is anyone here as bad as maths as me?

[not_today]

ive been going through some of the calculations in a book i was kindly sent via email form someone from this forum and i am really struggling with it. I have never been maths orientated, was in the bottom set in school which meant i could only get a D at GCSE and had to get a tutor to help me get a C grade in sixth form we never touched on any equations, the plan for me to pass was to focus on the stuff i could do and not worry about the rest. it is common practice for teachers to tell certain children not to bother with one part of the curriculum and focus on the parts they will get the marks. i have witnessed it myself in a professional capacity and although it may not be the right way to teach, it is the right way to get the highest marks and make the school look good. if i am honest, when i was working in schools i would struggle with anything that was not simple arithmetic. i could handle myself (teach/ instruct with a level of competence) up to year 9 which is children aged 13/14/ after that i was over my head.


i am embarrassed to say that i have never used a scientific calculator in my life and am struggling big style. i am going to see a friend this week who is an engineer who is going to help me as much as he can. this is going to be make or break for me. i know poor numeracy sticks out like a sore thumb to employers, i have experienced it in the past and in this line of work, getting it wrong could mean someone getting killed or a building burning down. i don't want my ego to get in the way of other peoples safety.

if/ when i start my college course i am worried i will be so far behind the others i may be asked to leave.

does anyone else feel the same way or did you until you started your course?

sam
Edit: looking at my post title, i think i need to improve my literacy too!

 

[D Skelton]

There are some decent tutorials out there on t'internet that will help you out with regards to actually using your scientific calculator.

I'd also recommend googling pythagoras, trigonometry, and formula transposition (I have often recommended this site to people in the past; Math is Fun - Maths Resources). These are the very basics and with a fair amount of reading you may be able to familiarise yourself enough to get a head start. I'll be honest though, if you get a good tutor, you'll be walked through the maths as it really isn't as hard as you fear. Do also bear in mind that 90% of the class will probably be in the same position as you!

 

[Baker1988]

Dont worry about the maths mate it is not very difficult also there will probily be some one there who is really good at maths who will help you as there is a guy in my group who has a A level in maths he is really good but he struggles with the practical side some times and thats where I am best with so we basically help each other out on things, im not saying I cant do the maths but all my homework that us about calculations I let him look it over before I hand it in too see if I have any mistakes and he comes to me in the practical when he is having trouble with some thing so between us we just help each other, so more then likely this will happen when you get to college just become mates with people and they will help you, also if your not strong on your maths then they will probily put u on a numeracy course aswell good luck mate im sure you can do it

 

[terry1969]

It will all come clear when u start your courses mate . Looks all mad at first but soon get ur head round it

 

[Resu]

The maths is relatively easy bud, you'll be fine. It's just remembering all the forumulas!

 

[Happy Jack]

does anyone else feel the same way or did you until you started your course?

Your honesty is refreshing; I think it takes a certain strength of character to admit your weaknesses.

There is one chap at college who is, if you'll excuse the turn of phrase, absolutely **** hot with the practical / fault finding side of things, but does struggle with the theory. He has had to work on his technique to simplify the process, and actually I've benefited from having his insight, so it has been a really positive exchange.

For instance, an in-joke we share is that we picture David Hasselhoff when trying to remember the fire triangle. HOF. Heat. Oxygen. Fire. Attaching a stronger image or shared experience with a memory just reinforces that flash point, making it easier to recall later. Fly British Airways. Phi, ϕ, BA, for the magnetic flux / flux density triangle is another example.

 

[Baker1988]

And then you get me who is **** hot at practical and theory haha

 

[Happy Jack]

And then you get me who is **** hot at practical and theory haha

You'll have to share your secret, Baker. Or is it such that if you told me, you'd have to kill me? Haha.

A great memory does not amount to intelligence, it is a fallacy. Having the capacity to learn and the discipline to consistently apply oneself is far more important, as the ability to self-assess and highlight your own weaknesses.

 

[Paul.M]

We all have strengths and weaknesses in the extensive world of electrics. And good for you for saying it to us all . My weakness is motors but I dont work with them, in college it was a difficult subject for me, I just didn't get it??? Same as you with the Maths.

A very good friend of mine whilst at college (at the same time) did not understand Ohms Law. It took him a couple of months after the teachings in the classroom and the exam on the subject to make it click with him (he passed BTW). It was a very frustrating time for him and now he has moved on, done most of the quals that a spark would ever need and done his C&G's 7303 teaching qual.

Not bad for a man that hit a brick wall within his own teachings but yet now teaches others in the preparation for going to University for their HND.

Message to you all and also myself:- The sky is the limit, but you may have to weather a few rain clouds and storms on the way. Then the sun will shine.

 

[Baker1988]

You'll have to share your secret, Baker. Or is it such that if you told me, you'd have to kill me? Haha.

A great memory does not amount to intelligence, it is a fallacy. Having the capacity to learn and the discipline to consistently apply oneself is far more important, as the ability to self-assess and highlight your own weaknesses.

No secret pal just put the work in haha not saying you dont pal just saying haha some people struggle on things i will probily find a few things that i struggle on before long haha just work hard at it pal you get out what you put in

 

[not_today]

cheers chaps, i've decided to read through the other chapters of the textbook until i go and see my engineering friend in the week for some tuition.

 

[Paul.M]

not_today:- What part of the maths are you stuck with? Tell us and we can help.

Some times it just needs explaining in a different way. That helped me and in college I helped others with the same frame of mind.

Q. What are you having problems with right now and for your forthcoming exam? Tell us, we can help. That is what this section is all about mate.