Math Study Skills

LAVC Title III-HSI STEM Program

Study Skills for Math Success Overcoming a Weak Math Background Have a positive attitude, whether the

course is degree applicable or not.

Find a teacher that you connect with.

Get a copy of the textbook and any review books.

Do your homework/study regularly.

Take all quizzes and exams.

Four Major Steps to Master a Math Course:

1. Try your best to “follow” what the teacher is explaining.

2. Master both the class notes and assigned material.

3. Solve homework problems and ask questions.

4. Follow an organized study plan.

Work Out Homework Problems On Time Work on problems as early as possible so you

can correct any mistakes you made.

Apply what you have learned in class to your homework.

Homework problems tend to be similar to the ones on the exam, so if you can do your homework you should pass your exam.

How to Use Class Time Effectively

Your main goal in class should be to learn as much as possible before leaving.

Take good notes and ask questions when you do not understand something.

Try to NOT miss class or arrive late.

IF you miss class have a good reason (being sick).

How to Use Class Time Effectively cont… If you miss class, try to get a copy of the notes

and any handouts (can be from teacher or classmate).

Sit as close to the front as possible.

Use a large notebook split into equal parts-one for class notes and one for homework.

Write the date at the beginning of each day’s notes.

Include any topic or chapter headings the teacher provides to identify notes.

How to Make Effective Use of Your Time Between Classes-Notes and Textbook Have a “To Do” list each day.

Write questions of confusing material

down and ask your teacher, tutor, or classmate for help.

Try to review your notes the same day your write them down.

How to Make Effective Use of Your Time Between Classes-Notes and Textbook cont… Go to the Math Lab for tutoring so

you can master concepts.

Do your homework as soon as possible after class.

Check your answers to make sure that they are correct.

How to Make Effective Use of Your Time Between Classes-Notes and Textbook cont... Use study guides and review books as

resources to help you with class.

Benefits to working with classmates are sharing notes, double checking each other’s work, and helping each other finish homework assignments.

Study in 60 minute sessions, with breaks that last between 5 to 15 minutes.

How To Master Each Topic

You can understand topics by mastering one at a time.

Do not rely on memorization.

The ACE steps and Review procedure are intended to help you understand one topic at a time.

What are the Three ACE Steps?

Answer each problem by working it out.

Confirm that the answer is correct.

Examine your understanding of the

problem by asking yourself the following questions: “What was the point of the problem?” and “What mistakes do I need to avoid?”

What is the Review Procedure

This is the final step to understanding one topic at a time.

You have answered all questions in your notes and textbook to understand topic(s).

Taking Notes in Class

Taking good notes is a three-stage process where you should do certain things:

Before class

During class

After class

Get Ready to Take Notes (Before Class) Review your notes from previous

class session(s).

This will help you remember material covered and get you ready for new topics.

Complete all assigned readings.

Bring note taking materials to class.

Take Notes (During Class)

Keep your attention focused on what your teacher is saying. Try to listen for “signal statements” and write them on your notes.

Examples of signal statements are “The most important point…” and “Remember that . . .”

Include in your notes information that your teacher repeats or writes on the board.

Take Notes (During Class)

Write quickly and as neatly as possible so you can include all important information in your notes.

Do this by using abbreviations or symbols such as % for percent, and writing short sentences.

Place a ? next to information that does not make sense.

Answer Additional Questions (After Class)

If necessary, ask your teacher, tutor, or classmate for more help.

Check work with your peers to be sure you did not leave out important information.

Having good class notes will help you be better prepared for exams.

Plan Your Study Schedule Carefully Use a calendar or planner that will contain

your “to do” list.

Include personal responsibilities, study items for math, and other subjects.

Your list should contain an estimated number of hours allotted for each activity.

List the things you have to do in order of importance.

Although math does not have to be the first item on your list, it should be high enough that you get to it.

Sample Schedule: Accomplish more by listing your responsibilities for each day.

Sunday Hours

Math 3

Eng lish 2

Laundry 1

Read 1

Clean 1

8

Monday Hours

History 2

Math 2

Science 1

Work 4

9

Conclusion

You have control over your grade and learning in math.

To be successful you need to have a strong desire to succeed.

The desire has to come from within.

Success can be rewarding and gratifying.

We all can achieve success.

Good luck and much success in your math classes at LAVC.

Bibliography

http://www.how-to-study.com/taking-notes-in-class.htm

Smith, Richard Manning: How to Be a Great Math Student-3rd Edition, 1997, Brooks/Cole Publishing Co., New York