by Cassidy G. Callahan Cash

Too may people assume that when a student does poorly in math that the student is just “not a math person”. The assumption becomes that the subject is intrinsically hard, or that the course instruction is “too difficult”. When a student struggles in math, parents seem to seek out resources like tutors or special education situations as a solution to what they see as a problem in their student. I would like to suggest to you that many times what is really going on is that the material is simply not being presented in a way that coincides with that student’s learning style.

If Susie learns primarily by doing, instead of by listening, then dvd instruction and reading a book is not going to be enough. Someone is going to have to sit down with Susie, and correct HER work while SHE goes through the problem herself. This cycle repeats 3-4 times per concept. Then Susie, as a doing-learner, will catch on. She CAN be a math person, and the subject is not intrinsically hard, Susie just needs individualized instruction.

In Susie’s case a tutor might be needed if the parents do not have time, or are not heavy in the math background department. It is also true that math may be more difficult for Susie than for Joe down the street, but throughout the process Susie needs to be reminded that she is a valuable person, a smart individual, and a great math student. I confidently believe that all students can learn math, and succeed at math. The key will be teaching them in a way that makes sense to them individually.

Want to know what this might look like at your school? Check out the related articles about Identifying your students learning style, and teaching suggestions for specific learning styles.

Cassidy G. Callahan Cash is the "face" you see in our Algebra 1 course, the author of our Pre-Algebra course (coming soon!) and the person you talk with when you call Homework Help. Cassidy holds a BA in English, is a professional writer, certified math tutor, and full time mom of a precocious 2 year old. You can contact Cassidy directly using support@askdrcallahan.com or on her blog, www.cassidycash.com Article used by permission.