Why Students Dislike Maths Word Problems - and How to Fix It

If you’ve ever watched a student’s face contort in confusion at the sight of a maths word problem, you’re not alone. Word problems are the broccoli of mathematics: undeniably good for you, but often met with resistance. So why do they trigger so much dread - and more importantly, how can we turn that dread into curiosity?

The Problem with Word Problems

Let’s break down the common reasons students struggle with math word problems:

1. Language Barriers

Word problems are a hybrid of math and language. Students who are strong in computation may falter when the problem is wrapped in dense or ambiguous wording. It's not just about numbers - it's about decoding.

“If train A leaves the station at 3:15…”

Cue the mental fog.

2. Lack of Contextual Relevance

Many word problems feel artificial. They ask students to calculate how many apples Johnny has left after giving some to his friends - but who is Johnny, and why is he hoarding apples?

3. Cognitive Overload

Word problems often require multiple steps: understanding the scenario, identifying relevant data, choosing a strategy, and executing the maths. That’s a lot of mental juggling, especially for younger learners.

4. Fear of Failure

Unlike straightforward equations, word problems don’t always have a clear path. Students fear misinterpreting the question and getting everything wrong from the start.

How to Fix It

Here’s how educators, parents, and even students themselves can make word problems less intimidating - and maybe even enjoyable.

1. Make It Visual

Encourage students to draw diagrams, timelines, or sketches. Visualising the problem reduces cognitive load and makes abstract scenarios more concrete.

2. Use Real-Life Scenarios

Swap out generic setups for relatable ones. Instead of calculating how many marbles are left, ask how much pizza is needed for a party. Better yet - let students create their own problems based on their interests.

3. Teach the Language of Maths

Break down common phrases used in word problems (“more than,” “less than,” “per,” “total”) and practice translating them into mathematical operations. It’s like learning a new dialect.

4. Chunk the Problem

Teach students to tackle word problems step by step:

  • What do I know?
  • What do I need to find?
  • What operation will help me get there?

This scaffolding builds confidence and clarity.

5. Celebrate Mistakes

Normalise trial and error. Encourage students to explain their reasoning - even if it’s wrong. This builds resilience and helps uncover misconceptions.

Final Thoughts

Word problems aren’t just maths exercises - they’re life exercises. They teach us how to interpret information, make decisions, and solve problems in messy, real-world contexts. By making them more accessible, relevant, and engaging, we can help students not just tolerate word problems - but master them.🌈✨

Share