Maths can be one of those subjects that starts with one small problem and slowly turns into a much bigger one.
A student may miss one important concept, feel unsure about asking a question, fall behind the class and eventually start believing that they are simply "not good at maths."
The good news is that struggling with mathematics does not mean a student cannot improve. With the right explanation, regular practice and support that matches their learning needs, students can build both mathematical skills and confidence.
The Australian Curriculum places importance on more than simply getting the right answer. Students are expected to develop mathematical understanding, fluency, reasoning and problem-solving skills across areas such as number, algebra, measurement, space, statistics and probability.
So why do some students find maths difficult?
Here are seven common reasons parents and teachers should know about.
They Have Gaps in the Basics
Maths builds on what students have already learned.
A student who is unsure about multiplication may find fractions difficult. Someone who has not fully understood fractions may then struggle with percentages, ratios or algebra.
These gaps can become more noticeable as the student moves into more advanced topics. The problem is not always the topic being taught today. Sometimes, the missing piece is something they were expected to understand several years earlier.
Going back to the foundation without making the student feel like they are going backwards.
A good tutor can identify where the difficulty begins, revisit the underlying concept and gradually connect it to the current topic.
They Memorise Steps Without Understanding Why
Remembering a formula or procedure can help a student answer a familiar question. But what happens when the question looks different?
Students need to understand not only how to solve a problem, but also why a particular method works.
This becomes especially important as mathematics becomes more complex. The Australian Curriculum specifically focuses on helping students build conceptual understanding, connect mathematical ideas and apply their knowledge to unfamiliar situations.
Instead of simply showing students which steps to follow, encourage them to explain their thinking with questions like:
- "Why did you choose this method?"
- "What does this number represent?"
- "Could you solve it another way?"
They Are Afraid of Getting the Answer Wrong
A wrong answer can sometimes feel bigger than it really is.
Students who have struggled with maths for a while may become reluctant to answer questions, ask for help or attempt something they are unsure about. Eventually, they may start saying: "I'm just bad at maths."
Mathematics education is not only about developing skills. The Australian Curriculum also aims to help students develop a positive disposition towards mathematics and become confident users of the subject.
Create an environment where mistakes are treated as part of learning. Students should feel comfortable saying, "I don't understand," without feeling embarrassed.
That is one of the advantages of one-on-one tutoring. A student has dedicated time to ask questions, work through mistakes and try again without comparing themselves with an entire classroom.
They Don't Get Enough Practice
Understanding a concept during a lesson is one thing; being able to use it independently is another.
Students need opportunities to practise mathematical skills, apply different strategies and learn from mistakes. The Australian Curriculum includes fluency as an important part of mathematical proficiency.
However, practice does not mean completing endless worksheets.
The quality of practice matters. Students benefit from working through a variety of questions, including familiar problems and questions that require them to think differently.
Regular, focused practice turns new knowledge into something students can use with greater confidence.
They Find Word Problems Difficult
Sometimes the maths itself isn't the biggest challenge the difficulty is understanding what the question is actually asking.
A word problem requires students to read the information, identify what matters, decide which mathematical approach to use and then explain or check their answer.
The Australian Curriculum recognises problem-solving and reasoning as central parts of mathematical learning.
Teach students to slow down before calculating by asking:
- What information do I have?
- What am I trying to find?
- Which information is important?
- What mathematical operation or strategy might help?
They Move Through Topics Too Quickly
Every student learns at a different pace. Classrooms must keep moving, making it difficult to spend extra time with one student on a tricky concept.
This creates a frustrating cycle:
Giving the student time to stop, ask questions and work through the concept at a pace that suits them. One-on-one tutoring provides that extra breathing room.
They Have Lost Confidence
Once a student starts believing that maths is "not for them", every difficult question can reinforce that belief. They avoid challenging questions or give up quickly.
Building confidence means helping them experience consistent small wins:
So, What Can Parents Do?
The first step is to understand why your child is struggling:
Parents don't need to become their child's maths teacher. Creating a calm learning environment, encouraging questions and finding the right academic support can make a meaningful difference.
How One-on-One Maths Tutoring Can Help
One-on-one tutoring gives students dedicated time with a tutor who can focus purely on their individual learning needs.
A personalised maths tutoring session may include:
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my child struggling with maths?
There can be many reasons, including gaps in foundational knowledge, difficulty understanding concepts, limited practice, challenges with problem-solving or a lack of confidence.
Can a student improve their maths skills?
Yes. Mathematical skills can be developed through understanding, practice, reasoning and problem-solving. The right learning approach can help students strengthen areas where they need additional support.
Is one-on-one maths tutoring effective?
One-on-one tutoring allows a lesson to focus specifically on the student's needs. A tutor can spend more time on difficult concepts, adjust explanations and provide targeted practice.
When should my child start maths tutoring?
There is no single right time. Some students seek tutoring when they begin struggling, while others use it to strengthen their foundations, prepare for assessments or extend their learning.
Can online maths tutoring help primary and secondary school students?
Yes. Online one-on-one tutoring supports both primary school students with foundational skills and senior students (Year 11 & 12) with advanced subject revision, assessments, and exam prep.
Final Thought
Maths is not about being a "maths person." It is about understanding ideas, practising skills, asking questions and learning how to approach problems.
With the right support, students can develop the skills and confidence to turn "I can't do this" into "Let me try."
