[NABS-L] struggling in math classes

Thu Nov 15 01:11:13 UTC 2018

Hi Maura,

I am currently taking Algebra II as well, so I can understand where you're
coming from. I love math, but there have been some concepts in this course
that I have needed help understanding.

I use a braille textbook, and I write my answers down using either a
braille notetaker or a braille display paired with my iPhone or laptop.
Sometimes, however, I need an extra explanation than the one provided in
the textbook. I sometimes ask my dad, who is an engineer, for help, but I
also like to watch instructional videos. I use a free app called Khan
Academy, which provides videos, lessons, and quizzes on an extensive list
of subjects, including Algebra. Most of the time, I find the videos and
written lessons to be quite helpful, though the videos can occasionally be
more visual than I would like.

Sources I use less frequently are podcasts. I have found two good ones, and
they are both called The Math Dude. The first is called The Math Dude,
Quick and Dirty Tips, and the second is called The Math Dude, Algebra I. I
believe the first did his last episode a few weeks ago, but he still has
some great content. As for the second, even though his subject is Algebra
I, I sometimes find it helpful to review old concepts. I don't listen to
him very often, so I don't know if he's still making new episodes, but like
the first Math Dude, he still has some good content.

As a quick note, I sometimes like to use my braille writer to work out math
problems out on paper rather than in a digital format, but I'm kind of
moving away from that. It's whatever works for you.

I am very much a perfectionist, and I sometimes feel as if I have to be
more adept than my sighted peers simply because I am blind, so I understand
your frustration. I hope this helps, and feel free to email me with any
questions about the material you might have. I can't promise that I'll be
much help, but I will do my best.

Sincerely,

Campbell

On Tue, Nov 13, 2018 at 8:43 PM Ahbee Orton via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
wrote:

> Hi Maura,
>
>   I have gone through some tough math classes, some tough science classes,
> and now AP Economics, so I understand some of your struggle. For me, I did
> multiple things to understand concepts. I read a Brailled paper copy ofa
> textbook with all or most of the concepts in it. I'm a visual learner, so
> this truly made a difference for me. I could touch the graphs, diagrams,
> and charts.
>   Next, I would suggest directly talking to your teacher, just like it has
> been mentioned before. I go see my teacherggs′ during his or her planning
> and/or during my lunch hour. He or she can also utilize the Sensational
> Drawing Board and/or a Draftsman and/or an InTact drawing board. All of
> these tools have made life in graphic based classes so helpful!
>   Now, one year, I also used a board that you can get ′I think from APH
> but not completely certain′ that has nuxbers, math symbols, and letters
> that are magnetic and that can be moved around on a board. This allowed the
> teacher and I to work together and see what we were doing in a horizontal
> or vertical format, depending on the concept and how it should be
> presented.
> I hope these ideas help!
>
> Blessings,
> Ahbee
> “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is
> not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not
> easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil
> but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always
> hopes, always perseveres.”
> 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV
>
> > On Nov 13, 2018, at 6:15 PM, Mausam Mehta via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
> wrote:
> >
> > Hey Maura,
> > So this one’s a little tricky. From what I’ve noticed, you either like
> math or you don’t. Your success in the class generally depend on how much
> you understand the material, and how much work/time you put into it. From
> what you said here, it seems that you are receiving all the materials, and
> The next step is being able to really understand and study them affectively.
> > One of the things I might suggest is trying to get as much of your
> materials in braille as possible. I think it really makes a difference
> being able to see it all written out on paper. I understand, however, that
> it’s really hard to get a hold of braille for a lot of people, depending on
> TVI services and fun things like that. So if you can’t get hard copies,
> maybe try reading in entering your mathematical notation into a refreshable
> braille Device like a notetaker or a braille display hooked up to a
> computer. I feel like a hypocrite saying all of this, because by the time I
> reached Calc 3, I did all of my math work on a computer with jaws. But I
> definitely think that braille, if you have access to it and if that is what
> you are comfortable with, will make a difference.
> > Another thing I might suggest is talking directly to your teacher. Maybe
> ask for sometime during the week where you can really hammer down some of
> these concepts, presented in a different way than in class. Usually, an
> alternative explanation has a lot of merit and can reframe the material so
> that it makes more sense.
> > The final piece of advice I can offer is to be a little easier on
> yourself. I totally understand the drive to get a perfect 4.0, especially
> in high school. There's so much pressure to be at the top, with college
> apps and scholarships. But you also have to remember that you're trying
> your hardest, and that's enough. If you don't get an a plus in this class,
> it's ok. There's so much more about you that will stand out than a grade in
> math.
> > Sorry for the mini sermon. Call or text me any time if you need to go
> over anything.
> > Best,
> >
> >
> > Mausam Mehta
> > Board member | National Association of blind students
> > A proud division of the National Federation of the blind
> > (540) 466-6033
> > mausam.mehta.nfb at gmail.com
> > |
> > www.nabslink.org
> >
> >> On Nov 13, 2018, at 6:39 PM, Maura Loberg via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
> wrote:
> >>
> >> Hey everybody, I am having a problem that is not necesarily urgent but
> I would like your ideas in a timely fashion. I am working to earn and keep
> a 4.0 in school, and in my other classes, this is happening. Unfortunately,
> I am majorly struggling with the math class required as a senior, it is
> Algebra II. I have never been good at math, and it seems that no matter
> what I do, I can't get decent grades on assignments and tests. I have a
> paid tutor who helps me understand certain things and fills the holes left
> by my instructor. I understand the materials well enough I believe, but I
> am having issues executing on paper. Are there any methods that you guys
> have used to study/understand/take notes/test in these courses. I will have
> to take college  math so these ideas will definitely be put to good use.
> This is extremely frustrating since I have As in just about everything
> else, and I just can't seem to get my math grades to where I want them, no
> matter what I try. Thanks for your help in advance!
> >>
> >> Sent from my iPhone
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