Effective Study Skills for Math

Homework: Why? Fundamentals There is a common misconception that homework is primarily something to eventually hand in to the teacher. Actually, the homework is first and foremost a means of learning fundamental ideas and processes in mathematics, and of developing habits of neatness and accuracy. What is passed in to the teacher is only a by-product of that learning process. (Ohio State)

Homework: Before you start Make sure you have the correct assignment Ask questions to clarify the assignment if needed Look over notes and book to refresh what you are doing What vocabulary words are important? Any rules that apply to the problems you are about to practice?

Homework: Just do it! Follow directions Work neatly Show work Make sure you did the simple math (add, subtract, multiply, divide) correctly Do it soon enough after class that you don’t forget Don’t stop because you are stuck-try to figure it out and then seek help from teacher or tutor Showing your work will help you, your teacher, and a tutor find where you need more direction and practice

Learn from your errors Analyze the error Was it a simple math error or process error? Keep track of simple errors and process errors Practice the simple math errors Ask for help “What do you do when an answer is wrong in your homework, or on a test? Do you throw it away and forget it-and then make the same mistake the next time? If you are wise, you will make those errors teach you something.” (Ohio State)

Class: The forgotten study tool Review what you discussed in the previous class Be prepared: book, notebook, pencil, homework Be engaged Ask questions Listen to your classmates’ questions Take part in class discussion

Textbooks: Can you really read a math book? Use the index and glossary when you have forgotten a term or process Analyze the examples If you can’t answer the problem, look back at the written explanation Does your book have study tips or helps at the back or beginning of each chapter? Does your book have a companion website?

Tests: Reviewing Cramming will NOT work. Start ahead of time Go through examples from notes Make a list of formulas and practice knowing them if you need them for the test Use the chapter review Think like a teacher. How would you make the test? Practice, Practice, Practice Get a good night’s sleep Don’t worry I’ve always struggled with math. As a matter of fact, preparing this for you all has helped me rethink my approach for studying for the GRE again. I remember my first College Algebra exam. I broke all of these rules. Most especially I stayed up all night cramming, drinking coffee, and worrying. After my test I came back to my room and threw up. If I had followed these rules, this would not have been an issue.

Test Time Be confident Don’t worry Have what you need Follow directions Look over the entire test quickly. If the order doesn’t matter, do the ones you feel best about first. Skip and return to difficult problems Show your work-neatly Check for your frequent errors Breathe

What’s your learning style? VARK Multiple Intelligences Google these to find your learning style

Visual Learners Learn best through seeing You like charts, diagrams, pictures… Study advice: Use a white or chalk board Highlight in book and notes Look for video tutorials online Try the study rooms in the library to have some peace and quiet Visualize what you are doing.

Auditory Learner Learn best through hearing Lectures and discussions are helpful Study tips: Create a study group or work with a tutor so you can go through problems vocally with someone else Teach somebody else Read through notes and test out loud Imagine having a conversation with your teach about the problem during the test

Kinesthetic Learners Learn from hands-on and real world Study tips: Think sprints-short and focused Moving around may be helpful-writing on a board, carrying flash cards with formulas Pay attention to your attention span. Work on increasing your attention span Place yourself in the room where you will have the least distractions You need to build in breaks to your studying for all classes, not just math.

Resources http://www.math.ohio- state.edu/students/how_to_study.html http://salsa.missioncollege.org/mss/stories/storyReader$3 8