help with pre-algebra?

Question

I am doing really bad in pre-algebra. I mean I do all my homework and I understand what's going on in class and stuff. I ask questions when I don't understand. Also I ask for help when I need it. The only problem is homework is 20% of my grade. I have 100% in homework this quarter. I have problems with tests and quizzes. I do really bad on tests and quizzes. It's like I would study the night before and when it was test time I would forget everything. I am about to cry because my parents are reallly worried about my math grade. I don't want to go to math 8 next year because I'm not stupid. I want to go into algebra. Please someone tell me what should I do.

Answer 1

Here's my take.

You have no confidence.

Despite the fact that you do so well otherwise, the tests and quizzes cause you a great deal of anxiety, and now it is compounding on itself since you are aware of it. You are getting to the point where you are setting yourself up to fail.

I'm not sure if there is *A* solution, but one that I know can help is to just do tons and tons and tons of math problems. DO so many that you can do them in your sleep. To the point that it's an annoyance to you.

In psychological terms it's aversion therapy, but it's not quite that far with this.

The goal/hope is, you will be so good at doing the problems that the tests and quizzes will *also* just be annoyances and you will easily breeze thru them.

You have to do a LOT of math problems tho. Especially the stuff that hangs you up. You need to build your confidence.

Once you realize that you really CAN do this......and you CAN, then you will find it less and less necessary to practice so much. The learning will take over and you will be on your way.

Good luck to you. Don't stress out, and don't make too big a deal out of it. Have your parents work with you (quiz you), have your friends do the same...and get a tutor to help work with you. It's all about practice and doing tons of problems.

Math problems are just puzzles.

They give you some info.

And you are suppose to figure out what's going on. It's kinda fun and wicked kewl how it works. :)

Answer 2

Dear student:

Something does not compute! Your parents or someone is helping you during the homework phase..the price you are paying is that while you are getting perfect scores for Homework, your understanding of the math principles is so limited that these "holes" are showing up during tests and quizzes. Let me propose to you a different approach. For the next homework, work all the problems on your own and then, ask for your parents (or the individual that is helping you) to review your work. I am willing to bet that you will find quickly your deficiency areas. Once those deficiencies are determines, concentrate in understanding the basic principles...and practice, practice and practice. Only perfect practice (based on your own work and understanding) will open the door to more complex areas like Algebra. Do not feel bad if you cannot move to Algebra next year...my first algebra course was at 9th grade. I am now an electrical engineer with a Math concentration. So hang in there, get a strong foundation and best wishes!

Answer 3

Try to treat quizzes as regular classwork. If you are really concerned, check over your quiz. Do it again, again, again, again, and some more until you're sure that you're good. If you must, ask your teacher if you can have a few more minutes to check over your test. This should impress her a bit, and if she sees you are really having problems, she might get you enrolled in tutoring. This is nothing to be ashamed about.

Nothing's wrong with hanging back a bit in math. If you truly aren't prepared, you really don't want to try to figure out algebra.

Answer 4

Instead of studying "the night before", spend some time, several times during the week, spend a little time studying math, not doing homework, but whatever you do when you study math. You very well might notice when you study that "I KNOW this stuff!" feeling comes over you.