Most of my students need help with the mathematical reasoning test section of the GED. When faced with a very complex-looking problem, they often get overwhelmed and put up a figurative stop sign with phrases like “I’m just not a math person” or some sort of expletive while telling me I’m crazy!
Here’s what I tell them before we work on it together after I stop laughing.
Although you may be tempted to cuss me out or call upon a higher power, I want you to frame it this way: Hold on. Let me look at this. I can figure this out.
When I see difficult math problems, I don’t know what to do immediately either! However, I pause and think to myself that I’m not going to let a silly math problem get the best of me. I re-read the problem by saying it out loud and then start to work it out one little step at a time.
This doesn’t just work for math. When you’re given an ugly, scary-looking problem in life, I want you to consider giving yourself a mini-pep talk and tell yourself, “I can figure this out.”
Best of luck with studying, and don’t forget that I’m here to help!
xo, Dr. Andie
Academic Coaching with Dr. Andie 