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Original poster

Is it possible to get really good at Maths?

55 replies

MrsCardone · 13/10/2021 06:46

My DS is looking into uni courses at the moment. The one he is interested in has a Maths requirement. It's an engineering course. He is not good at Maths, mainly because he messes around in class, being a general pain in the arse, hates his teacher, does the bare minimum of homework, etc.

However, he has shown some promise in other subjects related to engineering and it is something he is interested in, so I do want to pursue it.

Is it possible - with extra help - for him to get good at Maths? We're prepared to put the hours in to help him and call in reinforcements if necessary.

Thanks.

OP posts:
MakkaPakkas · 13/10/2021 07:08

Maybe try to find a tutor he clicks with. You can get better at anything with practice and the motivation to practice.

Original poster
MrsCardone · 13/10/2021 07:05

Thanks for your replies, they are very encouraging. He's in Year 10 at the moment, so we still have time. He has ADHD and mild Asperger's. He is very immature but I don't want to give up on him.

OP posts:
HelloDulling · 13/10/2021 06:51

How old is he? Maths A-level is really hard, lots of school won’t let you take it unless you get at least an A/7-8-9 at GCSE.

If he’s in Year 11, and still pissing about disrupting lessons and not doing homework, how well is he going to do in his GCSE, however much help you give him?

Simonjt · 13/10/2021 06:50

Yes, if he stops dicking about. There is zero point getting a tutor etc when he can’t be bothered and while he thinks ruining the chances of others is okay.

Maths isn’t actually difficult (not to a-level anyway), but children are put off due to adults being negative and hearing things like “maths is really hard” so they automaticallg go into that subject with zero confidence.

People claim you forget how to perform a function, yet they don’t forget a word they may hear/say once a year. Anyone (unless they have an additional need) can be good at maths if they want to be. Don’t waste money on someone who doesn’t care.

Lougle · 13/10/2021 06:50

I think so. Maths is about method, largely. As the work gets harder, people who work things out mentally and write down an answer find that it's harder to retain all the information in their head. So it's really good to get into the habit of writing down the workings out (plus you get marks for the method, even if the calculation is wrong somewhere).

It will depend if your DS is motivated about the engineering. That will drive him to improve his maths. It has to come from him, ultimately, but everyone can improve.

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