Math Teacher Gripe - Advice?

[grinningghost]

DD15 is struggling in Math B this year. Very difficult course - I can't even begin to help her with it.

Her teacher has said she needs to work harder. If he could only see the way she stresses out until late at night on math homework, he would understand that she does work hard on it.

How do you convince a teacher that your child is trying their best?

 

[damo]

Will the teacher see her after school for extra help and so that she is can become aware of how hard your daughter is actually trying?

 

[grinningghost]

Originally posted by damo
Will the teacher see her after school for extra help and so that she is can become aware of how hard your daughter is actually trying?

Yes, he's going to help after school, and I hope that proves she's trying - because he doesn't seem to believe she's working at home on it.

 

[damo]

I'm a math tutor and it always makes me sad when a teacher thinks that a child isn't trying just because the child is not succeeding. Often, it is true, but also kids can get very frustrated and then won't have a lot to show for their time. Unless the teacher is actually sitting with her and getting a feeling of her abilities and intentions, it is difficult for the teacher to tell, at this early stage, how much time your daughter is actually spending on her math.

I think the fact that they will be spending some one-on-one time will be a big help. Can you get a tutor or senior student to give your daughter some help?

 

[grinningghost]

Actually her boyfriend is a senior and he's been helping her. He openly admits it wasn't his best subject, but he at least has some grip on what's going on. Unlike me, who looks at it and might as well be reading Arabic.

 

[DawnCt1]

My DS 19 always had to work at math. He had a sub in one of his math classes for an extended period of time and there was something about the presentation by the sub that made the lesson click. Different kids learn by different styles, so I would suggest a tutor. The goal is to understand why you approach a problem in a certain way. If a "fresh face" can acheive that, math might click!

 

[sharbear]

My DH is an engineer and he has these "rules" for being successful in Math. LOL! My kids are good Math students but my DS was not as one point. I'll try to remember the rules.

1. Do the example problems. The kids books have example problems before every homework assignment. There are also review problems in each assignment to build on what has been learned.

2. Write all the steps down. Don't skip any steps no matter how simple. Try not to rely on your calculator. If you spell everything out it will be easier not to make mistakes.

3. Use plenty of paper. Paper is cheap. My DS tries to cram all of the information and then he can't read his work. Most of his mistakes are dumb mistakes.

4. If you have problems figuring something out draw a chart. Don't try to keep things straight in your head.

 

[mickman1962]

Maybe you could just talk to the teacher.

 

[solotraveler]

I think I might talk to her teacher as well--- if nothing else than to ask "What can I do to help her grasp the material better at home?" That way you could mention to him that she is working very hard but still having trouble and it shows that you are involved and want to help.

I once had a calculus teacher tell me in High School "it's sad but true, math is practice, practice, practice." If the teacher can't provide helpful suggestions, I think a tutor might be a great idea. Math, more than anything else, builds and builds upon itself. I'm sure the department could guide you in the direction of somebody/somewhere they have had success with.

Best of luck to you both!
Solotraveler

 

[mickman1962]

Originally posted by sharbear
My DH is an engineer and he has these "rules" for being successful in Math. LOL! My kids are good Math students but my DS was not as one point. I'll try to remember the rules.

1. Do the example problems. The kids books have example problems before every homework assignment. There are also review problems in each assignment to build on what has been learned.

2. Write all the steps down. Don't skip any steps no matter how simple. Try not to rely on your calculator. If you spell everything out it will be easier not to make mistakes.

3. Use plenty of paper. Paper is cheap. My DS tries to cram all of the information and then he can't read his work. Most of his mistakes are dumb mistakes.

4. If you have problems figuring something out draw a chart. Don't try to keep things straight in your head.

Having a math degree (before calculators were allowed) I can't agree with this more, unfortunately I can't get my son to follow it. Specifically steps 2 & 3 I found most important and still do when helping my son. I'll go thru 3 pagees solving a problem to explain and the I'll have him do one and uses half a page. He is taking 10th grade as a 13 year old and gets great grades so I can't complain too much.