Effective Study Skills for Math

Homework: Why?FundamentalsFundamentals Fundamentals

Homework: Before you startMake sure you have the correct assignmentAsk questions to clarify the assignment if

neededLook over notes and book to refresh what

you are doingWhat vocabulary words are important?Any rules that apply to the problems you

are about to practice?

Homework: Just do it!Follow directionsWork neatlyShow workMake sure you did the simple math (add,

subtract, multiply, divide) correctlyDo it soon enough after class that you don’t

forgetDon’t stop because you are stuck-try to

figure it out and then seek help from teacher or tutor

Learn from your errorsAnalyze the errorWas it a simple math error or process

error?Keep track of simple errors and process

errorsPractice the simple math errors

Ask for help

Class: The forgotten study toolReview what you discussed in the previous

classBe prepared: book, notebook, pencil,

homeworkBe engaged

Ask questionsListen to your classmates’ questionsTake part in class discussion

Textbooks: Can you really read a math book?Use the index and glossary when you have

forgotten a term or processAnalyze the examplesIf you can’t answer the problem, look back

at the written explanationDoes your book have study tips or helps at

the back or beginning of each chapter?Does your book have a companion

website?

Tests: ReviewingCramming 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

Test TimeBe confidentDon’t worryHave what you

needFollow directionsLook 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 IntelligencesGoogle these to find your learning style

Visual LearnersLearn best through seeingYou like charts, diagrams, pictures…Study advice:

Use a white or chalk boardHighlight in book and notesLook for video tutorials onlineTry the study rooms in the library to have

some peace and quietVisualize what you are doing.

Auditory LearnerLearn best through hearingLectures and discussions are helpfulStudy 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 loudImagine having a conversation with your

teach about the problem during the test

Kinesthetic LearnersLearn from hands-on and real worldStudy tips:

Think sprints-short and focused Moving around may be helpful-writing on a

board, carrying flash cards with formulasPay attention to your attention span.Work on increasing your attention spanPlace yourself in the room where you will

have the least distractions

Resourceshttp://

www.math.ohio-state.edu/students/how_to_study.html

http://salsa.missioncollege.org/mss/stories/storyReader$38