The Myth of 'I'm Bad at Math'

[TexasProgresive]

1. My theory is

That for many "non-math" people it goes back to an early non-learning experience. That is, poor teachers who did not teach math but terrorized her/his students. Math is such a cumulative subject that if one loses out early they have a near impossible task to get back on track.

My high school sweetheart is a perfect example of a victim of poor teaching. She was enrolled in plane and solid geometry to be taught by a teacher who had a poor reputation. I acquired a copy of the book used and tutored her by phone. (This was good as we keep on track and hands off of each other).

The teacher did not teach- she had pets, those who got it without teaching and the rest of the class were made to feel substandard. That my girl friend made good grades in that class is something I remember with pride. The best part is that her spirit was not squashed. Wherever she is I hope her life is good.