Why Most Students Struggle in Math and How to Fix It for Good
At Jamie the Scholar, we’re proud to share this guest post from Dr. Micah Fagan, the founder of Doctor Math Medic, an organization that equips district leaders, educators, and thought leaders to transform the culture around mathematics education and teaching.
The reasons why students struggle in math are often misunderstood.. Many parents and educators assume that a student who struggles in math lacks ability or natural aptitude.
However, this assumption does not align with what is consistently observed in practice. Most students who struggle in mathematics are fully capable of success. The issue is not intelligence, but rather the presence of gaps in foundational understanding that have gone unaddressed over time.
Mathematics is a cumulative subject in which each concept builds upon prior knowledge. When a student does not fully grasp an earlier concept such as fractions, integers, or basic operations, future topics become increasingly difficult to understand. For example, a lack of understanding in fractions can significantly hinder a student’s ability to work with ratios, proportions, and algebraic expressions.
In many traditional classroom settings, instruction continues at a fixed pace regardless of whether mastery has been achieved. As a result, students often carry unresolved gaps forward, which eventually leads to confusion, frustration, and declining performance.
Another contributing factor is the emphasis on procedural fluency without conceptual understanding. Students are frequently taught to follow steps or memorize formulas without fully understanding why those steps work. While this approach may allow students to complete familiar problems, it limits their ability to adapt when presented with new or slightly altered problems. True mathematical proficiency requires both procedural skill and conceptual understanding. When students understand the reasoning behind a process, they are better equipped to apply their knowledge in a variety of contexts.
In addition to academic gaps, a student’s mindset plays a significant role in their success. Repeated struggles in mathematics often lead students to develop negative beliefs about their abilities. Statements such as “I am not good at math” can become internalized and influence behavior. This lack of confidence can result in hesitation, avoidance, and reduced effort. Over time, these patterns reinforce the very difficulties the student is attempting to overcome. Addressing mindset is therefore an essential component of any effective instructional approach.
At Jamie the Scholar, in strategic partnership with Doctor Math Medic, the focus is placed on identifying and addressing the root causes of mathematical difficulty rather than simply treating the symptoms. This partnership combines relationship driven instruction with a structured, diagnostic based framework designed to produce measurable results.
The first step involves a comprehensive diagnostic process to determine where gaps in understanding exist. This process goes beyond current coursework and examines the foundational skills that support it.
Parents frequently observe noticeable improvements within a short period of time. Students demonstrate reduced frustration during homework, increased willingness to attempt challenging problems, and improved performance on assessments. Perhaps most importantly, students begin to articulate their thinking more clearly, indicating a deeper level of understanding. These changes reflect not only academic growth but also the development of confidence and independence.
The ultimate goal of instruction at Jamie the Scholar, supported by the Doctor Math Medic partnership, extends beyond immediate academic performance. The objective is to develop students who are capable of thinking critically, solving problems effectively, and approaching challenges with confidence. These skills are essential not only for success in mathematics but also for future academic and professional pursuits.
Difficulties in mathematics are rarely the result of a lack of ability. They are more often the result of unaddressed gaps, limited conceptual understanding, and diminished confidence. When these factors are addressed through intentional, strategic, and research aligned instruction, students can experience significant and lasting improvement.
How Jamie The Scholar and Doctor Math Medic Can Help Your Student Thrive in Math
Through the combined efforts of Jamie the Scholar and Doctor Math Medic, students are equipped not only to succeed in math but to excel with confidence and clarity.
Would you like to give your student more support in math? Call us today at 888-577-3224 to learn more about whether our approach to math instruction is the right fit for you.