In the world of education, especially when it comes to mathematics, there is a question that bothers many: are mathematicians born or are they made along the way? How many times have you heard someone say “I’m not good at math?” But is it just innate talent, or is performance the result of constant effort?
Georgiana Popovici, founder of Creative Learning Hub, a training center of excellence, has over 20 years of experience in teaching mathematics and gives us an interesting perspective on the subject. “Of course, some students have a natural leaning towards math, but talent is not enough. Just like in any other field, progress comes from hard work and perseverance”, she emphasizes.
Talent – a starting point, not a destination
Many believe that talent is enough and can be the only factor that determines success in math. However, Georgiana Popovici explains that this may be an advantage, but it is not necessary to perform in this field. “We had many students who didn’t consider themselves good at math, but with constant effort and the right approach, they ended up achieving outstanding results. Talent can get you off to a good start, but it’s effort that gets you to the finish line”, she shares.
In this way, talent can be compared to a spark that lights a fire, but to keep the fire burning, you need wood – which is practice and discipline. Without effort and a willingness to learn, even the talented can fall behind.
Mathematics – an exercise in perseverance
Mathematics is often perceived as a difficult subject, but teachers who manage to guide their students in the right way show that it can be accessible to anyone. “There is no pupil who cannot learn this subject. What matters is how it is presented to them. With patience and interactive methods, any student can understand and even enjoy mathematics“, says Georgiana Popovici.
She also points out something that is often overlooked: “Students should not see math as a competition. Everyone has their own pace and it is important that parents and teachers give them the support they need to understand that learning is a process”.
Is effort the key to success in math?
At her excellence training center, the Creative Learning Hub, Georgiana emphasizes personal effort and the development of critical thinking. “Math is not about memorizing formulas, but about understanding how things work. By the time a student understands the logic behind an exercise, they have already won half the battle”, she says.
Constant effort and repetitive exercises not only help consolidate knowledge, but also build confidence in your own abilities. “Students who work daily, even for short periods of time, end up being the best learners. You don’t need to spend hours focused on your books, it’s important to learn consistently and intelligently“, Georgiana explains.
When it comes to learning math, the math teacher encourages students who think they are “not talented”, to change their perspective. “Math is a universal language and we all have the ability to understand it. Those who excel are not always those who are born with talent, but those who choose not to give up, learn from their mistakes and move forward”.
With dedicated teachers, like Georgiana Popovici, and a well-structured and personalized study plan, every student has the chance to discover their abilities and achieve excellent results. So it’s not just about talent, but about the passion and effort we are willing to put in.
“Mathematicians are not born, they are made”, says Georgiana. “And that training comes from will, hard work and curiosity”, concludes Ph.D. Georgiana Popovici.