that feel relevant
Making lessons relevant to students’ lives is key to keeping them engaged. When students see how the material connects to their everyday experiences, future goals, or personal aspirations, they’re more likely to stay motivated and invested in their learning.
Whether it’s through practical examples, real-world applications, or linking content to career opportunities, showing them the “why” behind what they’re learning can make all the difference. This approach not only sparks interest but also helps students better understand the value of their education in achieving their goals.
Experiencing variety
Offering students a variety of approaches in mathematics instruction keeps them engaged by catering to different learning styles and sparking curiosity. By incorporating hands-on activities, visual aids, real-world applications, and collaborative problem-solving, students remain actively involved in the learning process.
This variety prevents monotony, encourages creativity, and helps them see math from multiple perspectives, making the subject more dynamic and enjoyable.
Opportunities for ownership
Empowering students to make choices in their learning fosters independence, accountability, and a deeper sense of engagement.
When students have a say in their educational journey—whether it’s selecting a project topic, deciding how to demonstrate their understanding, or choosing a learning method that works best for them—they develop critical decision-making skills and take greater responsibility for their outcomes.
Providing these opportunities also builds confidence, encourages creativity, and helps prepare students for real-world challenges where ownership and initiative are key.
Low-stakes environments
Creating low-stakes environments fosters a sense of safety where students feel comfortable taking risks and exploring new ideas.
When the fear of heavy penalties for mistakes is removed, students are more likely to experiment, ask questions, and engage deeply with the learning process.
These environments encourage resilience and a growth mindset, helping students see mistakes as valuable learning opportunities rather than failures. By focusing on progress and understanding rather than perfection, low-stakes settings can significantly enhance both confidence and long-term success.
A sense of progress
Achieving small wins, like solving a tricky equation or improving test scores, can have a big impact on confidence and motivation.
These victories, no matter how minor they may seem, create a sense of accomplishment that fuels the desire to keep pushing forward.
Each step forward reinforces the belief that challenges can be overcome, turning obstacles into opportunities for growth. Over time, this steady progress builds resilience, encouraging individuals to tackle even bigger goals with determination.
The Power of Differentiation in Maths
Engagement thrives when lessons meet students where they are. That’s where differentiation comes in.
What is differentiation?
Differentiation is the practice of tailoring lessons to suit each student’s readiness, interests, and individual needs. Rather than sticking to rigid, one-size-fits-all lessons, educators focus on flexibility.
How differentiation helps maths learners
Boosts confidence
Starting students at the right level ensures they feel capable and supported in their learning journey. For students who need extra help, this approach builds a strong foundation without overwhelming them, while those seeking a challenge are pushed to reach new heights. This tailored support helps students believe in their abilities, fostering a sense of achievement and self-assurance.
Improves motivation
By giving students choices in their learning and encouraging them to share their thoughts, they become more engaged and invested in the process. When students feel heard and have a say in their learning, they’re more likely to stay motivated and take ownership of their progress, making education a more enjoyable and meaningful experience.
Drives progress
Personalised support ensures every student gets the guidance they need to overcome challenges and grow at their own pace. Extension tasks push advanced learners to expand their skills, while targeted support helps others close gaps in understanding. This focus on individual needs encourages steady improvement and measurable progress for all.
The challenge of manual differentiation
While differentiation is highly impactful, it’s labour-intensive for teachers. Planning separate tasks, monitoring progress, and adjusting for every student’s pace and level is no small feat. This is where technology becomes a game-changer.
How Education Perfect Helps Re-Engage Maths Learners
Tools like Education Perfect simplify and supercharge differentiation in maths. By leveraging digital learning platforms, teachers can personalise learning journeys without the headache of manual tracking and planning.
Here’s what sets EP apart:
EP’s Learning Cycle
EP’s platform supports teachers with four key steps to support maths learning and ensure no student falls through the cracks:
Diagnose gaps and strengths.
EP’s auto-marked, low-stress diagnostics help teachers pinpoint learning gaps and strengths, enabling them to meet students at their current level.
Assign tailored tasks.
Students receive work matched to their learning level, so lessons feel challenging without being overwhelming. Whether it’s foundational skills or advanced problem-solving, tasks are tailored to each learner.
Introduce variety.
With interactive, gamified, and visual content, EP breaks the monotony of traditional worksheets and keeps students curious and engaged.
Track progress in real-time.
Teachers gain access to real-time insights on student progress, ensuring they can step in with guidance whenever needed.
Click here to learn more about what differentiated learning is and why it matters.
Real success stories
EP has already helped countless students find their love for maths.
‘Education Perfect is a great tool for engaging students in maths! It provides interactive lessons, instant feedback, and valuable data to track progress. I use it to reinforce concepts, set personalised tasks, and support independent learning. A fantastic way to enhance understanding and boost confidence’ Kay Kumar, Orminston Junior College, Auckland.
Practical Steps You Can Take To Re-Engage Your Students With Maths
Start with a readiness assessment to meet students where they are
Begin by understanding where each student stands in their learning journey. A readiness assessment allows you to identify their strengths, weaknesses, and unique needs, helping you tailor your approach to support them effectively. This ensures that no student is left behind and creates a strong foundation for learning.
Use tech tools to free up time for individual support
Leverage technology to streamline routine tasks like grading and lesson planning. Tools like learning management systems or online quizzes can save hours of time, enabling you to focus more on providing personalised attention to students who need it most. Technology can be a game-changer for both efficiency and meaningful engagement.
Try gamifying one upcoming topic or skill
Introduce an element of fun and challenge to your lessons by gamifying a topic or skill. Whether it’s through online educational games, point systems, or friendly competitions, gamification can make learning more engaging and motivate students to participate actively. It’s a great way to spark excitement about a subject.
Provide meaningful feedback regularly to boost student ownership
Consistent, constructive feedback helps students understand their progress and areas for improvement. Make sure your feedback is specific and actionable, encouraging students to take ownership of their learning. This not only builds their confidence but also fosters a growth mindset, empowering them to strive for continued success.
Unlock a Love for Maths with Technology
Students often disengage from learning when they feel stuck, overlooked, or uninspired, but this doesn’t have to be the norm.
With the right approach, teachers can create an environment that fosters confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning. Thoughtful differentiation, combined with effective tools, can make a world of difference in reaching every student.
Education Perfect Maths is designed to help teachers personalise learning pathways, energise their classrooms, and transform the way students engage with maths. If you are considering selecting an edtech offering, we’ve created this checklist guide to help you evaluate your tooling needs. Alternatively, please feel free to reach out to request a demo or a free trial. We’d be happy to help.
