I'm really struggling in maths and I'm worried

[TheRedViper]

I'm only in my third week of school for year 11, yet I'm really struggling with maths. In the past I've never really been great at maths, and failed a few tests. I never intended to continue maths past year 10, where we are allowed to drop it, but it was recommended we do it at least for year 11, since it was a prerequisite for several classes, some not even related to maths (like psychology) that I want to do further in my education.

But right now I'm pretty rubbish at maths. Most of the time I just copy down the examples the teacher writes on the board and really struggle to understand it. We're doing algebra now and to me it's like reading a language I don't know. I'm alright at some maths things, like graphs and data and stuff like that, but not this. We have a test tomorrow, and revising has done no good. I just can't comprehend it. I know I'm gonna fail, but I'm more worried about the longer term stuff, like the teachers have threatened that if we fail tests or units, we will fail the entire subject and it will badly affect our VCE marks. I'm a pretty good and intelligent student in most other classes, like I'm pretty much the best in my English class, but I'm just terrible at maths, and I mm worried how this will affect my later education.

[AlexOnToast]

Just out of curiosity, have you been tested for Dyscalcula? It's like dyslexia but only effects mathematical ability. I have terrible trouble with anything more complex than adding, subtracting, dividing and multiplying. Trying to do algebra makes me feel like I'm being crushed or something O.o I got diagnosed with it last year and now I get bonus marks in maths exams, which is a big help. I would talk with a guidence councellor or someone like that if I were you. Good luck :)

[TheRedViper]

No, I've never been tested for that. To be honest I'd never heard of that before you mentioned it. Maybe I should get evaluated for it.

[AlexOnToast]

No, I've never been tested for that. To be honest I'd never heard of that before you mentioned it. Maybe I should get evaluated for it.

Well it's only a suggestion. But being diagnosed with it gave me peace of mind, that I wasnt just dumb - I have a legitimate cognitive function disorder which I cannot be blamed for. And like I said, It allows me extra points in exams and stuff.

[JamesSuperBoy]

Hope you can feel better about this - can you get extra help.

I really do not get on at maths but I tried a different text book and that helped.

[Elysium]

Have you tried tutoring or meeting with your teacher outside of class?

[Miserabilia]

It always helps to visualize it and draw connections between different solutions, if you know what I mean?
The only way I get math is if I explain it to myself in a different way.

[Tarannosaurus]

I'm only in my third week of school for year 11, yet I'm really struggling with maths. In the past I've never really been great at maths, and failed a few tests. I never intended to continue maths past year 10, where we are allowed to drop it, but it was recommended we do it at least for year 11, since it was a prerequisite for several classes, some not even related to maths (like psychology) that I want to do further in my education.

But right now I'm pretty rubbish at maths. Most of the time I just copy down the examples the teacher writes on the board and really struggle to understand it. We're doing algebra now and to me it's like reading a language I don't know. I'm alright at some maths things, like graphs and data and stuff like that, but not this. We have a test tomorrow, and revising has done no good. I just can't comprehend it. I know I'm gonna fail, but I'm more worried about the longer term stuff, like the teachers have threatened that if we fail tests or units, we will fail the entire subject and it will badly affect our VCE marks. I'm a pretty good and intelligent student in most other classes, like I'm pretty much the best in my English class, but I'm just terrible at maths, and I mm worried how this will affect my later education.

My maths teacher always gives out to us for that. If you don't understand, don't just copy examples, ask questions! That's what teachers are there for. There's no shame in it, just start asking questions and see if that helps. Explain to your teacher that you're really struggling and they will surely find a way of helping you.

[ksdnfkfr]

Dyscalcula for me too. If you are really trying and can not get it, it is not your fault.
Teachers (should) understand that and are willing to work with you on it. I hope.

[TheRedViper]

So I did the test today, and thankfully we were allowed to use our calculators and workbooks, so I basically copied what I wrote in my workbook and changed the numbers to those that were on the test, so I pretty much used the exact same format. I managed to do about a third of the test pretty solidly, and I'm pretty sure I got most of it right. I tried but just couldn't do the other two thirds. Oh well, I did what I could.