Mr.
Reimer's
What to do if you just don't get it?
OK, so you are doing your homework and you find something just is not clicking on an exercise. What do you do?
First, relax. There are math concepts that for whatever reason just seem harder for each of us. What is easy for Jim may be more difficult for Jill, but what Jill finds easy, Jim may struggle on. But before you let yourself off the hook ask this, "Is the reason I didn't get it because I was talking to a friend or daydreaming about that cute student in the second row?" If that's the real problem, help yourself in the future. Save the chit chat for later. Hold hands in the hall.
Regardless of the cause, now what can you do?
- Look at your notes for descriptions and examples. You should be taking good notes in class! You may have followed what went on, but have since forgotten how it connects.
- Look at your text book. It is not just a paperweight or a homework problem holder. Read its descriptions and sample problems.
- Call up a friend from class and ask.
- Ask an older brother, sister or friend who previously learned the subject.
- Search for help online (start with my online resources).
- Ask a question the next day in class.
- Ask your ASD teacher
- Come to an extra help session.
- Ask questions at the math center
- Ask your guidance counselor about student tutors (they are sometimes available).
- Pay for a tutor.
Just do not give up. You will fall behind and make it worse. Stay on top of your game.
