[Michimu]

I have been going to college for some time now and have always had major problems in doing math. I can do the ''Simple'' things like addition,multiplication,and up to division,but when it involves doing pre-algebra and onward,I get lost. I have explained to college administrators that my method of thinking is three dimensional and I have no workable solution for converting numbers into images,especially when dealing with pre algebra and beyond. This is holding me back,and is frustrating,especially since I've been excelling in other subjects. Does any one have any ideas on a workable solution to this problem? I would greatly appreciate it.

[Travelinglady]

Have you tried going to the academic skills dept. at your school or maybe tutoring?

Math was a subject I had to work harder at. But, then, I didn't get into any really advanced courses, except statistics.

Best wishes!

[(JD)]

I hear ya! The only class I flunked was algebra...and I had begged and pleaded with the previous teacher to not put me into that class. She didn't believe me that I wasn't getting it. Fortunately, I changed schools that next year and it was a modern new school that had computers...and it put me into Geometry...which I passed with flying colors and didn't even have to be in class much. After that, I was better at the algebra stuff because I knew how to handle formulas and all (visually)... I went on to being able to pass electronic courses and become an Amateur Extra ham radio operator. Unfortunately, the deficit I still had in that area caused me to stop pursuing clinical psychology and I went into counseling psychology, simply because of the math.

Do your best, keep asking for help...there's a way to work around it. Not everyone learns the same way.

[Fresia]

I found some teachers and profs who took some things for granted and would skip steps. I found a tutor who took me back to the very beginning and would explain every step, and by leaving nothing out made a difference for me perhaps this might help. I am very visual too and algebra unfortunately is very linear. It can be graphed though, so if you can find a tutor willing to do this, this can help for representation and understanding as well. It is important to find someone who can help to explain it in a way that you can understand. I had better luck in finding high school or middle school teachers to use at tutors who were usually very willing, patient, and were better teachers at explaining than grad students or college profs. Call the local schools to ask if someone is available and that has a reputation for being helpful. You will get it, with patience, determination, and in being kind to yourself. Just think of it as a simple puzzle to be solved and nothing more than that. You can do it! Good luck!

[Michimu]

Thank You Guys! I had not thought of going to the Academic Skills Dept.,or asking a grade school turtor to see if she/he could help. I have written all these ideas down,and plan on talking to the professors and other people to see whether or not all of them can be implemented,including taking Geometry first,and seeing if there is a way that someone can convert the formulae into graph form. I love this idea!]