For as long as I can remember, I have ALWAYS struggled heavily in math. I’m unable to do mental math unless I count on my fingers (sometimes I have to do it multiple times because I lose count) or something so simple like 2 + 2. Other than that, I have to write everything down on paper, and if I get numbers with decimals I generally have a very tough time finding where to place the decimal points, how to manipulate the numbers, etc.
And word problems? Absolutely no chance. It takes me a ridiculous amount of time just to decipher one word problem, and after I finish it (generally it’s wrong anyway, aka set up completely wrong or I miscalculated something), I’m just so damn exhausted just from doing one problem that I can’t pick myself back up to do another one.
I regularly get my numbers mixed up in my head and sometimes totally forget what I’m doing mid-problem, so I have to completely re-do the problem - sometimes it works, other times I just make a huge mess of work.
I’m taking College Algebra right now, and to be perfectly honest it’s drilling a hole right through me. I recently had a test that I’m certain I failed - even after spending upwards of 4 hours at the damn library doing practice problems on this mathlab program. We’re doing such complicated shit like linear equations, point-slope form etc, and at this point the material is just so overwhelming for me.
Honestly, I don’t see the point in investing in a tutor because this mathlab program is pretty much a tutor in itself - countless practice problems starting at the bare minimum, tools that walk you through the problem, practice quizzes, etc. For me at least, the amount of information to remember for these tests is just absolutely backbreaking, so many formulas, ways to solve the problem, etc. I believe that I’m so used to memorization that I’m unable to learn math - whenever I say a problem that’s slightly adjusted I blank out and forget how to do it.
I don’t even know at this point. For years I thought it was the case that I’m simply not smart at math, however after researching this “Dyscalculia” I’m fairly certain I have this. What can even be done if I do have this? I’m not entirely sure if I’ll pass this College Algebra class, and I STILL have to take Pre-Calc and Business Calc. for my degree in IT.
But for now, I just need to concentrate on passing this algebra class. I don’t know how I’ll do it.
What do colleges (generally) do for people with learning disabilities? Not saying I have one, but if it turns out I do, what will even be done? Will I still have to take all three of these math classes, or could I possibly substitute in a 400 level tech class perhaps? Or something?