MathStudySkills

1、Math Study SkillsPresented by:Louise RobichauxMath Study Skills InventoryRate your achievement of the following statements by placing a 3 for almost always, 2 for sometimes, and 1 for almost never. If you have never even thought about doing what the statement says, put a 0. nSelecting a math class_

2、1. I schedule my math class at a time when I am mentally sharp._ 2. When I register for a math class, I choose the best instructor for me._ 3. If I have a choice, I select a math class that meets three or four days a week instead of one or two._ 4. I schedule the next math class as soon as possible

3、after I have completed the current course._ 5. I am sure that I have signed up for the correct level math course.nTime and place for studying math_ 6. I study math every day._ 7. I try to get my math homework immediately after math class._ 8. I have a specific time to study math._ 9. I have a specif

4、ic 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 8 to 10 hours a week.nStudy strategies for math class_ 13. I read my textbook before I come to class._

5、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

6、 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 t

7、echniques to remember math concepts.nMath 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 che

8、ck 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 dont have to cram the night before a test.nAnxiety

9、_ 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 SCOREScoring:nTotal the scores from all 34 statements. If your score is 90 - 103, give yourself an A. You are using the st

10、udy skill you need in order to be successful in math. nIf 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. nIf your score is 70 - 79, give yourself a C. Your study skills are average. If

11、 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. nIf 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 strat

12、egies you are using (or not using). Make yourself do the things on the list above.Studying MathStudying math is different from studying other subjects:nMath is learned by doing problems.nWarning: Each class builds on the previous classes. Material is comprehensive.nEncouragement: Each section builds

13、 on the previous, thus making a constant review of key concepts providing for less memorization. Keys to conquering math:nLearn math frequently and in small chunks.nDo homework at your most alert time of the day.nAsk questions, see your instructor to clear up uncertainties.nSeek tutoring help early

14、during the semester.nForm a study group that meets once or twice a week.Mastering HomeworknWhen working homework, determine which procedural step first caused your difficulty. For example, rather than saying “Im lost,” ask “Could you please explain step 3” or “I dont understand step 3. Would you exp

15、lain it in a different way?”nExample: Find the error:Problem: 2x + 3 = 5Step 1: 2x = 8Step 2: x = 4nMake corrections: Problem: 2x + 3 = 5Step 1: 2x = 2Step 2: x = 1nBe specific so that you can pinpoint exactly where your difficulty began, thus making the instructor/tutor more effective in helping yo

16、u. nFocus on your area of difficulty.Tips on Problem Solving(Dos and Donts)nDo write out all steps when working problems as if you were taking a test. nDont just scratch out a few lines and check the answer in the back of the book. If the answer if wrong, rework the problem. nDont just do some “ment

17、al gymnastics” to convince yourself that you could get the correct answer. Math is fun!Active Study vs. Passive StudyBe actively involved in managing the learning process:nTake responsibility for studying, recognizing what you know and dont know. Then seek help in what you dont know.nAttend class ev

18、ery day, and take complete notes. Instructors formulate test questions based on material and examples covered in class as well as those in the text. nBe an active participant in class. Attempt to work some problems in the text before they are covered in class.nAsk questions in class!Poor question: “

19、I dont understand this section.”Good question: “I dont understand why f(x + h) doesnt equal f(x) + f(h).”Poor question: “How do you do #15?”Good question: “Can you show me how to set up #15?”nVisit the instructor during office hours to clear up questions. nGood study habits throughout the semester m

20、ake it easier to study for tests.Problem Solving (Homework and Tests)Problem types:1. Problems testing memorization (drill). Ex: formulas2. Problems testing skills (drill). Ex: exponents3. Problems requiring application of skills to familiar situations. Ex: Using factoring to solve an equation.4. Pr

21、oblems requiring application of skills to unfamiliar situations. Ex: Using factoring to solve a word problem.5. Problems requiring you to extend the skills then apply to an unfamiliar situation. Studying for a Math TestnDo homework when it is assigned. Math cannot be crammed into a couple of days.nA

22、s you do homework, make lists of formulas and techniques.nAsk questions as they arise.nGo over each homework section you previously worked, checking that you can still do the homework problems (actually work the problems again).nTry to explain out loud how to solve the problem (create verbal instructions).nWork problems from review sections at the end of chapters.Taking a Math TestnFirst look over the entire test, identifying problems you know how to do.nRead directions carefully. Exa