Does your teen ask, "When will I ever use this?" during maths lessons? A recent study from Frontiers in Education suggests the answer matters more than you might think. Researchers compared two groups of Grade 11 students in Kazakhstan: one learned geometry through real-world STEM projects, while the other used traditional textbook methods.
The project-based group achieved 82% on mathematical literacy assessments, compared to 70% for students learning traditionally—a meaningful difference supported by statistical analysis. The study included 43 students total.
Students prefer hands-on learning, and it actually works
Before the experiment began, researchers surveyed the teenagers about how they liked to learn. Nearly 62% wanted collaboration and hands-on projects instead of abstract theory. They also preferred visual and practical materials. The project-based group worked on genuine engineering tasks involving volumes and three-dimensional shapes, using digital tools like GeoGebra 3D and Desmos. Instead of memorising formulas, students had to create their own mathematical problems, reason through solutions, and apply their learning to real scenarios.
The real payoff: deeper thinking, not faster calculating
The biggest improvements weren't in how quickly students could do calculations. Instead, they excelled at recognising geometry in real-world contexts, breaking down complex 3D shapes into manageable pieces, and explaining why their mathematical solutions mattered. These deeper reasoning skills—recognising patterns, formulating problems, justifying answers—align closely with what Singapore's education system increasingly emphasises beyond rote memorisation.
This matters for your teen's struggle with maths
When mathematics is anchored to real problems your teen can visualise—building structures, designing systems, solving authentic challenges—it becomes a tool rather than abstract symbol-pushing. For Singapore families where STEM is increasingly prioritised in schools, this research validates what progressive educators have long advocated.
One limitation: the study involved one school in Kazakhstan, so educators are calling for larger research across different countries and student populations before drawing firm conclusions.
Three ways to build real-world maths into your teen's learning
- Ask their school if geometry or algebra classes include design or engineering projects, or request practical applications for current topics.
- Suggest your teen tackle a real household challenge using maths—calculating paint needed for a room, or volume for aquarium design.
- Explore how STEM subjects integrate in their curriculum; advocate for project-based learning opportunities where available.