Strategies for Success in Mathematics

Laurie Wern OvermannSoutheast Missouri State University

Department of Mathematicslwovermann@semo.edu

(573) 651-2826Johnson Hall 102

September 12, 2012

Pop Quiz! True or False? Men are better at mathematics than women.

False! There is always a best way to do a

mathematics problem. False! It’s always important to get the answer

exactly right. False! Mathematicians do problems quickly in their

heads. False! Many people can’t do mathematics because

they don’t have a “math mind”. False! More than 33% of the students enrolled in an

Algebra course drop or fail. True!

The Primary Key to Success

Go to class! Go to class! Go to class!

Learning from Brief Lectures

Go to class everyday! Link Be attentive and free from distraction Link (near the instructor, phone away).

Take notes in outline form (space to supplement later, carefully copy examples).

Review notes weekly.

Time to Study Plan for entire semester. Make a weekly schedule. Follow a schedule, adjust if necessary. Study for an hour at a time. Study for your most difficult subjects at

a time of day when you are most alert. Don’t study when you are hungry or

tired. Maintain discipline.

Where to Study

Free from Distractions Tutor Availability (Math Learning

Center, Kent Library, Towers Learning Lab)

Adequate Lighting Comfortable Temperature

Reading a (on-line) Math Textbook

Always have a writing tool in hand. Skim section of text Make use of chapter and section

summaries. Take notes; fill in notes from brief lecture. Follow examples. Look at example problem (copy problem

on another piece of paper, try to work it yourself)

Read text before class to preview material.

Homework

Review and rewrite your lecture notes. Keep examples in front of you. Check answers and rework incorrect

items Highlight items to ask instructor to

clarify. Study and learn responsibly. Read next day’s sections as preview.

Exam Preparation Should only involve reviewing material. Make a list of topics covered. Prepare a review sheet for each topic

including procedures, formulas, definitions.

Cover the sheet and recite. Think of possible test questions. Work Chapter Review (then work Chapter

Test treating it like a test) Start at least two days before exam. Attend review sessions.

Exam Taking Strategies If you are well prepared, you will feel confident

and often won’t “go blank”. Be sure you are well rested and not hungry Arrive on time to take the test with pencils,

calculator, etc. Write memorized formulas on the test as soon as

you arrive. Survey the test and read directions carefully. Build confidence, answer easy items first, then

attempt more difficult items Show your work, even on items you are unsure of. Check for obvious mistakes.

Test Anxiety (unreasonable fear of having to prove under pressure what one has learned)

Test anxiety (panic, loss of control, nervousness, helplessness, distress) is caused by one or more factors(lack of self-confidence, pressure to perform to please family or peers, memories of previous failures, insufficient preparation, fear of failure, perfectionism, and negative attitudes caused by bad previous experiences).

Test Anxiety is not abnormal but is a learned behavior that can be controlled or eliminated.

What if I go blank from text anxiety? Use relaxation techniques:

Prepare for the test to avoid anxiety! Put down your pencil, close your eyes, take

deep breaths. Stretch! Try to visualize where the information was in

your text, notes, homework, review sheet Go to another question and come back to

problem Go over a problem you just completed and

check it. Use positive self-talk. Bring peppermint candy!

Help! Find a responsible, reliable study partner. Be sure to ask questions in class. Make an appointment to speak to instructor. Math Learning Center, Johnson Hall 112

(one tutor available to share). Tutorial Services, University Center 302

(dedicated tutor). View Math Videos that go with textbook Get a tutor but learn to be self-reliant

learner.

Questions?

Best wishes for a successful mathematics course!