Transcript How Math is Different from Other Subjects

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
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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
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Student’s do not try to understand;
they just memorize.
Student’s are underprepared—math
is cumulative!
How to Study math
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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
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Start at day one—do your
homework
Memorize formulas—use flash cards
Rework problems that you missed
on the homework
Learning the Material
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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)
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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!
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
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Use Instructors Office Hours
SLCC for 091 and 092
The Learning Center
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Smarthinking online tutoring
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2nd Floor of Lee Hall
Click the Tutoring tab on ULink
1st Floor in DeClouet Hall
References
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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
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