Ever had that sinking feeling during math class? The one where you stare at the whiteboard, feeling as if the teacher is speaking a foreign language, the numbers blur, and a quiet voice in your head whispers, “I just don’t get it.”
If that sounds familiar, whether you are a student or a parent worried about your child’s studies, you’re not alone. Across Canada, many students find math stressful, confusing, or overwhelming, including those with high IQs.
It’s not because students aren’t trying. The struggle often has less to do with ability and more to do with how math is taught, where the gaps begin, and why the system sometimes sets learners up for frustration rather than success.
In this blog, we’re going to break down what’s really going on in Canadian education systems and how the right support can make a big difference. What Are the Reasons for Students Struggling in Maths Class?
The question comes to mind, “Why do students struggle in Maths class?” “Can’t they just switch to another curriculum if they are stuck in one?” The answer is not so simple. It's not just a “I am not a math person” problem. Problems arise due to a number of reasons, regardless of the curriculum you’re studying.
Let’s get into these reasons:
1. Learning Gap
Learning Maths is like climbing a ladder. If a step is missing or you try to skip one, you will fall. For example, if you do not fully understand fractions in Grade 5, algebra in Grade 9 becomes much harder. As you move into higher grades, these gaps can grow to become real obstacles in your learning journey.
2. Math Fear
This isn’t just a dislike of Maths. It is often mistaken for “Oh, that person is just being dramatic”. But it’s a very real response that can cause a student’s mind to go blank during a test or homework session. It's a cycle: once anxiety sets in, struggle leads to fear, fear leads to avoidance, and avoidance leads to falling further behind in your classes. That fear of failure and falling behind your peers turns into a fear of maths.
3. Different Student Different Needs
In a classroom of, let’s say, 30+ students, a teacher may not have the time to re-explain a concept in several different ways for each student. If the way it’s taught doesn’t work for you, you feel lost. It's like you’re stranded on an island, while others have moved forward.
4. The Jump From Simple to Abstract Concepts
As you move from junior high to senior high school, Maths becomes more complex and abstract. Suddenly, it’s less about numbers and more about symbols, formulas, and proofs. Students who consider themselves proficient in arithmetic may feel lost when studying advanced and/or applied maths.
5. Prioritizing Rote-Learning Over Understanding
If you are someone who progressed through junior high memorizing the steps without understanding why, you won’t get very far in high school. When the questions change, that's when the trouble starts, as confusion sets in your mind. So, the next time you wonder why your grades might be declining, pay attention to whether you are understanding the concepts.
6. The Missing ‘Practice’ Factor
We are all very familiar with the proverb “Practice makes a man perfect”. The same proverb applies to studying Maths. Many students see math practice as a boring, repetitive chore. But math isn't just knowledge to learn, it's a skill to build, like a sport or an instrument. Without regular, mindful practice, understanding remains shaky and new concepts feel overwhelming.
How Has the Decline in the Canadian Education System Contributed to Students’ Struggles?
Canada is famous for its world-class education, consistently ranking in the top 5 globally. Despite that reputation, there’s a growing concern: math scores have been declining. Recent international reports like PISA (Program for International Student Assessment) and TIMSS(Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study) show Canadian students struggling more than they used to, since 2023.
It’s not that the students are less capable or the teachers are any less dedicated. So then you wonder, “Is the System Part of the Problem?”
It is, in fact, true. Several systemic challenges have been linked to declining maths scores and a loss of interest in Maths in Canada. Experts have cited the following reasons:
The Pandemic’s Lasting Impact
Let’s start with the obvious: school closures didn’t just pause education, they created learning gaps, especially in a subject like Math, where every lesson builds on the last. Many students are still trying to catch up, while the curriculum keeps moving forward.
A Grade 6 Math student who didn’t pay attention to online classes will definitely struggle to keep up with Grade 9’s abstract and confusing Maths topics.
More Screens, More Distraction
It’s no secret that digital distraction is real. Over 80% of students admit they’re often distracted in class (whether online or in-person). This makes focusing on complex problems even harder. Math requires deep thinking, and constant phone notifications don’t help.
Constant Curriculum Changes
Imagine trying to build a house while the blueprint keeps changing. That’s what frequent curriculum updates can feel like for both the teachers and the students.
As CBC notes, overemphasis on hands-on materials and open-ended tasks without sufficient teaching leaves students confused. This, in turn, leads to a loss of interest in math.
Reports, including those from the C.D. Howe Institute and PISA assessments, link these curriculum changes to declining math scores in Canada, with some provinces seeing a significant drop. To share an example, Ontario curricula till K8 Maths now include digital learning, financial literacy, and social-emotional learning. These were the concepts learned in higher grades.
Stretched Resources, Growing Classrooms
Budget limitations mean fewer in-school tutors, resource teachers, or special education supports than many students need. While many teachers may be passionate and caring, they might not be math specialists. When students fall behind, there often just isn’t enough support to help them catch up individually.
Academic Pressure on Everyone: Teachers & Students Alike
Teachers are pressured to cover a broad curriculum in a short time. This leaves little room for review on tricky topics. Students feel rushed through tough topics without enough time to truly understand. What happens when a concept isn’t cleared up? More students fall behind, their confidence drops, but they disengage from Maths altogether. It’s a cycle that leaves many students feeling as if they are behind.
How Can MTS Tutors Help Students in Their Struggles?
Struggling with math doesn’t mean you are incapable. It means you just haven’t received the right kind of support yet. Canadian curricula are demanding, and it’s okay to ask for help. This is where personalized tutoring from My Tutor Source (MTS) can make all the difference. We’re not just about homework help; we’re about building your concepts, your confidence, and your real-life skills. Yes, we see you behind the struggle! Here’s how we can help so that Math can go from frustrating to manageable and even enjoyable: We Match the Learner With the Best Tutor
We match our students with the best tutors nearby who are:
Experienced Professionals
We hire tutors with 10+ years of teaching experience and who hold a master’s degree or higher in Maths.
Suit Their Learning Style
Whether you need visual examples, hands-on models, or step-by-step breakdowns, our tutors adapt their approach to suit your needs. You get a personalized and interactive learning experience. You can say ‘Goodbye’ to boring Maths classes.
Don’t Just Teach the Current Lesson
They find your gap, even if it's from a concept you studied two grades ago, and cover that first. They work on setting your foundation so that learning advanced levels of maths can become easier!
We Speak the Curriculum
All of our tutors are experts in the provincial curriculum your child is learning. They know exactly what’s expected in Ontario, Alberta, BC, or anywhere else in Canada, and they align their teaching with the students’ or their parents’ goals. We Help You Overcome Anxiety by Building Confidence
If you hesitate to ask questions in a classroom setting or prefer to learn without a crowd, you are in the right place. We provide one-on-one tutoring in a safe and pressure-free space where it is okay to make mistakes and ask questions. Not only will you learn to the best of your ability, but over time, that Math anxiety or fear will be replaced with a sense of “I can do this.”
We Provide Consistency & Flexible Support
Whether online or in-person, we offer flexible scheduling 24/7! You choose the time and place. It's our job to provide the consistent support that the school systems often can’t provide. Need regular sessions? We got you covered!
Bottom line
Math struggles in Canada aren’t always related to you; it may be that you’re putting in less effort or are not capable. Sometimes, it's because of the system-level challenges that affect classrooms, teaching methods, and learning environments. With the changes in Maths curricula, learning Maths is becoming more demanding, making it difficult for both the students and teachers to keep up. In such times, it's important to seek help. With the right guidance, math can go from frustrating to manageable and even enjoyable.
At MTS, we believe every student deserves the chance to succeed, no matter where they start. We see the student behind the struggle. Our goal is to rebuild confidence alongside competence, so Maths becomes a subject you can approach with confidence. Ready to turn the struggle into strength? Reach out to MTS today, and let’s make math make sense again.
FAQs
Q: Do you provide tutoring for the Ontario curriculum Maths?
A: Yes. You can study Ontario Math with us! Our tutors are familiar with all provincial curricula, whether you’re enrolled in a school following the Alberta, Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, or IB curricula. We help students master what they’re learning in class and close any gaps from earlier grades.
Q: How is MTS tutoring different from school teaching or other tutoring services?
A: MTS Tutors focus on the student’s needs, not just the syllabus. We match learners with tutors who explain things in a way that makes sense to them. It’s one-on-one, flexible, and focused on long-term concept building, not just the next test. Our app is also very user-friendly. With a single click, you can change your tutor if you’re unsatisfied!
Q: I am busy with my part-time job. How can I fit tutoring into my schedule?
A: You don’t need to worry about that, we can adjust tutoring to your schedule! My Tutor Source offers online and in-person study options at times that work for you. Our tutors are available 24/7. Whether it's after school, late at night, or on weekends, we've got you covered!
Q. I want to check on my child’s progress during classes. How can I do that?
A: We send you regular progress reports on your child’s performance either through email or our mobile app! You can also sit in a few sessions at the beginning to ensure your satisfaction. We highly value your feedback and satisfaction.
Q. Is the session costly? How long does a session last?
A: We offer our tutoring services at very affordable rates. From just CA$20 to CA$36 per hour, you can get a personalized tutoring experience!
Q. How do I select the best Maths Tutor?
A: You can check our website for the Best Maths Tutors in Canada and see which tutor’s teaching method appeals to you. To make things easier, we also offer a free 30-minute trial so you can get to know your tutor.
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