How To Help Struggling Students With Math
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Handling Math Class Frustrations and Self-Doubt - Episode 063
Nothing frustrates a struggling student like a failing math grade. Unlike other subjects, memorizing it isn’t enough. You either end up falling in love with math or don’t. Some end up getting better at it later in life, but for others, it never clicks. Yet kids still have to take math courses.
Why do so many of us struggle with math? Why is it so hard for some of us while other students grasp the concept in seconds? We have some math tips to offer that can offer some answers.
Attention to Details
Over the years, what I’ve seen from working with students as an academic coach, is that they miss points by failing to pay close attention to detail. In math, you either get it right or wrong. No one gives you points for getting some of the stages right (unless you have one of those awesome teachers). Students who struggle with math can get in a habit of handing in their papers without checking and rechecking in their answers. This might be because they assume the answer is correct or they have stopped trying.
Attention to details might also occur when a student lives with ADHD. You can listen to the podcast episode School Counselor Gone Rogue for more details.
Understanding Dyscalculia
Another legit reason they could be suffering in math can be chalked up to Dyscalculia. A simple explanation would be that Dyscalculia is a learning disability associated with math. Students with the condition have a hard time understanding formulas, concepts, shapes, and quantities. They also struggle with forming a visual map of numbers in their minds and have to count on their fingers.
These kids are in no way unintelligent. They have a hard time closing the distance between understanding a formula or any other math-related knowledge and applying it on papers.
If your kid is struggling with math, it doesn’t immediately means they have Dyscalculia. However, it is a possible explanation, and it’s better if you get it checked out. Understood.org is an excellent resource for learning more about learning differences.
If you have a child with a learning difference, it’s crucial that you offer them support. They are genuinely trying, and they’re probably more frustrated than you at their innate lack of ability to grasp concepts. Instead of shoving math textbooks in their face, it would mean a lot if you just told them you see how hard they’re trying.
They would get a lot of encouragement and help from knowing someone understands. Regardless of whether you’re a parent, teacher, or counselor, do research on the learning disability and how you can offer to a struggling student. Being your child or student’s advocate will go a long way.
Stepping aside from dyscalculia, let’s consider other grounds as well. Another word that often pops out in mind when we see a math failing student is the lack of foundation.
Does Your Child Understand the Foundations
Think about what we know of math. It builds upon the previous year’s knowledge and struggling during one year can lead to such a vast difference in understanding of the subject.
Say your kid comes home with a low grade in math. As long as they pass, the teachers would move them up a year. Which means they go to the next class without understanding what they learned in the previous class.
What if we let students relearn and retake math before advancing them up a grade? Would there be any difference? At most, they wouldn’t be falling even further behind. What are your thoughts?
Many math classes request students complete exercises on computer programs. Do students learn this way? Or do students simply retake the lesson until they get a passing grade and ace the homework? While it helps them get good marks in homework, when the exams roll around, their grades often crash and burn.
Facing Challenges in Math
Some kids are amazing at math as a kid. As they continue to move up they are faced with new challenges. When they don’t ace those challenges, they naturally develop a fear. They breezed through so many math problems until now, then why are they struggling now?
Often, the bad grades spikes their anxiety, and their confidence falls considerably when it comes to math. Students who have struggled with math as a kid face these too, only it follows them from the start.
Check-in with your child with them from time to time. Look after their homework, ask them if there are particular concepts they are struggling with and what you can do to help.
In Closing
What can you do as a parent?
When you’re helping your child with math, you have to remember they might not be at the same point with math as you. Maybe you never had to struggle, but they are, so you have to get on their level.
Second, find a tutor that works — not just any teacher, not just some math whiz. Find someone who will genuinely listen to your child’s problem when it comes to math, won’t embarrass them, and would look for ways to help your kid with the subject.
The best solution would be to let your child interview the person. Let them find a tutor they have a connection with. They would be willing to open up and discuss their struggles openly.
Find someone who will help them regain their confidence. Listen to the full episode of School Counselor Gone Rogue for additional thoughts and ideas.
Listen to the full episode for more tips and front line stories of the transition to middle school. You can subscribe to the show on iTunes, Apple Podcast, Stitcher, Googleplay, or Iheartradio or visit http://www.schoolcounselorgonerogue.com each week for the full episode (though let’s be honest, subscribing is so much easier!)
You can also sign up for the waitlist for The Organized School Year at teampasch.com/theorganizedschoolyear. It’s an intensive workshop to help your child create and implement an organization system that meets their needs.
Sign up for the waitlist here!
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Highlights
Math anxiety
Understanding Dyscalculia
Common mistakes students make in math class
Marni Pasch| Host of School Counselor Gone Rogue| Academic Coach | Team Pasch Academic Coaching
I work with students in grades 6th and higher, who struggle with academic confidence and motivation. I help them survive school with less stress by helping them create concrete goals, tackle procrastination and learn creative study techniques. I empower students to take charge of their education and reach their goals. I do this through individual or group coaching so students achieve success in life, school, career readiness and their social endeavors. I provided in person academic coaching in Orlando, FL, but work with students across the country through Zoom!
