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Kid sister is failing math. She is in junior high and they are introducing algebra and geometry. The issue not only is her not understanding the subject matter but she will not raise her hand in class. My mother talked with teachers who confirmed. We both have talked to my sister to find out what is the blockage, what could help her understand better, why she's reluctant to ask questions but her responses are not informative. The school offers [mass] tutoring after school but that doesn't really help her.
Before we look into private tutoring I wanted to see if any others have gone through this and how they were able to help their kids out of shyness and on a path to understanding what they view as difficult subject matter.... would a school counselor be helpful?
She might be reluctant to ask for help, because she's been made fun of in the past, for asking for help, or maybe there's a gaggle of girl brats who snicker if she raises her hand, etc. Or...maybe even the teacher has said something that your sister took the wrong way, or she has a crush on the teacher...SO MANY ways things can go side ways in junior high.
Yes, I think a visit with the school counselor could be beneficial.
I used to know a lady who told me how she "dumbed herself down" because she had a crush on some boy, who was in a lower reading group than she was, and she wanted to be in the same reading group as him.
My son took an I.Q. test, and purposely answered some of the questions wrong because he didn't want to be perceived as a nerd.
These things happen. Yes, someone talk to the counselor.
Junior High is so...so...bad. lol
I used to know a lady who told me how she "dumbed herself down" because she had a crush on some boy, who was in a lower reading group than she was, and she wanted to be in the same reading group as him.
Interesting. There is another thread about the relative merits of co-ed schools or single sex schools. Several people have raised the issue you mentioned.
The problem with math in school is that learning is viewed as something linear. Concepts taught previously are rarely revisited except during test preparation. It wasn't until I was in high school when I realized the "/" (division/fraction sign) had a meaning.
We ended up using a private company that works with small groups instead of one-to-one. Each child is on their own path. It paid off. My daughter is predicted to score the highest achievement level in the state test according to her school's progress monitoring system. Unfortunately, her friends are not predicted to pass.
For a good number or us, algebra is useless. I've never once used it. I took it twice and failed it miserably. Twice.
I don't miss it at all. OK, so I'll never be (or was) a nuclear rocket surgeon. I can (and did) find something else.
For a good number or us, algebra is useless. I've never once used it. I took it twice and failed it miserably. Twice.
I don't miss it at all. OK, so I'll never be (or was) a nuclear rocket surgeon. I can (and did) find something else.
I hear that claim often, but fact is, many of the people who say it, actually use it all the time and don't even know it. One of the real purposes of algebra in school is not about finding X but learning to think logically.
One of the things is to never tell young people algebra is useless and they'll never need it. Because that will give them the justification they need to not bother trying to learn it. In their mind it will be "This is hard, I can't do it, why bother to try since it's useless and I'll never use it." They fail before they start.
For the OP, a school counselor might help if the issue is something within their wheelhouse. But if it's really an issue learning math, it might be worthwhile to try a tutor or service to find one that "clicks" with her. Most teachers do a pretty horrible job of explaining math concepts so a more focused tutor might help her past what is blocking her.
Seriously. I can 100% say that the right one even will inspire the young one.
I mentor inner city students who struggle with home life and school work. The end result is having a neutral party that is there to guide is key to learning. In a safe environment.
Kid sister is failing math. She is in junior high and they are introducing algebra and geometry. The issue not only is her not understanding the subject matter but she will not raise her hand in class. My mother talked with teachers who confirmed. We both have talked to my sister to find out what is the blockage, what could help her understand better, why she's reluctant to ask questions but her responses are not informative. The school offers [mass] tutoring after school but that doesn't really help her.
Before we look into private tutoring I wanted to see if any others have gone through this and how they were able to help their kids out of shyness and on a path to understanding what they view as difficult subject matter.... would a school counselor be helpful?
I used to be a tutor.
It is often helpful to have a one-on-one tutor for a short period of time - even a few weeks - if you can find a quality tutor that can help the student identify their weak points and come up with a way to study that is most effective for the individual learning style.
It is amazing how much damage can be done by trying to make a student learn in a way that doesn't fit them - like trying to make a visual learner memorize words or an activity-based learner stare at a whiteboard. Just like in medicine, first you have to "diagnose" the issue before you can "treat" it.
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