Feeling like my math teacher doesn’t like me has been really tough. Math has always been a challenging subject for me, and I often struggle to pay attention during class. I usually do my best to study at home, and I’ve never failed a math class.
My teacher gets frustrated when I can’t focus, and while I can understand her frustration, I really miss our previous math teacher, who was much more understanding and would give me extra homework to help.
My seatmate is pretty good at math and finds the material we’re learning right now boring, which makes it hard for her to concentrate, too.
Today, I was actually trying to engage with the math after she got upset with me for the first time. However, when she came over, my laptop was open to a random picture, and she misunderstood the situation and got mad at me again. I was just studying, but that picture happened to be open.
When she was a bit farther away, I quietly told my friend, “She’s a bit annoying.” Unfortunately, I made eye contact with the teacher by accident, and she came right over to our table and said, “If you have something to complain about, say it to my face.” I know I shouldn’t have said anything, but I thought I was being discreet; I was just leaning into my friend and covering my mouth while looking at her.
What really bothers me is how nice she is to the boys in class. They can be disrespectful and not pay attention, yet she laughs and treats them with kindness.
In the first few weeks, I made an effort to be friendly to her, hoping to build a positive relationship, but it’s really hard, especially given my focus issues. I don’t disrupt the class or talk loudly; I just sit there feeling lost in my own thoughts.
I could really use some advice on how to improve my focus during class and how to turn this situation around with a teacher who seems to dislike me. She’s also my new coordinator, and having a good rapport with her would really help me with some important stuff I need her assistance on.
It sounds like you’re in a tough situation, and I’m sorry to hear that you’re feeling this way. Here are a few suggestions that might help you improve your focus in class and build a better relationship with your teacher:
Communicate Openly: If you feel comfortable, try talking to your teacher privately about your struggles with focusing in class. Let her know that you’re working hard at home and that you appreciate her efforts to teach. Sometimes teachers don’t realize the challenges certain students face.
Create a Focused Environment: During class, try to minimize distractions by sitting up front or using noise-canceling headphones if allowed. Keeping your laptop on task-related content can help you stay engaged. If you are tempted by other things, maybe try using a physical notebook instead to avoid distractions.
Practice Active Participation: Engage with the lesson by asking questions, even if the material is tough for you. This can show your teacher that you’re trying, and it might make the class more interesting for you.
Build Rapport: Pay attention to the things your teacher seems to appreciate in class—like participation or effort—and try to reflect those behaviors. Small gestures, like thanking her after class or complimenting her on a lesson, can help improve your relationship over time.
Find a Study Buddy: Since your seatmate is also having difficulty focusing, think about teaming up to study together outside of class. You can quiz each other or explain the material, which might help you both retain information better.
Set Goals: Set small, achievable goals for yourself in every class. For example, focus on answering at least one question during each session. Celebrate your progress to stay motivated.
Stay Positive: It’s tough when you feel like you’re not getting the same treatment as others, but try to focus on your own learning journey instead of comparing yourself to your classmates.
Remember, teachers often notice effort, and your determination can ultimately make a lasting impression. Good luck!