How “Practice Makes Perfect” Applies to Math

“Practice makes perfect” is a message that children hear often and in many contexts. This expression stands out for me every time I see or hear it, especially when it pertains to math. The idea is that if you keep practicing math skills, you will perfect them.

This idea of “practice makes perfect” applies to repetitive tasks. In math, it represents learning and doing math as the act of practicing math facts or repeating a given procedure. Extended rote practice of math procedures generally does not lead to mastery of math. Mastery requires a mathematical understanding of the procedures, as well. When students don’t understand procedures, they often misapply them. Over time, procedures that are not understood are usually forgotten.

Furthermore, students who understand the math embedded in a procedure don’t need rote practice, and students who have no mathematical insight into a procedure will not become mathematically enlightened by rote practice, even when they have learned the skill well enough to pass a test. Both groups develop negative feelings about math in the process.

This isn’t to say that practice isn’t important for learning math because “practice does make better.” Students should practice various kinds of math exercises and explorations to gain a better understanding of mathematics.

Find out why it’s important to learn math with understanding at www.ljmlc.com.