'My child is doing MYP Extended Maths and I haven't done algebra since school. How can I possibly help?'
Many MYP parents feel helpless when it comes to higher-level mathematics. The content is unfamiliar, the assessment tasks look nothing like what you remember from school, and your child is stressed. Here's how you can meaningfully support without needing to be a mathematician.
Understand the Four Criteria in MYP Maths
MYP Maths assesses four criteria: A (Knowing and Understanding), B (Investigating Patterns), C (Communicating), and D (Applying Maths in Real-Life Contexts). Your child doesn't just need to get the right answer — they need to show their reasoning, identify patterns, and communicate their process clearly.
You Don't Need to Know the Content to Support
Your role isn't to solve the problem — it's to ask good questions. 'Can you explain what you're trying to find?' and 'What strategy are you using?' prompt your child to verbalise their thinking, which often helps them self-correct. This technique is called 'rubber duck debugging' — the act of explaining it out loud reveals the error.
Use Free Online Resources Strategically
Khan Academy, DrFrostMaths, and Mathway are excellent tools your child can use independently. If they're stuck on a concept, direct them to these resources rather than reaching for a tutor immediately. Building self-help habits is a crucial MYP ATL (Approaches to Learning) skill.
Criterion D: Real-World Application
This is where many students lose marks. Criterion D tasks require connecting maths to a real-life scenario. Help your child brainstorm: 'Where does this type of maths appear in the real world?' Discuss examples from finance, architecture, sports statistics, or science. These conversations are valuable even if you don't know the maths.
When to Get a Tutor
If your child is consistently scoring below 5 across Criteria A and B, subject-specific support is worthwhile. Choose an MYP-experienced tutor who understands criteria-based assessment — not just someone who is 'good at maths'. The marking approach matters enormously.
✦ Key Takeaway
You don't need to be a mathematician to support your child in MYP Maths. Curiosity, good questioning, and the right resources go a very long way.