I took a quick quiz that was adapted from Danica McKellar's, Math Doesn't Suck. I was just a little surprised when I scored this quiz and fell into the 'comfort zone' level. I say I was a little surprised because I actually did well in math during my high school years. I think the old phrase uttered by many whining math students of various ages, "WHEN AM I EVER GOING TO USE THIS?" got the best of me.
I was already spooked by the fact that I had taken an on-line math class and did not do well, i.e., failed. That is some terrible word that conjures many unpleasant emotions, failed! I'm not sure why I tried. I must have been to lazy to drive to Mercy College. The fact that I am a mother of seven and work full time, had no bearing on the decision :) And so it goes.
People can be Mathophobes. I feel bad for them too. Math is one of those things that you either have to get and it makes sense, or your life is full of more work ahead of you. There are some people that have a 'math brain' and numbers just seem to make sense to them. Math is also nothing like ELA (English Language Arts). Math makes sense, there are formulas that you have to remember. I suppose you can equate that to reading and writing rules; like the use of periods, commas, verb tenses,etc….
I still envy the people that can look at a problem and know what the answer is. I am not one of them. I can work a problem, but I am definitely a visual learner. One of the biggest reasons that I did not pass my math class online was because I could not teach myself. I need to sit in the chair, hear the instructor, see it on the board, write it myself, and then I can start to make the connections that hopefully will last!
According to an article written by Alan Bass, (Math Study Skills) Pearson, 2008, the physiology of someones attitude is a major contributor to that person's outcome. In other words, I have the power to change my attitude towards math and if I do, it could very well help the outcome in this math class.
I am willing to learn and change. I am willing to listen and take advice. In the end, it is my name on the final and I need to own that.
Great post! I didn't read the article by Alan Bass but it sounds like summed up, that if you have a positive attitude and try your hardest only positive outcomes can be achieved. I also would like to comment on how you said "Math is nothing like ELA," I would like to expand upon that. Math is an application, meaning it can be applied to many different forms, situations, etc. Much like the rules of english with verb tenses, commas, pronouns, adjectives. Depending on the sentence you're trying to construct the rules may or may not change. Math is the same way there are rules, there are fundamental rules to way Math works, so I think you were a little harsh on Math saying it was not anything like English when in reality it shares many similarities. In my post I noted how I did not like how many was so gendered, meaning that females believe that somehow they are genetically incapable of doing Math, now I'm not passing judgement on you but I get the sense that this may be true for you, but I don't believe that sentiment. You also mentioned that you are a Mother of seven! (WOW) It's amazing you have the time to come to class and allocate time for your studies, you must have great time management skills.
ReplyDeleteAs far as this class I've mentioned it to a few people that we should start trying to assemble a group meeting every week or so you as you say teach yourself, and meeting can help us visually work through our problems.
Hi Matthew,
DeleteI enjoyed how you tried to sugar-coat your sentiment about my feelings regarding math! I actually used to think, and in fact, was very good at math. I took higher math in high school and did very well. The biggest problem is, I have been out of school for quite some time now. I tried to take a math class online and did not fair well, at all; that had a little something to do with my ambiguous feelings. Also, it is true that the brain "forgets" things if they have not been used. Honestly, I have not used that part of my brain for some time now!
I am okay with that. I am trying and I think I will be successful in class. I just am not as confident as some others.
Thanks for your reply. I appreciate your comments and thoughts.
Susan
Wow! You have a lot on your plate. I give you credit for being as determined as you are. Way to go!
ReplyDeleteI am also a visual learner. I cannot solve a problem unless it is broken into steps and I understand the purpose of each step. I find that it is helpful to make real-world connections to the materials I am learning. Fortunately, our math course is hands-on, which is helpful for visual learners like us. Good luck this semester!
I love your post! I'm 100% a visual learner as well, so I completely understand the envying of people who can mentally solve a difficult problem! I definitely understand the need to have things broken down step by step in front of me or I will never truly understand why things happen in math. I do agree with Alexandra, and have to say that thank goodness our class is very hands on! Also, your final statement about the grade being yours and needing to own that is brilliant! It even opens my eyes to a true realization that this is what it all truly comes down to and in the end this is what can make us all become better teachers! It is actually pretty inspiring! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThanks Heather!
DeleteGood luck with your learning this semester. I hope you are able to conquer your fears about math. I am feeling slightly more comfortable than I was in the beginning, but, am still not totally set in my mind that I can do this!
Susan
Hi,
ReplyDeleteThank you all for the responses. I loved the diversity of the comments! It seems there are some strong feelings about math. I also think it is fair to say, we are all willing to do what it takes to pass this class and be successful.
I look forward to continuing to learn with you. I sincerely hope that we are all very happy with the results of class and the outcome of our college goals.
Thanks again.
Susan
Hi,
ReplyDeleteThank you all for the responses. I loved the diversity of the comments! It seems there are some strong feelings about math. I also think it is fair to say, we are all willing to do what it takes to pass this class and be successful.
I look forward to continuing to learn with you. I sincerely hope that we are all very happy with the results of class and the outcome of our college goals.
Thanks again.
Susan
Hi,
ReplyDeleteWell, it is past mid-terms and I am still in math class! That is a good sign. It is also a good sign that I am not only still in class, but that I am passing as well. I am finding, that I definitely need to be there to learn the material. Reading the book is helpful but to put that information to use, I have to be in class. I need to see it, write it, and hear it.
I am learning some neat tricks regarding math. I actually had a moment at work (second grade classroom) where I found myself telling a student that counting by tens and adding another ten to the number 390, is not 3100; I could explain why with base ten that no numbers good be higher than a 9 so we had to regroup and add the '1' or '10' to the next number. I forgot what I said verbatim, but it was something like that. I was stunned that it came to me! It was pretty cool. I also felt that way when we were doing the pictures for fractions. It was an "aha" moment and it made me smile.
Oh well, figured I would share.
Continued success to everyone in class.
Susan
Hi everyone,
ReplyDeleteWell, we have started the chapter on decimals. I have to report, so far I feel comfortable with it. I'm not sure if I should be a little scared of that or if I should just go with it! It just might be possible that it is starting to make sense to me and I am feeling good about myself and math. I know to some people it may seem like a silly thing but I have been out of math for a while and didn't start of the strongest in class, so for me to feel comfortable and actually be doing ok, is kind of a big deal. I also thought it might be easier if I started typing as class was going on.
Anyway, just some of my thoughts on how class was going. Hope all is well with everyone. Keep up the good work, we are almost done! I might even be a little sad when class is over :)
Hi,
ReplyDeleteAnother test is coming up and I am feeling nervous about this one. I really think that I am getting worried about the final that we will have in a couple weeks. I am so worried that I will not be able to remember what I learned from two months ago! I know that I will study, that's not the problem. I feel like it is just that there is so much going on, most days I can't remember what I had for dinner the night before. I also need to do well enough in this class to pass. I will be able to get my initial teacher certification if I can pass this class. That is a pretty big deal to me, so I naturally put more pressure on myself. AHHHHH- the circle never ends.
Well anyway, life goes on and so will I. Good luck to you all.
Susan
Well, class is winding down and I am no less worried about the final. I need this to be over. I do have to say, though, I have enjoyed class and loved learning. I want to thank everyone that was in class and helped me in my learning and understanding of the material. Thank you to our professor for all your help and good humor.
ReplyDeleteGood luck in the last few classes we have.
Susan
Hi everyone,
ReplyDeleteIt is definitely winding down time for class. In fact there are two classes left! Time really does fly, seems like only yesterday I was starting math class with butterflies in my stomach. I have learned a lot and I have gained some confidence with my math skills. Although, I am no where near the level of some of you in class, I do feel that I am doing okay. It is obvious to me that some of my classmates are very talented in the subject while others work very hard at it. I find myself in the latter category. This class did not come easily to me but I did work hard at it. Through it all, I feel our professor always made herself available to us for information. She was always willing to take the time and answer any questions that we may have had; for that I am grateful.
We have two classes left. I wish you all the best of luck on the finals. Have a wonderful Christmas and break and enjoy the time off.
Susan