"BAD. AT. MATH."

For some reason --- it is socially acceptable to be ‘BAD AT MATH’.

Here’s how I see the issue: If you cannot read – uh-oh, you are shunned. But -- If math is your downfall, however, people empathize with you. They take pity, have understanding and compassion for you.

Our society believes, for the most part, that people either “GET IT” and are labeled as “MATH-MINDED” – or they don’t. No in-between. No changing of these labels. It’s “YES” or “NO” – after 8^th grade Algebra ---- and its rare to turn back after that point.

I was a high school math teacher for 3 years. And parents of my former ALGEBRA & GEOMETRY students – they would vent that they don’t “GET MATH”– are “TERRIBLE WITH #S” – or that their brain doesn’t “WORK LIKE THAT.” And then they would ask me to help their kids get better math grades, since they totally don’t understand anything. Hmmm… My first words – in a perfect world where I could start a bridge to connect their thinking with mine………… Dear parent, Your kids are listening to you. And they immediately lose hope/motivation for their own mathematical success. Ah. Let’s figure this out.

This hatred or incapable mindset is a stumbling block to each student’s success. All math subjects differ – if one is tough – there is a possibility that the next is better. One cannot clump them all into “KILLER” right off the bat. They vary. Drastically. And you can ‘get’ one better than another. If you don’t understand the first few times – or if you FAIL ALGEBRA, say – then you are not necessarily DOOMED for the next four years of GEOMERTY, STATS, FUNCTIONS.

Students [and parents] also never really consider the fact that perhaps the materials could be understood if it was presented differently. Or if they sought out other sources of learning. Unfortunately, math is mostly taught mostly one way: Rote paper and pencil. But any math concept can be presented visually. Or perhaps with hands-on models. Or in more than one process. One must seek it out. Dig for an understanding.

THEREFORE ------------- ANYONE CAN LEARN MATH, if they are willing and the material is presented in a way that matches their learning levels and learning style. If they have a mentor or teacher to help fill in any gaps in their mathematical, sequential learning – IT IS POSSIBLE. But the most important aspect – I believe --- is that THEY need to BELIEVE in their potential. I know it sounds cheesy --- but once we put our brains in CANT-DO-IT / SHUT-DOWN MODE --- welp, there goes any open-minded possibilities. The best musicians, engineers, doctors, or athletes just didn’t wake up great. And I’d bet they didn’t always succeed every step of the way.

But they worked. And asked questions. And focused on their capabilities – rather than making excuses and settling for defeat. Rather than allowing others to label them as “NOT MATH-MINDED.”

So yes – you may be tempted to blurt out “I SUCK AT MATH” -- but really, that's a dang broad subject.... and semi-lame excuse for not seeking out alternative learning options... GET AFTER IT.