Sunday, January 15, 2006
Needs Help With Math
Dear Guidance Guy,
In math at my school I am not doing too well. I am at the point of failing and when I go to take the test everything goes well. When I get it back though, I get a bad grade. I understand everything and get it completely and I have no problem taking the test or quiz. My math teacher is great. She teaches me a lot and helps a lot but I don't know what I am doing wrong.
Please help,
Megan
*****
Dear Megan,
I remember a student who felt like he understood his math perfectly. He went over everything with another student who was getting A's right before the tests. He felt good after taking the test. When he got them back, he also saw bad grades. In his case, he was making one little mistake that threw off everything else. He was SOOOOO close to getting A's. One little correction would have made all the difference.
I wonder if the same thing is true for you. You may just be missing one little piece of the puzzle. Think about asking the teacher for practice questions for the test - questions that will be like the ones on the test, but not the same ones. Take the "practice test," then go over the results with your teacher (or someone else who's doing well). Don't be surprised if this changes everything.
Of course, it might not be the answer. If this is the case, extra help sessions with the teacher or even a tutor might be the answer. Some schools have special extra help periods during study hall or after school. If that's the case with you, it might be a good idea.
Here's some good news, Megan: people who WANT to do well are always the ones who find a way to make it happen. You seem to be really serious about doing better. I am sure you'll find a way to improve your math scores. That same desire will help you do great everywhere else. I'm betting you'll do great!
Thanks for your letter,
The Guidance Guy
In math at my school I am not doing too well. I am at the point of failing and when I go to take the test everything goes well. When I get it back though, I get a bad grade. I understand everything and get it completely and I have no problem taking the test or quiz. My math teacher is great. She teaches me a lot and helps a lot but I don't know what I am doing wrong.
Please help,
Megan
*****
Dear Megan,
I remember a student who felt like he understood his math perfectly. He went over everything with another student who was getting A's right before the tests. He felt good after taking the test. When he got them back, he also saw bad grades. In his case, he was making one little mistake that threw off everything else. He was SOOOOO close to getting A's. One little correction would have made all the difference.
I wonder if the same thing is true for you. You may just be missing one little piece of the puzzle. Think about asking the teacher for practice questions for the test - questions that will be like the ones on the test, but not the same ones. Take the "practice test," then go over the results with your teacher (or someone else who's doing well). Don't be surprised if this changes everything.
Of course, it might not be the answer. If this is the case, extra help sessions with the teacher or even a tutor might be the answer. Some schools have special extra help periods during study hall or after school. If that's the case with you, it might be a good idea.
Here's some good news, Megan: people who WANT to do well are always the ones who find a way to make it happen. You seem to be really serious about doing better. I am sure you'll find a way to improve your math scores. That same desire will help you do great everywhere else. I'm betting you'll do great!
Thanks for your letter,
The Guidance Guy
