135_Math Study Skills

Math Study Skills Presented by: Louise Robichaux Math Study Skills Inventory Rate your achievement of the following statements by placing a for almost always, for sometimes, and for almost never If you have never even thought about doing what the statement says, put a Selecting a math class _ I schedule my math class at a time when I am mentally sharp _ When I register for a math class, I choose the best instructor for me _ If I have a choice, I select a math class that meets three or four days a week instead of one or two _ I schedule the next math class as soon as possible after I have completed the current course _ I am sure that I have signed up for the correct level math course  Time and place for studying math _ I study math every day _ I try to get my math homework immediately after math class _ I have a specific time to study math _ I have a specific place with few distractions to study math 10 I seek help with my math homework in the lab/tutoring center 11 I am careful to keep up to date with math homework 12 I study math at least to 10 hours a week  Study strategies for math class 13 I read my textbook before I come to class 14 If I have trouble understanding the text, I find an alternate text 15 I take notes in math class 16 I am careful to copy all the steps of math problems in my notes 17 I ask questions when I am confused 18 I go to the instructor or lab/tutoring center when I am confused 19 I try to determine exactly when I got confused and exactly what confused me 20 I review my notes and text before beginning homework 21 I work problems until I understand them, not just until I get the right answer for homework 22 I use flashcards for formulas and vocabulary 23 I develop memory techniques to remember math concepts  Math tests 24 I preview the test before I begin 25 Before I begin the test, I make notes on things such as formulas that I might need 26 I begin with the easy questions first 27 I take the full amount of time allotted for the test 28 I carefully check or rework as many problems that I have time to before I turn in my test 29 When tests are returned, I keep a log of the types of mistakes I make on tests: concept errors, application errors, or careless errors 30 I keep up to date so that I don't have to cram the night before a test  Anxiety 31 I believe that I can succeed in math class 32 I have study partners in my math class 33 I take practice tests 34 I know several good relaxation techniques  TOTAL SCORE Scoring:  Total the scores from all 34 statements If your score is 90 103, give yourself an A You are using the study skill you need in order to be successful in math  If your score is 80 - 89, give yourself a B You are using good math study skills Choose a few strategies to work on each day, and you are well on your way to an A  If your score is 70 - 79, give yourself a C Your study skills are average If you want an A, choose one or two strategies in each category to work on until you are using most of the strategies described above  If you score is below 70, you are probably having a difficult time in math class Math may not be your trouble! More than likely, your main problem is the study strategies you are using (or not using) Make yourself the things on the list above Studying Math Studying math is different from studying other subjects:  Math is learned by doing problems  Warning: Each class builds on the previous classes Material is comprehensive  Encouragement: Each section builds on the previous, thus making a constant review of key concepts providing for less memorization Keys to conquering math:  Learn math frequently     and in small chunks Do homework at your most alert time of the day Ask questions, see your instructor to clear up uncertainties Seek tutoring help early during the semester Form a study group that meets once or twice a week Mastering Homework  When working homework, determine which procedural step     first caused your difficulty For example, rather than saying “I’m lost,” ask “Could you please explain step 3” or “I don’t understand step Would you explain it in a different way?” Example: Find the error: Problem: 2x + = Step 1: 2x = Step 2: x = Make corrections: Problem: 2x + = Step 1: 2x = Step 2: x = Be specific so that you can pinpoint exactly where your difficulty began, thus making the instructor/tutor more effective in helping you Focus on your area of difficulty Tips on Problem Solving (Do’s and Don’ts)  Do write out all steps when working problems as if you were taking a test  Don’t just scratch out a few lines and check the answer in the back of the book If the answer if wrong, rework the problem  Don’t just some “mental gymnastics” to convince yourself that you could get the correct answer Math is fun! Active Study vs Passive Study Be actively involved in managing the learning process:  Take responsibility for studying, recognizing what you know and don’t know Then seek help in what you don’t know  Attend class every day, and take complete notes Instructors formulate test questions based on material and examples covered in class as well as those in the text  Be an active participant in class Attempt to work some problems in the text before they are covered in class  Ask questions in class! Poor question: “I don’t understand this section.” Good question: “I don’t understand why f(x + h) doesn’t equal f(x) + f(h).” Poor question: “How you #15?” Good question: “Can you show me how to set up #15?”  Visit the instructor during office hours to clear up questions  Good study habits throughout the semester make it easier to study for tests Problem Solving (Homework and Tests) Problem types: Problems testing memorization (drill) Ex: formulas Problems testing skills (drill) Ex: exponents Problems requiring application of skills to familiar situations Ex: Using factoring to solve an equation Problems requiring application of skills to unfamiliar situations Ex: Using factoring to solve a word problem Problems requiring you to extend the skills then apply to an unfamiliar situation Studying for a Math Test  Do homework when it is assigned Math cannot be      crammed into a couple of days As you homework, make lists of formulas and techniques Ask questions as they arise Go over each homework section you previously worked, checking that you can still the homework problems (actually work the problems again) Try to explain out loud how to solve the problem (create verbal instructions) Work problems from review sections at the end of chapters Taking a Math Test  First look over the entire test, identifying problems you       know how to Read directions carefully Example: 1) Simplify, factor, evaluate, solve,…all have different meanings 2) Rounding off decimals Start with the problems that you know you can This builds confidence and means you won’t miss sure points Be aware of time Work quickly but legibly If you get stuck on a problem, move on to another one Show all work, so the instructor can see how much you know Verify your answers Does the answer make sense? If you finish early, check every problem (rework) Use all time available Works Cited Arem, Cynthia Conquering Math Anxiety California: Brooks/Cole, 2003 95-117 Hopper, Carolyn H The Study Skills Workbook 18 Aug 2008 “Success in Mathematics.” Department of Mathematics and Computer Science Saint Louis University 18 Aug 2008  ... likely, your main problem is the study strategies you are using (or not using) Make yourself the things on the list above Studying Math Studying math is different from studying other subjects:  Math... to study math 10 I seek help with my math homework in the lab/tutoring center 11 I am careful to keep up to date with math homework 12 I study math at least to 10 hours a week  Study. .. yourself an A You are using the study skill you need in order to be successful in math  If your score is 80 - 89, give yourself a B You are using good math study skills Choose a few strategies