Dyscalculia or just bad at math?

Question

I'm really bad at math and don't understand anything. On the other hand, I've always been pretty good at science and geometry.

I always count with my fingers and I'm terrible at counting change quickly and using maps and compasses. It's really hard to pay attention in math classes, but I don't have that problem in any other subject.

Am I just dumb? :(

Answer 1

No, no one is dumb :) I'm actually sure you're very intelligent, because you are asking this question about yourself. because you want to know more about how you learn, so kudos to you!

No one can tell you if you have a learning disability over the Internet. Depending on your age, from what you describe, it does sounding like something to look into. Ask your teacher or guidance counselor to ring up your parents and refer you for testing... as that is the only way to know for sure.

Dyscalculia or not, there are some things you can do to help yourself.

1) ASK FOR HELP!!! Ask during lessons (no one ill think you're stupid), ask after your teacher finishes the lesson, ask before and after school

2) PRACTICE!!! Print work sheet of the computer to work on your basic skills and have your parents correct them, buy work books (from walmart), get a tutor if you can afford

3) ACCOMODATE!!! Ask your teacher if you can use a calculator. If you are in the higher grades, you almost certainly will be aloud. I you are in the lower grades, ask if you can use a simple calculator or a multiplication table. Ask at every test, the answer will be different each time. Should you be diagnosed with dyscalculia, you'll receive an IEP which will allow you to have extra time, use calculators, whatever you need

4) BE PATIENT!!! Remember, you are not dumb, and we all learn at different rates. I have a reading and writing disability, and I get left behind so much, and often find myself frustrated. I just take a breather asd ask for help! You to can do the same. Take a brake. Calm down, and remember that you're good at other things!

5) BE POSITIVE!!! Reward yourself when you do well. Remember you're good at other things. Write down every thing you love about yourself. Just keep thinking "I CAN" because you can do anything you want!

6) BE DIFFERENT!!! You are not the same as everyone else, therefore you do not learn the same! So, ask your teacher for different strategies, for a different approach. When you don't understand, go and ask your teacher for explanation, but ask him to explain differently! Just keeps trying different ways, until you understand! If you're teacher can't think of any, go and talk to your schools resource specialist or learning strategist. You do not need an IEP to speak to these people. They can work with you (maybe over a lunch hour) to help you find affective methods!

This website is for teachers (strategies for there students) , but it is filled with good strategies that you can apply to your own learning. Give it a try! http://olc.spsd.sk.ca/de/math1-3/p-menta...

Good luck!

Answer 2

You're far enough from dyscalculia !!!!! If you good at geometry and science? hmmmmm that tells a lot.

What really happens in many cases is that when people gets behind in math they tend to make up an excuse for it usually an unconscious one . It is easier to have an excuse for not working harder at it.. Let's say that in math , you can't add because you don't really know you numbers then you have to go back to learn you numbers, their value and then you'll be ready to add. Many people don't want to go back to basics that's why many people stay behind stay behind!! Try harder !!! Good luck !!!

Answer 3

'dyscalculia', means math severe math difficulties. The federal government recognizes significant deficits in math calculation or applied math (story problems).  

Before you go diagnosing yourself, did you have a poor math foundation?  Lacking appropriate education doesn't make you disabled! You may try remedial math courses to fill in what you've missed in your education.  You may need to practice with things such as counting change to build confidence.  You have to make yourself pay attention, because if you lack focus, all you'll do is get further behind.

If you have always struggled with math, then you may be talking about something more than a personal weakness.  Geometry involves some visual cues that may be working for you, but at the same time you may have spatial difficulties that make it difficult for you to order things properly.  It could be a learning style issue as well.

Answer 4

Dumb, no!

Dyscalculia, maybe?

Visual learner, probably!

Visual learners often have few problems with geometry because so much of it is visual.  

Counting on your fingers...lots of visual learners do that.

Difficulty counting change, using maps and compasses...visual learner.

Many visual learners only struggle in math and have a hard time staying focused when the teacher is teaching step-by-step with no visuals or manipulatives (to give you the hands on experience of math).

I was told about the book, The Gift of Learning (by Ron Davis) when working with a student who was struggling with math.  He too had always felt dumb.  There was nothing missing in his foundation to make sense to me why this otherwise, highly intelligent student who wanted to learn, was struggling so hard in math.  After completing the math program outlined in the book he said, "I was doing math, but I had no idea what I was doing.  Now it makes since."

A visual learner is a gifted learner!  Some of the smartest people in our culture are visual learners who have struggled in some area of learning.

If you would like to find someone in your area to work with you using the methods in The Gift of Learning, visit http://www.dyslexia.com .  (dyslexics are visual learners too!)

Answer 5

Nope, nobody is dumb. What you should do is ask the teacher to explain it again. Or get a tutor in after-school for math. I am not very good at Science but i am getting much better since I am in an after- school program for Science club. So ask for help!!!=)