Thursday, October 26, 2006
Not Getting It In Math And Science
Dear Guidance Guy,
I have had some trouble lately in my science and math class, you see I'm not very good at numbers. Anyway lately whenever the teacher is explaining something to me I just blank out. It's not like I mean to or anything, it just happens. On the occasion I don't blank out and actually hear what the teacher is saying, I don't get it and have to ask them to repeat it. I am constantly in after school and at the teacher's desk during class getting additional help, I even get help with my dad with my homework, but I still don't understand. I am starting to feel stupid because I'm always asking for help again and again on the same thing, and am just not getting it. As a result I am falling behind and really need help.
What should I do?
Constantly Confused
*** *** ***
Dear Constantly Confused,
There are a few reasons why you could be having a hard time with these subjects. Many students have a hard time in math and science, but doing much better in writing and reading types of courses. Some people (young and old) have such a strong fear of working with math they "zone out." Their brain just decides it's easier to ignore than to pay attention, even if it means bad grades and other kinds of trouble. For students like these the best thing to do is go back to the place where you understand everything that's happening, then build on it little by little until you get it. This takes a very strong teacher (or tutor) and a lot of patience on your part. It may take longer, but eventually it will sink in. Even better, you'll begin to feel good about math and science again!
Another problem may have to do with the way your brain processes information. Some people have a learning disability that makes it much more difficult to accomplish certain kinds of tasks. Math can be one of them, as can reading, writing, working fast and lots of other things. Learning disabilities can only be found through testing by a school psychologist or special education teacher. If you and your parents think this is a serious enough issue, you can ask for a meeting of people who speciailize in learning disabilities. They can talk about what's going on and decide if this might be part of the problem.
Whether you have a learning disability or not, the answer will start with you making a choice to do the best you can in learning. You'll need to be patient. You'll also need to be assertive and ask your teachers to explain things differently if the way they're doing it isn't sinking in.
From your letter, you seem like someone who really wants to make things better. I'm guessing you'll figure out what's wrong and find a way to catch up.
Best of Luck,
The Guidance Guy
I have had some trouble lately in my science and math class, you see I'm not very good at numbers. Anyway lately whenever the teacher is explaining something to me I just blank out. It's not like I mean to or anything, it just happens. On the occasion I don't blank out and actually hear what the teacher is saying, I don't get it and have to ask them to repeat it. I am constantly in after school and at the teacher's desk during class getting additional help, I even get help with my dad with my homework, but I still don't understand. I am starting to feel stupid because I'm always asking for help again and again on the same thing, and am just not getting it. As a result I am falling behind and really need help.
What should I do?
Constantly Confused
*** *** ***
Dear Constantly Confused,
There are a few reasons why you could be having a hard time with these subjects. Many students have a hard time in math and science, but doing much better in writing and reading types of courses. Some people (young and old) have such a strong fear of working with math they "zone out." Their brain just decides it's easier to ignore than to pay attention, even if it means bad grades and other kinds of trouble. For students like these the best thing to do is go back to the place where you understand everything that's happening, then build on it little by little until you get it. This takes a very strong teacher (or tutor) and a lot of patience on your part. It may take longer, but eventually it will sink in. Even better, you'll begin to feel good about math and science again!
Another problem may have to do with the way your brain processes information. Some people have a learning disability that makes it much more difficult to accomplish certain kinds of tasks. Math can be one of them, as can reading, writing, working fast and lots of other things. Learning disabilities can only be found through testing by a school psychologist or special education teacher. If you and your parents think this is a serious enough issue, you can ask for a meeting of people who speciailize in learning disabilities. They can talk about what's going on and decide if this might be part of the problem.
Whether you have a learning disability or not, the answer will start with you making a choice to do the best you can in learning. You'll need to be patient. You'll also need to be assertive and ask your teachers to explain things differently if the way they're doing it isn't sinking in.
From your letter, you seem like someone who really wants to make things better. I'm guessing you'll figure out what's wrong and find a way to catch up.
Best of Luck,
The Guidance Guy
# posted by Larry Hochman : 12:07 PM
