Mathematics is not just about numbers and formulas; it is about developing logical thinking, solving problems, and building confidence. Every Junior High School (JHS) learner has the potential to excel in mathematics with the right strategies, consistent practice, and a positive attitude.
For many students in Ghana, mathematics can seem like one of the most challenging subjects. Topics such as fractions, algebra, geometry, measurement, and statistics sometimes create anxiety, especially when learners struggle to understand basic concepts.
However, poor performance in mathematics does not necessarily mean a student lacks mathematical ability. In many cases, the challenge comes from weak foundational knowledge, ineffective study habits, insufficient practice, or a lack of confidence.
The good news is that these challenges can be overcome.
In this article, Rexford Educates explores five practical strategies that can help JHS students improve their mathematical understanding, strengthen their problem-solving abilities, and prepare confidently for classroom assessments and the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
1. Build a Strong Foundation in Mathematics
A strong mathematical foundation is essential for success in more advanced topics. Mathematics is a progressive subject, meaning that new concepts often depend on previously acquired knowledge.
For example, a student who struggles with fractions may find algebraic fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions particularly challenging.
Similarly, a learner who does not understand basic arithmetic operations may experience difficulties solving equations and word problems.
How to build a strong mathematical foundation
Understand concepts instead of memorizing formulas.
Students should focus on understanding why mathematical procedures work rather than simply memorizing steps.
For example, consider the equation:
2x + 3 = 11
To solve it, subtract 3 from both sides:
2x = 8
Then divide both sides by 2:
x = 4
Instead of memorizing these steps, students should understand that an equation represents a balance and that performing the same operation on both sides maintains equality.
Master essential mathematical topics.
Students should develop confidence in the following areas:
- Number systems and basic arithmetic operations
- Fractions, decimals, and percentages
- Ratios and proportions
- Algebraic expressions and equations
- Geometry and measurement
- Statistics and probability
Ask questions whenever something is unclear.
Students should never feel embarrassed about asking questions. Seeking clarification from teachers or classmates can prevent small misunderstandings from becoming major learning difficulties.
Practical tip: Spend 15–20 minutes revising an earlier mathematical concept before beginning a new topic that depends on it.
A strong foundation makes learning new mathematical concepts easier and more meaningful.
2. Practise Mathematics Regularly
Mathematics is a skill that improves through consistent and purposeful practice.
Just as athletes improve their performance through regular training, students develop mathematical proficiency by solving problems frequently.
Reading mathematical examples without attempting questions independently is rarely enough to develop strong problem-solving skills.
Effective ways to practise mathematics
Solve questions every day.
Students should dedicate a specific amount of time each day to solving mathematical problems.
Even 20–30 minutes of focused daily practice can help strengthen understanding and improve accuracy over time.
Practise different types of questions.
Avoid solving only familiar or easy questions. Students should attempt questions that require different methods of reasoning.
For instance, when studying percentages, practise questions involving:
- Calculating percentages of quantities
- Percentage increase and decrease
- Discounts and profit calculations
- Real-life applications of percentages
Use past examination questions.
BECE past questions can help students become familiar with examination formats, question styles, and the application of mathematical concepts.
However, students should use past questions to strengthen understanding rather than memorize answers.
Practise under timed conditions.
Timed exercises help learners develop speed, accuracy, concentration, and examination confidence.
Learn from mistakes.
Whenever an answer is incorrect, students should identify where the error occurred, understand the correct procedure, and attempt a similar question again.
Practical tip: Keep a mathematics correction notebook where you record difficult questions, common mistakes, and the correct solutions.
Remember, mathematical improvement comes not only from solving many questions but also from understanding the reasoning behind each solution.
3. Develop Effective Mathematics Study Habits
Studying mathematics requires more than spending long hours with textbooks. Students need effective learning strategies that help them understand, remember, and apply mathematical concepts.
Good study habits promote consistency, reduce examination anxiety, and improve long-term retention.
Study techniques every JHS student should adopt
Create a realistic study timetable.
Set aside regular periods for mathematics while balancing other school subjects.
A simple 40-minute mathematics study session could follow this structure:
ActivityDurationReview previous lessons5 minutesStudy a concept and worked examples10 minutesSolve questions independently20 minutesCorrect mistakes and summarize learning5 minutes
Use active recall.
After studying a topic, close your textbook and try to explain the concept or solve a question without looking at the solution.
This helps you identify what you genuinely understand and what requires further revision.
Revise topics at regular intervals.
Rather than studying a topic once and forgetting about it, revisit it after a day, several days, and a week.
This approach, known as spaced repetition, can strengthen long-term memory.
Use diagrams and visual representations.
Mathematical concepts often become easier to understand when represented visually.
For example:
- Use number lines to explain integers.
- Use fraction diagrams to compare fractions.
- Use graphs to represent relationships.
- Use geometric drawings to understand shapes and angles.
- Use tables and charts to interpret statistical information.
Connect mathematics to everyday life.
Students can apply mathematics when calculating shopping discounts, measuring distances, sharing quantities, managing money, or interpreting information.
Practical tip: At the end of every mathematics lesson, write down three things you learned, two questions you can solve, and one concept you still need to understand.
Effective study habits make mathematics more manageable and help students become independent learners.
4. Develop a Positive Attitude Towards Mathematics
A student's attitude towards mathematics can significantly influence their willingness to learn and persist through challenges.
Some students develop the belief that mathematics is naturally difficult or that only exceptionally intelligent people can perform well in the subject.
Such beliefs may discourage effort and reduce confidence.
The truth is that mathematical understanding can improve through effective teaching, practice, constructive feedback, and persistence.
How to develop a positive mathematical mindset
Believe that improvement is possible.
Instead of saying:
"I am not good at mathematics."
Try saying:
"I do not understand this topic yet, but I can improve through practice."
This simple change encourages students to view mathematical ability as something that can develop.
See mistakes as learning opportunities.
Making mistakes does not mean a student is incapable of understanding mathematics.
Mistakes provide valuable information about misconceptions, gaps in knowledge, and areas that require additional practice.
Celebrate small achievements.
Successfully solving a previously difficult problem, improving a test score, or understanding a challenging concept deserves recognition.
Small successes can gradually strengthen mathematical confidence.
Remain persistent when questions become difficult.
Not every mathematical problem can be solved immediately.
Students should learn to examine questions carefully, identify known information, try appropriate strategies, and seek guidance when necessary.
Surround yourself with supportive people.
Positive encouragement from teachers, parents, and classmates can motivate students to approach mathematics with greater confidence.
Practical tip: Set one achievable mathematics goal each week, such as mastering operations with fractions or solving ten algebra questions correctly.
A positive attitude does not eliminate every difficulty, but it encourages the determination needed to overcome challenges.
5. Seek Help and Make Good Use of Available Learning Resources
Successful mathematics learning does not have to happen in isolation.
Teachers, classmates, textbooks, educational websites, and other learning resources can provide valuable support.
Students who seek help when necessary are better positioned to address misunderstandings before they become serious learning challenges.
Resources that can improve mathematical performance
Seek guidance from mathematics teachers.
Teachers can explain difficult concepts, demonstrate alternative problem-solving methods, and provide additional exercises.
Students should communicate openly with their teachers whenever they encounter difficulties.
Participate in group discussions.
Studying with classmates allows students to exchange ideas, compare solutions, and learn different approaches to mathematical problems.
For example, one student may solve a word problem using an equation, while another uses a table or diagram.
Discussing both methods can deepen understanding.
Use recommended textbooks and revision materials.
Mathematics textbooks provide structured explanations, worked examples, and exercises.
Students should make effective use of materials aligned with the Ghanaian JHS mathematics curriculum.
Explore educational videos and digital resources.
Educational videos and interactive learning platforms can provide alternative explanations of challenging mathematical concepts.
However, watching videos should be followed by independent problem-solving.
Make use of school and community resources.
School libraries, mathematics clubs, peer tutoring programmes, and community learning initiatives can create additional opportunities for practice and support.
Practical tip: Whenever you encounter a difficult mathematics question, attempt it independently, identify the exact point of difficulty, and then seek help. Afterwards, solve a similar question without assistance.
The goal of seeking help is not merely to obtain the correct answer but to develop the understanding needed to solve future problems independently.
Bonus: How Parents and Teachers Can Support Mathematics Achievement
Improving mathematics performance requires a supportive learning environment.
Parents and teachers play an important role in helping students develop confidence, motivation, and effective learning habits.
What teachers can do
Teachers can improve mathematics learning by:
- Using practical examples and teaching aids to explain abstract concepts.
- Identifying and addressing learners' misconceptions.
- Encouraging classroom participation and mathematical discussions.
- Providing regular formative assessments and constructive feedback.
- Using different instructional approaches to accommodate learners' needs.
What parents can do
Parents can support their children's mathematical development by:
- Encouraging regular study and homework completion.
- Providing a quiet and supportive learning environment.
- Showing interest in their children's academic progress.
- Encouraging effort and persistence rather than focusing only on examination scores.
- Communicating with teachers when their children experience learning difficulties.
When students, teachers, and parents work together, they can create an environment that supports meaningful mathematical learning.
Final Thoughts: Excellence in Mathematics Begins with Consistent Effort
Improving performance in JHS mathematics is a gradual process that requires commitment, patience, and effective learning strategies.
Students do not need to master every mathematical concept immediately. What matters is making consistent progress and developing the confidence to tackle increasingly challenging problems.
The five strategies discussed in this article provide a practical starting point:
- Build a strong foundation by understanding essential mathematical concepts.
- Practise regularly to develop accuracy, fluency, and problem-solving skills.
- Develop effective study habits through active recall, revision, and structured learning.
- Maintain a positive attitude by embracing challenges and learning from mistakes.
- Seek help and use available resources to strengthen understanding and overcome difficulties.
Every mathematics expert was once a learner. With the right guidance, consistent practice, and determination, every JHS student can make meaningful progress.
Remember: Mathematics is not about being naturally gifted. It is about understanding, practising, thinking critically, and refusing to give up.
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