Struggling with math

[Susan Simmons]

Hello, I have a 20 yr old son that unschooled for much of his life, then he chose to go to school for jr high and part of high school before coming home again. When he was in school, he struggled in his math classes, not being able to grasp the concepts. Now that he's 20, what he would really like to do is go into the science field, astronomy likely, but for that, he needs alot of math skills. He has been trying to teach himself math, beyond the basics, some just to figure things out he's trying to learn about, and some to get further himself so that he can get to where he wants to be. But, he says he can't. He told me that no matter how hard he tries, he just can't get the concepts, he can't wrap his head around them. Even at his job, working at a boat and airplane upholstery shop, when his boss asks him for help doing things that require figuring out some math, he can't do it. It's really frustrating him alot! Any ideas? Do you think if you don't have a natural ability for math that you can train your brain to learn it somehow?
Thanks!!
Susan

[Sandra Dodd]

I'd suggest that he take remedial math classes at community college, if you can find something like that. It would be a review of all of school math, but not a rushed one. Kind of quick, but at a slow pace (if that makes sense ).

If he uses it as a summary of all of school math, not for "what he missed," but as a guided tour, kind of, of mathematical notation and concepts, that might be helpful.

[Pamela Sorooshian]

Have you tried a tutor? You need someone who understands math anxiety, speaks very articulate and comfortable English, and explains concepts (not just how to do math, but why it works and why you'd want to do it). You don't need someone who will drill him and try to pound the stuff into his head.

It might help him to do some of his own research on math anxiety.

If he tries to study it alone, then the materials he uses will matter a lot. A good review book is, "Where Do I Put the Decimal Point?"

[Susan Simmons]

I've given him both of those ideas to think about. They're both great ideas. We do have a community college here that has a basic math class. And I know a great math tutor who is very down to earth about it.
I'm not sure if it's math anxiety though. Do you think an inability to comprehend math concepts is always connected to or due to math anxiety? Kind of like the chicken and the egg, which comes first? Is there anxiety because of a difficulty in understanding, or the opposite? One thing I forgot to mention is he has had numerous concussions (lots of dirt biking) and has done quite a bit of marijuana. I don't know how much of those are part of his difficulties in comprehending.
I checked out the book suggestion, it looks great, I might get it for myself! But, I think he would need something that he isn't doing on his own, something he can talk to someone about, either a teacher or tutor. Could be handy to have though as he works through things if he chooses one of those options. Thanks so much!!

[Joyce Fetteroll]

Can everyone dance? Can everyone draw? Can everyone write a story?

Some people are natural at those and can observe and just do. I never showed my daughter how to draw or write stories and she never asked for much feedback. She just did. Something about them makes her want to pull herself along.

Some people need some help to get started and can take it from there.

Some people will need a lot of help, explanations that match the way their brain works and lots of trying things out for themself.

I think *everyone* can be better at whatever they aren't a natural at. Not everyone will be Fred Astaire. Not everyone will be Euclid. But they can all be better.

Most math instruction is directed at a particular style of learning. (It's a style that I don't believe matches too many people's natural style!) Not grasping math that way doesn't mean someone can't grasp math but that they will need a different approach or maybe several approaches. Maybe he's more visual. Or more musical. Or more kinesthetic.

Have you read about Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences?
http://sandradodd.com/intelligences/

It's not important to pinpoint his style (most everyone probably has a bit of everything, but they lean more towards a few and lean away from others.) But finding a variety of approaches might be helpful. A tutor who understands that not everyone learns in the same way might be helpful.

[sally]

i have struggled with math most my life and have an A.S. degree.  I took college math 2x and failed and then took remedial and did well, then I went back to take the basic course all the mean while having been diagnosed with a learning discibility.  He may want to be tested for that and then they can accomadate him further.  I passed with a C one semester and then an A another semester.  He should get a teacher that has office hours and be able to take tests without anyone rushing him to get done meaning in a private room.  Hope this helps.  Realized this post is from several years back.  anyhoo.

Sandra Dodd said:

I'd suggest that he take remedial math classes at community college, if you can find something like that. It would be a review of all of school math, but not a rushed one. Kind of quick, but at a slow pace (if that makes sense ).

If he uses it as a summary of all of school math, not for "what he missed," but as a guided tour, kind of, of mathematical notation and concepts, that might be helpful.