Why is math hard for some and easy for others?

Answer 1

It all depends on how hard you try and the effort you put forth. Baby you were born this way, look at your IQ.You Can Do Math!

We've probably all been at a restaurant with a group of people who want to pay individually, but only one bill arrives. You then find yourself in the position of trying to determine how much each person owes. What happens? You look over the bill with a slight wave of panic at having to figure out your total, but instead you say, "I'm no good at math" and you proceed to pass it to the next person who immediately responds the same way you did. Eventually and usually with some hesitancy, one person takes ownership over the bill and calculates the individual costs or divides the total by the number of people at the table. Did you notice how quickly people say that they were no good at math? Did anyone say, I'm no good at reading? or I can't read? When and why is it acceptable in our society to say we're no good at math? We'd be embarassed to declare that we're no good at reading yet it's quite acceptable in our society to say that we can't do math! In today's information age, mathematics is needed more than it ever was before - we need math! Problem solving skills are highly prized by employers today. There is an increasing need for math and the first step needed is a change in our attitudes and beliefs about math.

Attitudes and Misconceptions

Do your experiences in math cause you anxiety? Have you been left with the impression that math is difficult and only some people are 'good' at math? Are you one of those people who believe that you 'can't do math', that you're missing that 'math gene'? Do you have the dreaded disease called Math Anxiety? Read on, sometimes our school experiences leave us with the wrong impression about math. There are many misconceptions that lead one to believe that only some individuals can do math. It's time to dispel those common myths. Everyone can be successful in math when presented with opportunities to succeed, an open mind and a belief that one can do math.

True or False: There is one way to solve a problem.

False: There are a variety of ways to solve math problems and a variety of tools to assist with the process. Think of the process you use when you try to determine how many pieces of Pizza will 5 people will get with 2 and a half 6 slice pizzas. Some of you will visualize the pizzas, some will add the total number of slizes and divide by 5. Does anyone actually write the algorithm? Not likely! There are a variety of ways to arrive at the solution, and everyone uses their own learning style when solving the problem.

True or False: You need a 'math gene' or dominance of your left brain to be successful at math.

False: Like reading, the majority of people are born with the ability to do math. Children and adults need to maintain a positive attitude and the belief that they can do math. Math must be nurtured with a supportive learning environment that promotes risk taking and creativity, one that focuses on problem solving.

True or False: Children don't learn the basics anymore because of a reliance on calculators and computers.

False: Research at this time indicates that calculators do not have a negative impact on achievement. The calculator is a powerful teaching tool when used appropriately. Most teachers focus on the effective use of a calculator. Students are still required to know what they need to key into the calculator to solve the problem.

True or False: You need to memorize a lot of facts, rules and formulas to be good at math.

False False! As stated earlier, there's more than one way to solve a problem. Memorizing procedures is not as effective as conceptually understanding concepts. For instance, memorizing the fact 9x9 is not as important as understanding that 9x9 is 9 groups of 9. Applying thinking skills and creative thought lead to a better understanding of math. Signs of understanding include those "Aha" moments! The most important aspect to learning math is understanding. Ask yourself after solving a math problem: are you applying a series of memorized steps/procedures, or do you really 'understand'