Overcoming a math learning disability?

Question

I am a bright 20 year old college student. I have always struggled with math, yet never had any probems with reading, writing, sciences, etc.

i did have an IEP in school but to be frank, the school system i was in sucked. didnt help me much

It is rather embarassing, because there are simple or rather basic things I don't know. I know peoples replies will be " get a tutor" or " don't be embarassed" but it is much easier said than done.

i can't explain the sheer panic i feel when am asked a general math question, like a percent off of a price etc.. because i simply do not know. i have quizzed myself with multiplication flash cards over and over again, and i cant memorize them.

is it possible to overcome this? i would eventually like to become a radiology tech or nurse.

i know math is important in my life no matter what career i choose.

do you have any suggestions? i would like to learn as much as i can on my own. any websites, computer software, would be very helpful.

Answer 1

hi i can relate to exactly how u feel,the thing is u probably panic to much as u feel under pressure and are very self concious about it is it like a mental block u have?

U could try some therapy deep breathing exercises and just practise a little at a time,repeating over and over in ur head i can do this i am a strong confident person.

u will get there just take it slowly if u take on too much at once u will get flustered and panic,things will come together bit by bit it wont happen overnite but if u persavere it will b worth ur while.

U could try those dvds and cd roms as u can practice in the comfort of ur own home,not sure of anysites but just google math learning disability and u should get some useful links,i am glad to see that u have such determination and this will help u get what u need.good luck and hang in there u will get there,hope i helped u and merry christmas.....

Answer 2

I'm frustrated for you as I'm sure you're trying hard but feeling like you're banging your head against the wall.  I am a special education teacher who has had similar experiences personally.  I've helped many students overcome math disabilities to go on to live productive happy lives.  Unfortunately, there are no quick fixes, to anything for that matter.  Next, you might want to focus on some positive things in your life (you mention some) that you do well in.  Are there career posibilities that use these areas more?  Then I would find a hands-on math curriculum (like cuisenaire rods) to help you make sense of some of these abstract concepts.  I think this is why most math instruction is not picked up by most students.  Also find a mentor/friend who you can spend time with to work through some of these concepts.

Answer 3

Do some internet searching on Dyscalculia.  Depending on what you struggle with will determine what type of self-training you can do.

Carry a calculator around with you.  Don't be embarrassed.   It will help you feel more confident, and it will help you memorize basic math facts.

Look into TouchMath.  It's a method that I have used with my daughter, and realized I automatically used this method when I was in grade school.  

You said you quiz yourself with flashcards - but you may not be a visual learner, you may be more of a "hands-on" learner, and need to write everything out.

Hope this helps, and good luck.

With math, it's best that you go as far back to what you really know - even if the only thing you know is addition - and begin learning over from there.  You determine where that point is - it's where you feel most comfortable with your current math knowledge.

Answer 4

Try reading what is probably the best math book I have ever seen -- it's called One Mathematical Cat, Please!

Do a search and you will find Carol Fisher's web page which has the link.

The book is written in everyday language and explains everything you need to know.

Answer 5

get a tutor

i've tutored many bright students who struggle with math but not other subjects

what happens is that teachers are usually not that good at teaching yet they are smart LOL

math is something that is not that easy to explain

and a lot of ppl tend to make it too hard than necessary

so yeah i'd recommend hiring a tutor who's had tons of experiences in tutoring =)

b/c if you cant do well in classes with math, the chances of you studying on your own will probably bore you to death LOL

and you dont even have to depend on your tutor all the time

just via the tutor trying to figure out your learning method

each person has a different learning method =) just find yours when it comes to math, then you are on the go