This week’s guest post from educator Sarah Jarvis covers a topic on which it can be difficult to find in-depth information: adult math learning differences. We are very pleased to feature Jarvis’s informative article on the Dyscalculia Blog!
I have worked at Bracknell and Wokingham College in the Learning Support Department for 8 years, supporting those aged over 16 who have maths learning differences. I also taught GCSE and Functional Skills adult maths classes for a number of years.
The reasons that learners leave school at 16 or older without the requisite ‘C’ grade in maths can be numerous. It is only by understanding the roots of what makes them struggle, as well as the person’s strengths, that it is possible to assist them to overcome these challenges. Assessment is, therefore, an extremely important part of my job.
The reasons adults may have difficulties with maths include the following:
- Poor schooling. This can result in creating misconceptions which become more embedded as the person gets older and are therefore harder to unearth and resolve.
- Poor attendance at school due to health or other reasons. For example, if a student happens to be away when division is covered then it can be very difficult to catch up and then understand fractions.
- Maths Anxiety. Maths anxiety is a very real phenomenon and adults, in particular, can have severe anxiety about maths, coupled with very low self-esteem, making it difficult for them to even try for fear of failing.
- Language difficulties. It isn’t just adults who speak English as a second language that can find difficulties with the maths language. Many people can struggle with what to do in a ‘wordy’ problem even though their arithmetic might be good. Specific teaching in which operation to use when is imperative.
- Poor motivation. For example: “why do I need maths when I’m studying Performing Arts?” If the motivation to learn maths is absent then any learning can be very difficult.
- Fixed mindset. Some adults believe that they “can’t do maths”. However, there is no maths gene. It is a skill like any other that with practice can be acquired.
- Dyslexia or other learning differences. Learning differences are quite complex and their can be comorbidities.
- Weak memory. Short term and working memory affect the ability with mental arithmetic and long term memory is needed to remember maths facts and procedures. Any difficulties in these areas will affect an adult’s ability with maths.
- Cognitive or thinking style. A mismatch between a tutor’s and adult’s thinking style can affect learning. Some adults may be able to estimate and get to an answer without knowing how they got there, whilst others may use a sequential, step by step, ‘inchworm’ approach and be unable to estimate.
- Visual stress difficulties. Adults may have difficulties with ‘seeing’ or writing numbers due to visual stress. I had a very interesting student who had no problems with wordy maths problems but when faced with numbers on their own she struggled to read them. She also wrote some numbers in their mirror image. After discussions and diagnostic tests, we found that a coloured overlay completely cured her ‘supposed’ maths difficulties.
I haven’t yet mentioned dyscalculia. There are many reasons adults have difficulties with maths and having dyscalculia is only one potential reason. Adults who might be considered dyscalculic will have very limited number sense, which is generally thought of as the ability to understand and manipulate quantities. For example, they will struggle with understanding basic numerical concepts, will use immature methods, will struggle to retain facts and won’t know whether an answer makes sense. This is particularly difficult when out shopping and knowing whether they have the right change, for example.
Dyscalculia research and diagnosis is still in its infancy and when the adults I see were at school it is likely that the school would not have even heard about dyscalculia. There is also no formal, agreed diagnosis for dyscalculia in adults yet.
However, for the vast majority of the adults, I see a diagnosis as not important. What these adults need is to build their confidence in maths in whatever way they can. I have seen people whose school told them that they can do nothing more for them with maths. Imagine how this makes them feel? One adult was a very talented photographer and I worked with her on visual representations of numbers using dominoes. Passing her first-ever maths exam was a huge milestone for this student.
Another adult I saw struggled with directions and couldn’t go anywhere new on her own. She could not remember her pin number and always bought the wrong size clothes for her children. I worked with her on ways to remember her pin, by visualising a pattern on the keypad for example.
Adults differ from children by having more concrete experiences to draw on. By utilising these experiences and making maths relevant to them, adults are able to make more sense of a concept. Ultimately adults need to be supported in their maths so that they can become independent, prepared for and supported in the workplace. In my experience, teaching adults which operation to use when and how to use the calculator on their phone successfully is much more useful than, for example, being able to do column subtraction.
Connections should be built between the symbols, language, mathematical image and particularly the context of any concept. Although this connective approach originated for primary level children it can be applied extremely successfully with adults who seem able to grasp concepts that may have been difficult for them in the past, particularly when coupled with a context that means something to them. Different people may need a different set of resources to represent the same concept depending on their specific strengths and weaknesses. I have found that the use of manipulatives such as base 10 blocks, beads and even Numicon can work extremely successfully with adults.
One of the most important maths skills that adults need in work and life is estimation. Therefore this should be a key skill practised. Exact answers can always be found later with a calculator.
Finally, I would recommend the following when working with adults who have maths difficulties:
- Assess where the strengths and difficulties lie and always work from areas of strength.
- Always use a context that the adult can relate to and combine this with maths language, symbols and an image or manipulatives to embed the concept.
- Encourage a Growth Mindset i.e. “I will be able to do it with practice”.
- Welcome mistakes. As Jo Boaler says, when you make a mistake your brain grows.
- Encourage and practise estimating and flexible thinking skills.
- Give praise and encouragement for trying.
Sarah Jarvis has worked at Bracknell & Wokingham Further Education College for 8 years as a qualified maths lecturer. She taught adults Functional Skills maths from Entry level to Level 2 for 5 years and has also taught maths GCSE for learners aged 16+. She has an Advanced Diploma in Overcoming Barriers to Learning Maths and is currently providing maths support for learners, aged 16+, who find maths particularly challenging. Sarah presented a session entitled “Meeting the Challenge of Adult learners” at The National Conference for Dyscalculia and Maths Learning Difficulties in 2015. She has also presented sessions on “Maths learning difficulties and Dyscalculia” to the West Berkshire Dyslexia Association and a local PATOSS group.
Prior to attaining qualified teacher status, she worked for 15 years in the Project Management software industry where her passion for teaching and supporting adults led her through various Consultancy roles to become Education and Training Manager.
Connect with Sarah Jarvis in the comments below or on her Twitter page.
Thank you Sarah Jarvis for a wonderful article. I am 58 years old and struggle with Math. I am working on a Bachelors degree in Business Administration now and have a difficult time understanding the concepts of Algebra. I have always had difficulty, even as a child. I teach in Early Childhood, and I know how important those manipulatives are for a child to learn. As a child I didn’t have those stepping stones and believe that that is part of the puzzle.
Sincerely,
Debbie Ingles
Hi my name is Pat how did you do it im 49&cant get my ged its hard i get lost in detail im proud of you GOOD luck you will do well
Hey I’m 21 years I’ve always had a problem in school I’m terrible at math I don’t know if I have this condition or not because I’ve never been tested for it i just remember once feeling like I was stupid in 4th grade I didn’t pass and had to go to summer school. What can I do for that I wonder I think that’s what’s holding me back from a lot
Hey Alicia, Thank you for opening up to us 🙂
It is possible that you have dyscalculia, I would recommend looking through Dr. Steve Chinn’s Dyscalculia Checklist here. If quite a few of these things in the list correlate with your difficulties then it is quite likely that you have Dyscalculia and it would be worth while seeking out a diagnosis.
Hope this helps 🙂
Alicia, I’m 22. I have suffered all my life with Maths. Never been diagnosed with dyslexia or dyscalculia. I’m really wishing to now though. I managed C’s for 5 GCSE qualifications back in school (Never , ever got good grades in Maths). I did an Art & Design course with gaining a D*DD. A Degree in Fine Art Painting, with a 2:1. I honestly don’t know how i did all of this. I’m jobless right now, and don’t know any basic money skills, arithmetic, mentally, my memory is absolutely awful. I’m letting my Maths get in the way of trying to pursue things in my life because of how bad my brain is mentally. Focusing is hard for me also. Practically I’m awful. But I am so willing to tackle my Maths, get as much done as I possibly can to withstand and get a job that I love. If I can do this, with discipline and practice, and asking for help, you can too. Do not give up. Their are others in the same boat and struggles as you, where all in this together, it is just discipline for ourselves. I hope you feel a bit more better, whoever is looking in on this. Your seriously not the only one.
More examples I struggle with: Money problems/handling money, Adding and subtracting mentally. Especially subtracting, finding change. Estimating. Percentages. Measurements. Long math questions involving sentences or every day life things. I can read and write, but processing information is really hard for me. So much trauma with it and anxiety , this doesn’t help with learning either due to the fear of failure, but I have to train myself. Science and politics i have no clue on either. So the frustration is constant, especially if I want to be living independantly.
This is no one’s fault. Their are different stages in everyone’s lives and my time is now to completely sort this out. Who knows where I’ll be in the next few years. But you won’t go anywhere, if you don’t at least try. You don’t want to regret anything when your old and wrinkly do you?
Try things. And just because your bad at something, dont let that define who you are as a person. Otherwise you will loose yourself. Is that what you want? – no. Are you seriously going to be giving yourself a hard time for every mistake you make? – no. You are amazing. We all need to desperately stop doubting ourselves. We only have ourselves to pick up. And it starts with a helping hand.
(I don’t even know how to properly cook, or figure out what groceries I need, or even understand gas, eletric or water within a household, or other things. The list is really endless. And I know nothing. And I really need the basics of living and surviving. But I need to stop overwhelming myself because it is impossible to learn everything all in one go. You have to take it as life comes. – Did I mention I am the most disorganised person ever too?)
(As i said their are so many things I don’t know. I live with family at the moment, but I can’t depend on them when they have their own lives to worry about. I’m aware this is all really truly embarrassing for my age.)
Their is too many things, but the first I want to start with is Math; most definitely Maths.
I would love to hear from you or anyone, for any helpful tips or guidance. I’m doing a Math course right now, but career wise I have no idea what to do- I just know it has to be something creative.
Hi Alicia. I know your post was from a year ago. I was wondering if you ever got help or what did you do to help yourself? I’m struggling with the same math issues and don’t know what to do.
I have a very poor education obtaining especially towards maths and get angry to work out a maths questions .is there anything I can Do to stop this I fell that I’m just a Dull person I get Angry to easily you can see my spelling is poor as well .is there any help I do not know where I can get help all numbers get mixed up .any advice you may have would be grateful thank you from! Paul. I am 57 .
Hi Paul, Thanks for your message 🙂
We will email you directly and see how we can help.
Sarah, do you have any experience using Calcularis with adults?
Hi Sarah, thank you for article! I trying to get my GED but i cannot understand algebra, it’s like learning different language, I’m so frustrated, what can i do?
Hi Lydia,
I think it would be worth you asking this question in our support group on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/123521408270200/about/ as there have been many conversations on there about getting a GED and understanding algebra, between people who have dyscalculia and professionals that know what support you may need 🙂
Hi sarah im struggling as well if you have any tips please PLEASE share the struggle is real nobody seems to get it so im reaching out for help info on learning with a disability.
Hi Patricia,
If you would like to know more about learning with a disability (specifically dyscalculia) I would recommend joining the Dyscalculia Support Group if you can. As in this private group people share their real experiences in learning and how they have managed to cope with dyscalculia, also there are some experts in here too! 🙂
Hi Sarah,
Thankyou for writing this blog as my adult daughter is dyslexic and struggles awfully with maths, she has her whole life and I have never ever heard of Dyscalculia.
At the moment she is trying to pass functional maths, do you know where we could get any assitance please.
Regards
Lisa
Hi Lisa,
Thank you for the message 🙂
Getting the correct assistance for your daughter can be complicated for an adult depending on where you are living, could you let me know which country, state/county your daughter lives? I’ll try my best to find help for you 🙂
single for the first time at 50 years old – while money is not a problem, I am having trouble keeping up with bills, missing emails because they blend together, understanding my divorce settlement and how to do a budget. Those are some big things. Daily I have trouble functioning because I didn’t realize my husband did so many things effortlessly. How do I get help now ? I don’t want to be needy or get taken advantage of and giving change for a dollar will never happen. I am an Licensed Professional Counselor and have always been able to pass under the radar.
Hi Staci,
Thank you for being so open with us 🙂
We will try our best to help you. The trouble is always to do with finding the correct support and some local governments are better than others at providing this support or at least funding charities that can provide this support. If you let us know which area you live in we can take a closer look at what is provided locally and get back to you 🙂
For the time being, I would recommend joining the Dyscalculia Support Group if you can. As in this private group, people share their real experiences in learning and how they have managed to cope with dyscalculia, also there are some experts here too! 🙂
Hi I’m 52 and due to take my level 2 functional skills in maths in sept and really struggling with the approach of my online tutor. I’m dyslexic and found it difficult to find appropriate learning materials online. Any advice?
Hi Shanaz,
I’m sorry to hear that you are finding your online tutor’s approach a struggle! I will do my best to try and help you 🙂
I would recommend joining our Dyscalculia Support group on Facebook if you can, it is private so you can ask the other members – dyscalculics and experts – anything you like and they are very supportive and I’m sure at least one of them has been through what you’re experiencing now.
Also, do you know of any research that has been done with teens or adults?
Hi Lydia,
Apologies for the slow response!
We have some experience using Calcularis with young adults.
As you probably will expect: in fact, it may be beneficial for adults, if they missed having learnt the real basic skills in maths before.
On the other hand, I don’t know anything about research / results about dyscalculia treatment with teenagers or adults. I don’t think that there is anything really helpful from this side…
–> One of the most important preconditions for the successful use with Calcularis and with Orthograph is the learner’s motivation. This might often be a significant problem when dealing with teenagers handicaps, of course.
I hope this answer is of help.
All the best
James
I too have struggled with math. My whole life actually. I’ve searched the web for hours trying to find help with Visual spatial learning for adults. Not sure, but I believe this is my learning issue. Everything I’ve found on it refers to children, not adults. I just need to find someone in my area to get help with this. Do you, or any of your followers, have any information on resources?
Hi Leslie, I would recommend joining our Dyscalculia Support Group on Facebook if you can as it’s full of professionals, teachers, parents and adults with dyscalculia who are full of amazing tips on how they have approached their dyscalculia and will be able to help you with visual-spatial learning for adults. 🙂
I would be very grateful if anybody could tell me where I could get a dyscalculia diagnosis for reduced rate. I’m currently on Jobseeker’s Allowance so I’m low on funds. I’ve struggled with math all 37 years of my life and would just like to find out once and for all. I’d be grateful for any info.
Thanks,
Ezra
Hi Ezra,
As far as I understand it depends on your individual situation as to whether you can get a reduction on a full diagnosis. The best thing to do is to get in touch with the Disability Employment Advisor (DEA) at your local Job Centre. The DEA can tell you about support or assistance that is available. The DEA may also refer you to a Chartered Occupational Psychologist for an assessment.
I hope this helps and please tell me how it goes!
All the best,
James
Hi Sarah,
I read your article above with interest. My son, Myles, would like to either go to University or take and Apprenticeship in IT. Has all the qualifications he needs except Maths. So has not been accepted. He has taken this 5 times and it now trying to do his functional skills in Mathematics AGAIN. I admire him for keeping trying but he needs some help. He is 21 years of age. He seems to have a block on Mathematics and I was wondering if possibly he has Dyscalculia.
We live in Epsom, are there any tutors that you are aware of that can help him with regards to this issue.
We are desperate!
Thank you.
Angela
Hi Angela,
I feel for Myles. It must be really hard having this barrier blocking his chosen path. When you say he has a block on mathematics, are there particular areas that he finds more difficult than others? How is he with algebra for example? Also how close is he to passing? I presume he’s tried GCSE and functional skills. I live near Bracknell so not close enough to help I’m afraid. Have you tried the local Further Education college and explained Myles’ difficulties? Sometimes it’s possible to get on an Apprentice course and still study for the Maths FS qualification at the same time. Some IT courses require some high level Maths so he may need to double check the content of different courses. You can email me at sarahjejarvis@btinternet.com if you’d like to discuss further and I’ll have a look to see if there are any tutors nearer your area.
Best wishes, Sarah
I too, have problems with maths.
I was asked to train as a store supervisor, which i didn’t want ( because it will involve maths)
Anyway, started to train up, which involved computers, numbers & cashing up, which i take long to learn.
I recieved a phone call from a work collegue who told me that, the assistant manager & team leaders where saying i was too slow & take long to count money.
(Which i know they are right.) I wasn’t surprised, they have urgency to train up people & expect them to learn in a week.
I just have that anxiety steaming from school, where the teachers would not help me or even allow me to take GCSE maths, which i was pulled out of last minute.
I just decided to give up.
I CAN’T DO MATHS!!!!!
Hi Sara,
I am 48 soon to be 49, I have been fortunate in my life to have been successful in terms of employment until 2013. I was injured on the job and declared physically disabled and have had to undergo surgery to correct the issues, unfortunately this means that I can not return to my former work and with out a GED or Diploma I am really lost. I have always been terrible at math and I am worried that I can’t learn it to pass the test. I am struggling with this and more so now than ever. I have debt up the you know what I have exhausted all my savings and really need to get the skills to find a new line of work. I wish I understood how to follow along but its like my brain just cant grasp it. In school I was in Special education for math but soon lost interest because I was not being challenged and eventually dropped out of school. I was not lazy I entered into work and received a few promotions and was quite the dedicated employee I worked endless hours and felt fortunate for my abilities and because of my work I strayed away from school. I now regret this choice because I now am in desperate need. I looked on line for adult schools near me and none are near by. I am afraid I cant afford a private learning program and or tutor and I find that I am limited in my abilities to find ample employment, the ones that are available are generally physical in nature or money handling and lets face it I am horrible on a cashier I was an assistant manager at Blockbuster for a year and struggled with the machines and end of day procedures. I barely managed to do my job and I don’t know how I got through it as long as I did. I am not stupid and I believe with the right help I can learn. I just don’t know where or what I should look for. I live in Palm Springs, CA and they closed down the adult school near me in 2014 and its very unfortunate indeed. I have lived here for 5 years and I see that the need is here but there are no resources available. If you have any suggestions I would surely welcome it.
Sincerely,
Leah M
Hi Leah,
Thank you for your comment 🙂
Please do not give up hope! There are people that care and can help you in our Dyscalculia Support Group on Facebook (click here). They are people like you who have struggled with maths all their lives and can offer practical advice and support, some of them are now professionals that work with maths and dyscalculia, so even more help!
There may be a few people close to where you live that may be able to offer more local advice too.
I hope this helps 🙂
I know this is like a few years old but I myself am hoping to do something involving gaming or writing, would love to do both in one job honestly but yeah. Ever since I was a kid I struggled at math, and I’ve always been stuck at the start with the basics because of not being given the classes I needed when I needed them. Im 30 and Im pretty much about to flunk my beginning algebra course, can I get some tips, help, ect to help me out? Everyone has been telling me to do problems and I know that. But its not that simple. You gotta know what you’re doing to do them correct? But I tend to line up problems wrong due to hand issues, or get the steps right but get the wrong answer or vice versa. I seriously need some help here.
Hi Kevin,
Thank you for your comment 🙂
I think you should join our Dyscalculia Support Group on Facebook if you can, its full of people that have struggled with dyscalculia and maths anxiety and professionals, their experience could be a great resource for you to find the support you need.
Also please do look through our blog and if you have any questions, you can contact us on here or through the facebook support group.
What happened to the blog?
Hi Thara,
Thank you for your concern. Unfortunatley I still havent found the time to dedicate to the blog, but hopefully we will be back soon 🙂
Hello.
I am currently teaching two students. One of them who is fourteen years old definitely has dyscalculia but is now doing her foundation gcse maths at the lowest level (grade one). The eventual plan is for her to also eventually attempt grade two if possible. She is also a private homeschooled candidate. The other one I tutor may or may not have dyscalculia however. I need your help. Any tips and advice are also welcome.
She has been entered for the qualification at grade three by her math teacher at her secondary school. How do I assist both of them? Any other strategies you can recommend will be helpful thanks in advance. I have already tried using a abacus with the student who definitely has dyscalculia along with asking her to use colored dots to help. We have a list of topics covered at both grade one and three as well as past papers to use during future revision sessions.
Hi Chloe,
I would recommend getting in touch directly with Sarah Jarvis – on twitter https://twitter.com/JarvisSarah – who wrote this guest article for us she will know how to help 🙂
Or you could try our support group on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/groups/123521408270200/about/ – There are lots of extremely helpful people talking all things Dyscalculia!
Hello, I have been reading up on your web site. I am an older person looking for help dealing with maths issues. It is really difficult, so hard for me dealing with my math issues that it brings me to tears just to contact you. I have struggled with maths all my life and and feel really ashamed that I have not tried to deal with it. I think there are underlying issues other than just doing it. I am getting on in age. However my biggest wish in life is to try and combat my maths. I get so full of fear it has had an effect on my life with work and education. I am wanting to do things in further education but my math issues are blocking me from progressing. I really could do with help. I love maths but do not know how to do it. I do suffer with attacks of anxiety and get very stressed just thinking about even the simplest of simple adding up etc. I have tried teaching myself for years but just can not remember any thing because of my fear of sums. It hurts so much that I can not do maths. I am a clever person but why can I never do sums? simple adding up and taking away. shopping is a nightmare. Sorry about this big comment but this is how my maths has got me. Begging for some help. Please.
Hi Anna, Thank you for being so open with us. It sounds like math anxiety is taking over your life and we hope we can help you with that. You can find others that have gone through the same situation, people that care and can help you in our Dyscalculia Support Group on Facebook (click here). They are people like you who have struggled with maths all their lives and can offer practical advice and support, some of them are now professionals that work with maths and dyscalculia, so even more help!
Hi Sarah
Do you offer one to one tutoring/coaching for a young adult, bright and studying at a good university, who is seeking to improve and re-take Maths exams failed at school due to dyscalculia? I am a fan of Jo Boaler’s work and like your approach. I am not on Twitter or Facebook so cannot reach you there. Many thanks.
This is a list of ways to teach math in real life
When shopping ask them to tell you the total cost of everything
If you are cooking have them predict how long it will take etc
Whilst gardening simply encourage them to count flowers out loud
Make sure that they know their phone number
To help them, line up a few books or toys and write down their answer
Out on a bike, count the number of red cars and so on
Play guess the number of pencils and the like
Encourage them to use their money properly.
Find ways to teach money at pubs and at restaurants.
Ask them to correctly guess the next number
Play various number sequence games
Try fill in the next number tasks or exercises
Use games to teach math skills and concepts
Make use of colours and pictures
Estimate the weight and height of items
Teach by example
Let them have a think first
Set up a tuck shop so that they can practice handling money
Be cheerful
Stay positive too
Set goals
Discuss progress made
Think outside of the box here
Remain open to new ideas and tips
Help if needed only
Recently went to an interview for a Health Care assistant. Had a maths assessment. I have dyscalculia and dyslexia. Declared this at interview. They gave me extra time on both tests. Not allowed blank paper to work out answers for maths test. Told had to do all answers in my head. Felt I was set up to fail. Because of this I have become depressed. Questioning should I carry on with health care career. Currently work as a care assistant in a care home. Want to be a nurse. Hire a private tutor to improve they are expensive and. Already done level 2 in functional skills maths Agee’s ago. Self study hard to do when you have to work.
Hi Gemma,
This sounds like one of the worst interviews I’ve heard of! If they had any understanding of dyscalculia you should have been providing with at least paper and a calculator. I would say to not give up on your dream of becoming a nurse, I have met several dyscalculics working in the medical profession in our Dyscalculia Support Group that I think could help you and at least give you tips on what worked for them.