HOW TO SURVIVE MATH CLASSES
A Guide to Math Study Skills
PREPARATION: Read the text prior to your class session. Attempt all example
problems as you read the section. Don’t wait until you do the homework.
Reason:
- This gives you the opportunity to try the exercises and note any questions
or problems.
- When attending a lecture you can use your notes to ask direct questions
relating to the section.
- The lecture will reinforce the text, which leads to better understanding of
the material.
HOW TO STUDY YOUR TEXT: Read the information. Take note of all highlighted
boxes (boxes contain formulas and equations). Work an example.
- Use a blank sheet of paper and cover the answer in the book.
- Work the problem on that sheet.
- Check your work to the answer in the book. If all steps are the same, go on.
If the answer is wrong; ask yourself, why?
- If it was a math error or sign error, then correct it and try again. Look for
an incorrect step.
- If there are five steps to a problem, and you missed only one, don’t redo the
problem.
- Concentrate on the wrong step, not the entire problem. There is no
need to reinvent the wheel.
HOMEWORK: Homework is essential to math success!! We learn by rote. Repetition
is the key to learning math. Prior to working a section, do the steps listed
above. At first it will seem to take more time, but you’ll quickly get used to
it. You will end up using less time, because you’ll know where the examples
are, and you will start with a better understanding of the material.
TESTING: The big question, “How do I survive tests?” Don’t stress out!
An exam in any subject can be stressful. Good preparation is the key to doing
well. Here are some do’s and don’ts.
-
Do all homework, stay up to date!
-
Don’t wait until the last minute to cram on half completed homework.
-
Do study at least two days prior to the test.
-
Don’t cram the night before. Note: If you don’t know it one day before, then
you won’t know it the day of the test.
-
Do eat a good dinner and relax the night before. You should be prepared so
enjoy the evening.
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