Why is math easy for some and difficult for others?

1. 68

   Ricki-Lee Keeleyposted 9 years ago

   Why is math easy for some and difficult for others?
   
   And how can math be made easier for those who find it difficult?

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2. 55

   peter565posted 9 years ago

   It can be the result of many different factors, some people brain are just more advance then some other people, in some arena and that could effect your nature born ability. 
   
   Also, some people build a much stronger basis for their education in this arena since childhood.  For example, a lot of people think at school Asian students perform better at math, because they are smarter. But in fact that is because most of Asia follow Japanese education system, which is very successful in building a strong base for student's mathematics skill in primary school. Many white children whom grew up in Asia and later return to the west during high school year, perform exceptional well in math, while most Asian children whom complete primary school in the west, perform just as poorly at math, as western children.

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   1. 68

      Ricki-Lee Keeleyposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I love you answer, particularly the mix of nature and nurture. But how does someone with no natural born talent or exemplary foundation from childhood overcome this and do well in math?

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   2. 55

      peter565posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      That I have no idea, you need to ask somebody specialized in early child education. (You can always try moving to Japan, Taiwan or South Korea and enroll your kids to primary school there though, should make your kids really good at math )

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3. 78

   Express10posted 9 years ago

   It often comes down to preparation in early childhood, culture and other factors. In some cultures children are pushed and supported to do well in school. In some cultures children may have no push from their parents or others and no support. Further, some children may be teased or bullied for doing well in school while others may be seen as "cool" if they don't excel.
   
   I am studying Biology and I know of other STEM students who have dropped or are changing majors like crazy. A couple of them were people who I thought were brighter/smarter/somehow better than me. Math is not my favorite or strongest subject but I do well in it with extra time and effort. I am odd in this regard, other STEM students who I know find math AND science easy. Go figure!

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   1. 68

      Ricki-Lee Keeleyposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      That is interesting, finding math and science simultaneously easy is simply to see but English and math would be an accomplishment. However some forms of science heavily involve English so its still impressive

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4. 82

   pstraubie48posted 9 years ago

   Totally a non scientific answer here but I think some of our minds are wired differently from others...some of us excel in mathematics and the sciences and others not so much.   
   My Daddy was a whiz at math...on a simple level, he would always have the amount due at the cash register when we went grocery shopping..and he did it in his head. His work required using lots of math and it was never problematic for him. Me, on the other hand, I could  not wrap my head around the subject until I had a wondrous math teacher my senior year of college...wow....I am still no math whiz but I 'get it' much more than in my early years.
   I fear I digressed...
   One thing I did as a teacher to 'make if easier for those who found it difficult' was to remember how I felt, not understanding, and it made me so very patient with them. And I gave lots of individual attention

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5. 83

   peachpurpleposted 9 years ago

   I am very lousy at maths since I was a child. Maybe it is because my parents, both are bad at maths too. I got zero for add maths when I was in my teen.
   
   However, my daughter and son are good at maths because his dad had distinction for maths and bookeeping.
   
   I guess it is genetic

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