math IS hard!

I'm currently working on word problems in my algebra class, and suddenly I find that Barbie might be right. Math IS hard! Several years ago, a talking Barbie doll was put on the market that among other sayings repeated math IS hard and other stereotypical sayings. The doll was reprogrammed to say math IS fun! after several parent groups complained that it was reinforcing beliefs in their daughters they were trying to dispel. Girls and math, for one. I have struggled with various forms of math in my school life, whether it was grade, middle, high, technical and college. No other subject gives me the dreads as much as this one does. You would have thought I would have chosen a career that didn't deal with math, or a hobby that is practically nothing but math. You try making a king sized quilt without math AND fractions at that.

My husband seems to do this stuff in his head, without even giving it a second thought. I'll yell the problem down the hallway to him and seconds later he yells the answer back all the while surfing several sites on the Internet. No paper, pencil and giant eraser for him. This leaves me with the thought that there must be something wrong with me. Why do I struggle so, when he seems to know the answer without even really thinking about? I'm sure a scientist some where has figured out why some people are good at one subject versus another, but that really doesn't help me right now with my word problems, does it? Did he or she find a solution to that problem? Can I just get a shot or take a pill and suddenly math IS fun!?

Until then, I will be studying like crazy, doing problems over and over again until it finally sinks in. That's how I passed my last two tests, and I see no reason to mess with success. Other than the time commitment. Our algebra textbook recommends two hours of study for every one hour of class. I seem to need a bit more time than that, or else this is the perfect case of how younger (20 somethings) learn faster than us "non-traditional" students. Or maybe it's the full time job, full time house chores, and everyday life problems that demand attention too. Do I regret going back to school? No. My regret of not finishing is greater than worrying about the sink full of dishes or thinking I can't finish because of word problems. Stephanie's blog from last week put it perfectly, I know I'm doing the right thing!

I did, however, come to the realization that life experience does change one's view of word problems. One question asked how much Maria could spend on her food if she only has $30 and wants to leave tip and tax. My reply was that Maria should have checked her wallet before going into the restaurant to make sure she had enough money so she didn't have to worry about it. Problem solved and no math involved! I somehow think though, that my math teacher won't think this is the right answer, even if he does agree with it.

Blog for the week of March 10th