Principles of Studying Math Welcome Principles of Studying Math Online Tutoring Training Workshop The Learning Center The University of Louisiana-Lafayette

Principles of Studying Math

How Math is Different from Other Subjects Math requires different study processes. Math is a linear process. Math is much like a foreign language. Math in the university is different from math in high school.

Reasons Students have Math Anxiety Student’s do not try to understand; they just memorize. Student’s are underprepared—math is cumulative!

How to Study math Keep up Take good notes—put everything you see on the board in your notes Read the text—and if you do not understand it, get help Get a study friend Have a set time to complete your math homework. Treat it as a scheduled class.

How to study for Math Exmas Start at day one—do your homework Memorize formulas—use flash cards Rework problems that you missed on the homework

Learning the Material Preview the Material in your text before your class. Always Attend Class and Ask Questions when something is not clear. Take Notes - all that is written on the board, all diagrams, and the instructor’s explanations. Study Regularly and Consistently - do not try to do it all in one sitting or one day. Take breaks! Review Your Notes before working problems to refresh and consolidate your understanding.

Learning the Material (cont’d) Read the Instructions for each problem carefully to determine what you are being asked to do. Compare and Contrast problems and examples – problems that look similar may be very different. Review Old Material. New material builds previous concepts. Old worksheets, quizzes, and tests are excellent sources for review. Practice, Practice, Practice! Working problems is essential to reveal your weak areas, familiarize you with the different types of problems, build your confidence, and increase your speed.

Preparing for the Exam Do Not Cram the night before the test – this is a particularly bad strategy for math. Skill development and understanding what you are doing are fundamental. Study Activities: Review your notes and textbook to refresh and consolidate your overall understanding. Review practice problems, old homework, quizzes, and exams. Focus on your problem areas. Practice working problems. Make a “reminder list” of any formulas to memorize and specific points or rules to remember. Practice!

Taking the Exam Get Plenty of Rest the night before the exam and be sure to eat. Take care of yourself! Do Not Study Right Up To The Exam – stop and do something else, then you might want to review your “reminder list” just before the exam. Be On Time – don’t stress yourself out right off the bat and don’t miss the instructions! Listen Carefully To Verbal Instructions. Read All Written Instructions Carefully. Jot Down Formulas and other specifics from your “reminder list” as soon as you are allowed to begin. Allocate Your Test Time. First, work problems you know how to solve quickly. Next, go back and work problems you know how to solve, but take longer. Then, work on problems you find more difficult. Finally, check your answers if you have time left.

During the Exam ~ IF YOU PANIC ~ If you have followed the advice given thus far, you should feel some confidence and less anxiety about the exam. However, if you do become stuck or “draw a blank,” halt or break the panic cycle: Take a deep breath. Silently say to yourself, “STOP!” Visualize a large red STOP sign. Try to relax and clear your mind. Say to yourself, “This is only one (or a few) problems, not the whole test” or “I’ve done problems like this before; I’ll get the solution soon.” Look for a problem you know how to work and start with that. Slowly build your concentration and confidence. Continue to the work problems that you think you can solve before moving on to more difficult problems. If you have time, check your completed work. Don’t become unnerved if others finish before you. Maybe they gave up!

After the Exam Review Your Graded Exam carefully for both what you did correctly and where you made mistakes. Ask yourself the following questions: Did I understand and follow the directions? Did I understand the topic that the problem is testing? Did I misuse a rule or property? Did I make an arithmetic error? Seek Help Immediately if you don’t understand a concept, topic, or approach to a problem. Refer to your notes, your text, your instructor, or a tutor at The Learning Center.

After the Exam (cont’d) Rework the Problems that you missed after you think you understand the material and what you did wrong. If you work them correctly, find and work similar problems in your text. If you still have problems, again, get help. The Learning Center is an invaluable resource and it is there for YOU. Evaluate Your Study and Test-taking Techniques. If you are not happy with your grade, then you need to make some changes. Review the suggestions above, and see where you can make improvements. Don’t keep doing the same things and expect better results.

Tutoring and Other Options Use Instructors Office Hours SLCC for 091 and 092 The Learning Center 2nd Floor of Lee Hall Smarthinking online tutoring Click the Tutoring tab on ULink 1st Floor in DeClouet Hall

References Roadways to Success by James C. Williamson, Debra A. McCandrew, and Charles T. Muse, Sr., Pearson Education Focus on College Success by Constance Staley, Wadsworth Cengage Learning

The Learning Center Coordinator – Lee 204b Take the Quiz! To receive Tutor Training credit for your CRLA certification requirements, please complete the Quiz via the link below, and sign, print and bring the completed form to The Learning Center Coordinator – Lee 204b STUDYING MATH QUIZ