In the past few years there have been more and more students
needing special help with math. Not too long ago most of the help was given to
students with reading problems. But now, math is taking over. And, it's no
longer just boys who need help in math or reading. Five years ago most of the students
who needed help in school were boys, but now girls are appearing as frequently
as boys.
Math seems to be a much more difficult fix than reading. In
part this is due to the increased standards that are being imposed on students
who are just not developmentally ready. But there is also a definite processing
problem as far as math goes. Students can't seem to understand the language of
mathematics.
Here are the basic problems that are occurring in math:
1. Students can't process more than one piece of information
at a time.
2. Students are unable to process information sequentially.
3. Students can't switch gears during multi-step problems.
4. Students lack a basic working knowledge of addition,
subtraction, and multiplication facts.
5. Students are not able to "think" through story
problems.
6. Students make a large number of computational errors.
7. Students are unable to neatly organize a paper so that
the correct answer can be achieved - for instance - lining up columns or spacing
problems out on a page.
8. Students develop an actual fear of mathematics and freeze
up when asked to perform math problems.
Math is a sequential, logical activity. The student must be
able to access the left hemisphere of the brain in order to accurately perform
math computations and problems. The right brain dominant student is at a severe
disadvantage as far as math goes, but there are brain exercises that will show
the student how to access the left hemisphere of the brain. These exercises are
like magic, in that the once confused, unorganized student can now function in
a logical, organized manner. The language of math makes sense. Computations can
be performed accurately. The fear and anxiety can go away. Success can be
found.
A good math education needs to start very early, as early as
in elementary school. However, it is rather clear that students are not
learning math in a way which will help them love it, hence often times,get it help me with this math problem.Consequently,
it is not unusual that students simply turn away from math, and don't end up
assimilating basic mathematical skill which would help them tremendously in the
professional lives, in almost every single area.