Pink Poogle Toy Forum

This is not a homework help topic, just to let you know.

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I seem to be having a lot of trouble with Math. Ever since I entered High School, Math has been really tough for me. It comes for natural for some people, but for me, it doesn't. In Grade 9, I was in Academic Math (University Math) and I received a 55%. In Grade 10, I was in Academic Math (University Math) and I received a 57%. Now, I am in Grade 11 University Math and I am failing. I know that for a fact. I have failed all most all my quizzes, failed two tests (40% on one and 11% [Don't ask me. I blanked out. That was the first time in my life I blanked out on a test.] on the other). Now, my credit is in trouble.

The only reason I took Math University in Grade 11 was because my friends were. Stupid reason, I know, but I did. A week into the course, I wanted to change, so I asked the Guidance if she could switch me and she did. But my parents had another story, for some reason they think I'm smart and think I can pull through it just like my sister did (She wasn't good at Math either but she passed the course). The problem is, I don't think I'll be able to pass the course. Because of that, I withdrew out of the University/College course and now I'm stuck in Math University.

At the moment, I am doing all my homework, studying hard for quizzes/tests, and I haven't seen any results at all yet. I just took a quiz today and I'm hoping I should pass with a 70% -- I doubt it.

The issue now is, my dad wants me to get a tutor. And I want to too. But now he says he expects me to get 100% on the tests and he doesn't want me to get lower than 80% on any tests (He already knows my marks which I stated above). I think it's going to take a miracle to bring my mark up that way. And honestly, I need to get above 80% on all my tests to drastically move my mark up.

I really need help. Any advice?

I had tutors for a couple of years because math has always been my weakest subject. Is there are particular part that is causing the problems? Is it math in general or specific problems? What always helps me with math is once I actually understand how to do a certain type of problem, I right down the steps exactly as they are done for the problem. So then later when I'm studying for tests and stuff I can look back, it makes a nice guide. That is what mostly helps me. In most cases my personal problem is I cannot remember how to begin problems, so when I study I pay extra attention to the beginnings of the problems. Maybe if you can figure out where you have the most problem you can figure out a way to make it easier for yourself and it will do better? I'm not sure if I'm helping you much... These are just some things that work for me...

I suggest getting a tutor. Math comes naturally to me for the most part so it's hard for me to understand where you're coming from. Tutoring should work though. If not, stay after class and ask your teacher for help.

Oh yeah. And raise your hand and ask questions every time you don't understand a concept.

Everyone else has given real good advice, but I'll give you my two cents.

I think you should definitly get a tutor, but if you want to make studying and learning fun, why not make study groups with your friends that are also in the course. Just be sure not to get side tracked.

Also, when studying try and make up little jingles or sentences to help you remember how to do things.

I hope you do good on your test and that you can just keep getting better.

I know what you mean.

I'm in Grade 10, took Grade 9 Academic Math last year, failed. So now I'm taking Grade 9 Academic again, and as odd as it seems, thats the best school related thing that has ever happened to me, because now I get it and everything.


Erm, all I can say is ask questions and do your homework.

I took the course which is a level below Ammers, I have a 68% in it right now and for some very pathetic reason, it's the third highest.


I think the worst part of the Math programme at our school(inclusive of Ammer and I(by god, I know him in real life!!11), is that it's done in such a way that everyday you learn a new theory or an extentsion of what you learnt the day before. At the end of a set amount of days, you have the unit test, regardless of how much you've actually came to take as logical concept.

It's so structured that falling behind or being ill results will result a failed test, even if you're taught the lesson before the test, because it was taught so quickly, you're not going to pick anything up. In our school board (I'm unsure if it is for all Ontario school boards, though I think it is) we break Math up in Grade 12, so it's so much to cover in grade 11 that they leave people behind more than anything, really.

Tutors can definately help provided the one you get is one you can work well with. Sometimes it helps to have the information explained to you by someone else in a different way. Also, some tutors can give you short-cuts and tips! I ended up getting a tutor for year 12 Maths (I didn't really need one but I'm pedantic about my marks), the guy we got in was a couple of years older and had done really well in Maths (and all his other subjects) while he was in highschool. Tutors can definately help!

Even a study group with these friends that are also taking the class might help but I don't suggest using them as "tutors" as they are likely to get grumpy about it if you keep doing it. But don't be afraid to quickly ask someone something.

Also, don't be afraid to go to the teacher after class and say that you didn't quite understand something, many teachers (provided you're not a brat) will be quite happy to quickly go over everything again or organise a later time to go over everything. This also helps because you can watch them re-do it and often pin-point the exact element you don't get and then get them to explain it to you.

Other than that, I'd suggest writing down little summary sheets of every topic you cover in Maths, they will help you remember. Plus, they'll be in your own words and they're a form of studying to understand in themselves

If all else fails, sit your parents down and talk to them (again?), explain to them that you're not doing well, show them your tests with your marks and tell them that you don't want it affecting your credit and you want to drop to a lower Maths.

Good luck!

I wouldn't know about tutors, but I do have the same issues with math as you. It was really easy all the way up through middle school, but this year high school's hit me hard. Sometimes I just don't get it.

I would suggest getting as many people as possible to explain it to you (just make sure they know what they're talking about). I find if I take notes on how to do it, ask each of my parents to explain it, and then sometimes ask the teacher again (or people here on PPT!), then using the explanations of everyone I can usually piece together what it is. If you try it, I hope it helps

What subjects/topics do you normally have a problem with?

I am bad at Maths too, and I find practice very important in helping you in maths. Discipline yourself to do a few Math questions a day and time yourself for them. Ask your teacher or friends for guidance on questions you are stuck on. After doing this dilligently for a few weeks your speed and familiarity with the questions should improve.

Anything involving Math.

I appreciate all of your suggestions but getting into a study group would be impossible considering everyone is so busy. I sometimes am busy myself.

I ask questions a lot, and I mean a lot. It just seems that my parents are expecting too much of me when they know I'm doing bad.

And on top of all this, the exam is worth 30%. Going in with a 50% is not encouraging.

Trust me, you will want a tutor. Between now and when you get one, maybe ask your dad for help on some of the problems? He's so dead-set and determined for you to get an 80% in the class, maybe he should help you out a bit.

Math is not a natural subject for a lot of people - in my case, I'm a bio whiz. And I could sell ants to a picnicker. But ask me to solve a mathematical formula, and I'm up the creek without a paddle.

Get the tutor. Even if you don't reach your own particular goals, or your parents' goals, for this course, what you do end up learning will be a big help down the road.

My dad says he either "Can't remember this stuff" or "Doesn't know what this is". I honestly don't know how he can force me to do good when he doesn't even know how to do well.

I also, recieved my Math average so far today, I'm getting a 30%. And the quiz which I thought I did well on, well I failed. I don't know what to do now. I'm going in for extra help tomorrow morning, hopefully it'll work.

You shouldn't stress about it so much though, maybe that's part of the problem. A tutor is the best idea though, it doesn't matter if your dad expects you to get a hundred, this isnt about him it's about you and whatever you need to do to raise your mark then you should do it. As someone else said though, you really should try and figure out what you're having trouble with. I realise that you said all of it, but there has to be a reason that you struggle so greatly with this particular subject, just try to think about that. I hope everything works out for the best though.

If there is a major concept that you find difficult to understand, you can always ask about it on the Homework Help Thread. With all the people helping out in that thread, I'm sure someone can clarify anything confusing you. Just make sure to ask at least a few days before your exam, therefore allowing people enough time to help you out.

If you're in Grade 11 now, I'm assuming you are either doing Trigonometry or Calculus? If you need help with either topic, feel free to PM me.

Well deffinatly get a tutor. And, if you can afford it, try to take a bit of studying time away from other courses and focus it on math. I also suggest every night you bring home your math notes to study, even if you don't have a test comming up. And if you pass the course with another low mark, explain to your parents that you need to go into applied. Hope this helps