Mathematics is used in almost all jobs and careers . To help studentsrealistically choose a profession or trade , it is necessary for them to beaware of the math skills needed in specific career paths. If a student hates math and has has struggled to earned a grade better than a C in an algebra or geometry class, it may not be a good suggestion to set sites on a career in engineering. This article is not intended to discourage children from an interest in a chosencareer , but instead to shed light on the math skills needed and how students can improve their understanding of math so they can pursue a chosen profession or trade.
Before I discuss the mathematics requirements for different fields , I would like to discuss what we can do when a student isn’thaving success in math but still wants to pursue aprofession involving mathematics . As I said before, I am not trying to discourage anyone from a chosen career . So, with that said, what can parents and teachers do for children to help them be successful in mathematics so they canenter a profession of interest .
First of all , start when children are young. When children are young, they can experience failure that literally traumatize them for the rest of their lives . One of these experiences is feeling like a failure because of not comprehending math. A commonmistake is to allow young children to use a calculator for math assignments when they have difficulty doing it by hand. Early In math education, sets thefoundation for more advanced mathematical ideas . Remember, if someone can’t multiply 23 and 45 , he/she won’t be able to multiply (3z + 5) and (2y – 1) . Doing basic arithmetic is the beginning to mathematical thinking . Please do not have students access calculators until they understand how to solve math problems by hand. Once they are allowed to use calculators, continue to have them continuewith mental math and solve problems by hand to keep their math skills honed . Some basic ideas for mental math include asking them questions about the “times” table, calculating the tip at a restaurant, calculating the tax on a bill, or even adding-up and estimating the total cost of items you are buying at the grocery store .
What about children that already have negative feelings concerning math ? The thing to do is go back in their life and find out when/where they began not understanding and disliking math. Re-teach and review the ideas they don’t understand , andgo forward to help them be more comfortable with math . Much of the dislike that some students have towards math is a result of fear . It seems easier to say, “I hate math,” then to understand the feelings and move on . There are many resources available to help children on their way to math success. It will take much work, but theend result will be a child that will have a choice of any profession .
Some of the online resources available are online geometry , virtual math lab, and virtual algebra tutoring. There are also many learning centers and tutors that can be found through your local school district or college . Which ever resource(s) you choose,determine what you expect from tutoring or the learning service . Express your goals to those that are working with your student , so you can worktogether to best help your student succeed . If you try a service and it is making your child anxious, find out what is causing the anxiety and if needed , stop using that service . More anxiety will only reinforce the fear and dislike of mathematics . Also, you can discuss your concern with a school counselor to discuss ideas to help your child cope with the fear . You can even consult a therapist if the anxiety seems to debilitate or overwhelm your child.
Taking steps to remove the anxiety of math can only benefit your child. What ever tools you choose to use for your child (tutors, counselors, or therapists) will help him/her to be more confident in math . Once the fear is under control, your child will have the confidence to succeed in mathematics !
Here is a partial list of careers and the math that is required.
Actuary: Algebra, Statistics, Calculus
Accountant: Arithmetic, Statistics, Algebra
Administrative Assistant: Arithmetic, Statistics, Algebra
Business: Arithmetic, Statistics, Algebra
Carpenter: Arithmetic, Fractions, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry
Chef: Arithmetic, Fractions, Algebra
Dentist: Algebra, Trigonometry, Statistics, Calculus
Computer Programmer: Algebra, Trigonometry, Statistics, Calculus (Depending on what type of programs you are writing)
Economics: Arithmetic, Statistics, Algebra
Engineering: Algebra, Trigonometry, Statistics, Calculus
Information Technology: Algebra, Trigonometry, Statistics, Calculus (Depending on the type of systems and processes)
Lab Technician: Arithmetic, Statistics, Algebra
Law Enforcement: Arithmetic, Statistics, Algebra (Calculus for some forensic fields)
Lawyer: Arithmetic, Algebra, Statistics
Medical Doctor: Algebra, Trigonometry, Statistics, Calculus
Nurse: Arithmetic, Fractions, Algebra
Teacher (Elementary): Arithmetic, Algebra
Teacher (Secondary) Non-Math/Science: Arithmetic, Algebra
Teacher (Secondary) Math or Science: Algebra, Trigonometry, Statistics, Calculus
Plummer: Arithmetic, Fractions, Algebra
Psychology: Arithmetic, Fractions, Algebra
Scientist: Algebra, Trigonometry, Statistics, Calculus
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