Apparently if you want someone to get better at math . . . PUNISHING THEM for wrong answers might be the best bet. Hmmm, what kind of punishment? Public humiliation? Slap on the wrist? No recess?
Now, there's a BIG caveat here: It's based on a study out of France on BEES.
Yes, bees. Apparently bees do basic math (WHAT?!?), and the researchers found they performed better when they were punished for getting answers wrong. Hmmm... how do you punish a bee? Hive humiliation? Slap on the stinger? No pollen for you?
So, will this translate over to humans? Maybe you can knock out a few multiplication tables while someone yells at you and find out.