Math Classes for Adults

Archived Q&A and Reviews


Should I try to re-learn math? How?

Jan 2009

I would like some opinions from this smart, supportive community on what may sound like an unimportant subject. It's this: should I try to re-learn math?

I'm in my 50s, a successful professional with a masters degree in history, educated and competent in most areas. Yet I can barely manage what would be considered 2nd grade math.

It's not a problem of memorization. For some reason, it's always been impossible to compute figures in my head. Numbers dissolve and switch position and vanish when I try to work the problem. I've often thought this is what dyslexics go through, except these are numbers, not letters.

The most I can multiply is by five and even then only single- digit numbers. Nor can I add numbers in my head beyond two single-digits. On paper, I can manage a little bit; if I have to add a column of four figures I can usually add two numbers at once, then the two results together.

I've lost quite a bit of money over the years when I've had to calculate on the spot, by overpaying or not claiming money to which I'm entitled. For instance, I've had people stop me from leaving a 5 dollar bill on a 7 dollar check because that's what I calculated to be a 20 percent tip.

I'm used to this I guess, and calculators and computers now can help do the work for me, though I get so flustered and embarrassed when I have to think on the spot, as in a line when peope are waiting.

So my question is: should I try to learn math again? And at my age, how? Is it even possible? This feels like a learning disability, but while I've heard of dyslexia being treated, I've never heard of such a program for math. Is there even a point to pursuing this? Learning to read opens up so many wonderful doors of imagination and experience and joy; would I find this in math, or is the subject just as cold and unyielding as I've always felt it to be?

Maybe I should just accept that I'm always going to be as incompetent in this area as ever, and move on.

Sadder but no wiser


Run, don't walk, to Making Math Real. This is the only math education program for people who don't learn math along the traditional math circuits that I have seen. One of my kids was tutored by two extraordinary teachers in this program, and it was her salvation in math. Additionally, it supported her self image as a learner. Created right here in Berkeley by David Berg, now the program is run (all over the country they are teaching these methods) by David and his exceptional educator wife Karen Zuniga. http://www.makingmathreal.org/ mom of different math learner


I just read an article in The Economist, Jan 3rd 2009 issue, on the inborn math ability of most babies and some people's lack of this function. According to newest research, inability to do math really is like dyslexia! The emerging term for this condition is ''dyscalculia''. The leading researcher in the field is Dr. Brian Butterworth at University College London. Google search on ''dyscalculia'' brings up lots of resources, starting with www.dyscalculia.org which may be of interest to you. Perhaps they have tips on relearning math for sufferers of this condition... I never had any trouble with math, but enjoy mild prosopagnosia (face blindness) instead - it's fun too! Good luck. Great at numbers, bad at faces


You clearly have a learning disability and at your age, they probably didn't know what that was when you were in school. There is certainly help available for you, and I am sure that someone on this list knows where adults go for this sort of help. If you don't get some great suggestions, I'll google this topic myself and find you something! kevin


First, I don't think you're incompetent in math just because your strengths are elsewhere. I think you have a strong psychological block, which contributes to you feeling not good enough. Some people are just not math people, and that's okay. When I was at Chabot College back in the days of stone tablets, I had a wonderful math teacher - Kajiwara. He may be retired by now, though.

While there, I had a retired classmate in your situation. She was re-taking math because it was something she wanted to accomplish in her life. She was slow at understanding the concepts. She utilized the math lab and we studied together and helped each other out in remembering concepts.

I think you should know that math can be fun and maybe you could come to enjoy it (especially if you pursue it in a way that brings you feelings of accomplishment). Talk to the math department at your local JC, and ask who is their most supportive/best math teacher, for someone who needs encouragement and is afraid of ineptitude (which is what it comes down to - your fear that you just can't cut it).

Start with a basic math class, and take it over and over if necessary! Only need to progress to higher levels if that feels good to you. This is about building your own math skill in a meaningful way for yourself - give yourself the time and space to do this. When you do take it, however, you must work your math everyday. The concepts are cumulative and require dedication/consistency.


P.S. If you double the tax on a restaurant bill, that's around 15% or a little more. You could also keep a tip card in your wallet, which is a quick cheat sheet. I love math but my skill is waning as I get older. I used to whip out the right answer on the spot. Now I'm a bit spotty.


I believe that this problem is correctable on some levels through the use of scientific 'brain games'. Check out this fun game and you get the idea. This is geared more toward language but can also help with math: http://www.scilearn.com/products/brainapps/hoop-nut/index.php

Also, pick up the book ''The Brain that Changes Itself'' by Norman Doidge and you will see that people with all sorts of similar issues can change their brain to accommodate living in this world. Good luck! Brain Fit


Hi, You might check out the website: livingmath.net. The site has lots of info on learning math in non-traditional ways--such as via picture books, etc. There is an associated yahoo group, which might be something you could join for a bit. I've been using the booklists and yahoo group suggestions with my son, and he loves it. Some books that might be fun for you are ''The Number Devil'' or ''The Cat in Numberland.'' Both are fictional books about math concepts that are humorous. There is also a really fun video called ''Donald in Mathmagic Land'' that you might be able to get from the library. There are loads of other books listed, and my son tends to enjoy the funny ones. These also are fun for me, and even though I enjoyed math as a child, I find I am learning so much from exploring math in this way. It has really opened my eyes to what math is, and it is not the arithmetic that is making you crazy. You might also check out some of the books by Theoni Pappas such as the Joy of Mathematics. This book has one page snippets to do with math. It can be read a bit at a time in the bathroom easily:) You can also jump around in it as each page is an independent concept/puzzle, etc. She also has a fun calendar where the date is the answer, and the fun is in figuring out how to get there.

There is also an article you could google too called ''Lockhart's Lament.'' It's a great description of how mind-numbing traditional math instruction can be. Even though I enjoyed math, I really think it is poorly taught in our educational system and I think it strangles all of the joy out of it so that many people freeze at the idea of it.

Anyway, I do think it's worth pursuing and that there may be other ways to look at math that might work better for you. There is also a Teaching Company DVD called the Joy of Thinking that might be worth exploring. These are sometimes available at the library too.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy your explorations. Good luck, and feel free to email me (laurelsjunk [at] yahoo.com) if you would like to. Take care, Laurel


Go for it! Math is fun. You might not have a practical reason to learn some of it, but it's a great personal growth activity - like learning a new language.

I try to pick up new skills periodically (I'm learning to program a microcontroller right now - just for kicks).

Here's my method: Post on craigslist (I use ''gigs'' section) as well as at the UC Berkeley career services center for a tutor in the subject you want. Offer to pay $15-25/hour for the tutoring services (if you can afford it). You'll get a lot of responses for math tutoring. Interview some people based on their initial response (just like hiring for a job). Try two or three in an initial lesson and see who you like.

My advice with a tutor is be clear with them upfront how much you can spend each month so they don't expect more time from you than you want. Learning some math should be no harder than learning to play a little piano or guitar.. Enjoy it - math is fascinating. Judiah


Your difficulty with math is not unusual. I teach Making Math Real, mainly to children who are struggling in the classroom, with issues not different from yours, with huge success. They all learn their math facts and concepts, and often reach the top of their class. Math is usually taught as abstract, and those of us who learn visually and kinesthetically are challenged. This math program presents math as the concrete, real subject it is. The presentation is multisensory, reality based. You can learn, I guarantee. And what's more, it's fun. Leba 


You could certainly practice with some workbooks on your lunch hour or even listen to books on tape in the car. But I think bringing a calculator along is a smart solution. Don't be flustered, most people would not be rude enough to comment about it, and if they do surely you can think of something snappy to say. (''can't add till I've had my morning coffee!'') Sympathetic


Yes, there is such a thing as a math disability, and there are methods to teach math to people with such a disability. Sounds like your disability has affected your life in some ways, so I would say, yes, find a good teacher who can help you! You won't necessarily fall in love with numbers, but I think it would feel good to be able to calculate tips and to deal with other daily math challenges. anon