Want to be Successful?

Here are some suggestions for what you can do to be successful in Math at York High School.

Have a positive attitude about math

• Whether you like it or not, you CAN succeed in mathematics!

• Mathematical knowledge is important in opening doors to careers.

• Be persistent and diligent - time spent studying will bring positive results.

• Be an active learner in class by asking questions, working examples, and taking notes.

Quick facts about math at York

• Work in math class consists of daily assignments and longer projects. You will have homework almost every night.

• You will need a math folder to organize your work, pencils, and the calculator recommended in the York Course Offerings booklet. These are needed for use at home and at school.

• The Math Department webpage has helpful resources. Each course has a webpage and so do teachers.

Make home a good place to work

• Often you will have a calendar or syllabus for a chapter’s work. The calendar will tell you when to expect the next quiz or test and will post the daily homework as it is assigned. Your knowledge of this calendar can help you in planning to complete longer projects, hand in work on time, and study for tests and quizzes.

• Make sure you have a quiet, private place to study.

• Your teacher often asks you questions to help guide you. If you are struggling with a problem, ask yourself questions like these:

What do I know now?

What do I need to find out?

Have I seen a similar problem in my book or notes?

How might I begin?

How can I organize your information?

Can I make a drawing of the problem?

What do I need to do next?

Is my solution reasonable?

Can I convince someone that my solution makes sense?

• Know how to study for a math test:

* Go over notes, corrected homework, and quizzes.

* Make a study sheet of main ideas and formulas.

* Gather samples of key kinds of problems from the chapter. Re-do them and write comments about how to approach these problems. Making your own guide is better than being given one.

* Read the chapter summary and work review problems.

•Sometimes it’s helpful to form small, serious study groups for tests and exams.

If you have questions

• Get help when needed. The first step is to make an appointment for extra help you’re your teacher during his or her free periods or before or after school.

• Use the Math Lab. There, students can get the help they need, ask questions of a teacher, complete homework and computer assignments, and work with peers.

Fast Facts About the York Math Lab

• Do not be concerned if your teacher is not free when you can use the Lab. Sometimes, hearing a different explanation from a new person makes all the difference in comprehension.

• Remember - Math is not a spectator sport! You will learn by doing.