1. Effective Study Skills for Math

2. 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)

3. 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?

4. 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

5. 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)

6. 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

7. 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?

8. 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.

9. 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

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

11. 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.

12. 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

13. 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.

14. Resources http://www.math.ohio- state.edu/students/how_to_study.html8