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I see you. Sitting in your math class, looking confused and feeling frustrated. If you’ve read the novel, Me and My So-Called Friends you know that the main character Lizzie had such a difficult time getting through her math class. For many, this is such a familiar struggle.
What happens when you can’t understand what your math teacher is demonstrating? Does that mean that you’re destined to be poor at math forever?
A common question for most and it needs to be brought up and discussed.
We went to the top to find out this answer because this is a loaded question! Ms. Jennifer Wells is a math teacher at a private school in Toronto and this is her perspective on the subject of what’s really going on in math class.
Just because you are struggling in math, it doesn’t mean you should give it up. There are typically 4 kinds of math students who struggle:
It’s a small percentage, but there are students who truly struggle with the subject. This could be a hard pill to swallow for some parents. For some reason, if someone isn’t talented in art, they can drop it at the senior level, and it isn’t frowned upon. However, the opposite is true when it comes to math. There is nothing “wrong” with you if you can’t do the math. One who is struggling at a very intense level should abort the subject as soon as they are able and focus on subjects that bring joy and success.
Here, they can pass the high school courses in mathematics, but will eventually struggle during university or college. At some point, you have to not just memorize the concepts but understand what you’re doing. And this method of learning can eventually backfire at a higher level.
This is the main reason why a student shouldn’t give up math. Their brains need time to develop and understand the concepts. Usually, once they reach grade 11, the light goes on, and poof! They get it and finally understand what’s really going on in math class!
Sometimes the class teacher can’t connect with the student or doesn’t have the time to give someone on one support and an outside tutor is required. In this case, once the outside help is in place and it’s a positive experience, the student will realize that they are quite capable of succeeding and then it’s a snowball effect and lookout Isaac Newton!
The next time you are having a hard time in your math class, don’t hit the “drop” button so fast! Weigh your options out carefully by reaching out to the appropriate people and resources for help. It could be just a few extra sessions with your teacher, an extra lesson with an online school, such as Khan Academy, or a private tutor. Like any roadblock in life, with the right help, and a little patience, you will and can get through it.
I’m so grateful to be able to have the opportunity to write what I’m passionate about and what I think will serve others. If you would like me to write about you and your passions for the Braves The Waves Journal, or for your own company, please be in touch.