General Tips

Go to Class

Remember that math is cumulative. If you don’t go to class you will miss important material that will be used in later sections.

Actively LISTEN During Class

Sometimes the teacher will talk about an important concept, or discuss a common mistake or pitfall, but they won’t necessarily write it down on the board. Watch and listen for things the teacher emphasizes and write it down.

Take Good Notes

A concept may seem easy when you are watching the teacher, but often it is not as easy when it comes time for you to do it on your own. A good set of notes will help remind you how to do these problems. You should also write HOW or WHY you are doing a problem a certain way. Sometimes looking back through our notes, we don’t remember why we did something unless we put notes in the margin that explain the steps we took.

Ask Questions

When there is a concept you don’t understand you may be tempted to ignore it and hope for the best. That strategy doesn’t work well in math because most everything builds on the previous skill. So, if you don’t understand something then ask your teacher right away. Don’t apologize and don’t worry about looking “stupid,” more than likely other people have the exact same question.

Listen when Others Ask Questions

When other students ask questions make sure you listen to both the question and the answer. It may be that the student asking the question thought of something that you didn’t think of.

Review Your Notes After Class

After each class you should review your notes. Note the topics that you found confusing and formulate questions that you can ask your teacher in order to help you understand the topic. You should also add reminders or notes in the margin of steps you might forget after a day or two.

Make “flash cards”

Get a set of index cards and write important formulas and concepts on them. You can carry these around with you to look over when you’ve got a few spare minutes. Use them to help you memorize important formulas and concepts.

Learn the Proper Notation

Teachers often will take points off for bad notation, so be sure you know how to write your answers.

Find a “Study Buddy” or Form a Study Group

It can be helpful to study with a partner or in small groups. There are lots of benefits to studying in a small group.

Be Aware of Due Dates

Write down the due dates for homework and dates for quizzes and tests someplace you’ll see them so you don’t forget about them.

Spend Time Outside of Class

After school, budget some time to look over the homework from that day and attempt to do a few problems from it (even if you completed it in class). This will solidify concepts you learned in class that day.

Practice, Practice, Practice!

The only way to really learn how to do a problem is to work lots of them. The more you work, the better prepared you will be when the test rolls around.

Persevere

Most students will not instantly understand every topic that is covered in a math class. There will be some topics that you will have to work at before you completely understand. The only way to really grasp some topics is to go home and think about it and work some problems. You will often find that after a little work a topic that initially confused you will suddenly make sense.

View Homework as a “Study Guide” for the Test

Circle or highlight all problems that you don’t know how to do and ask for help in class the next day. As you correct your homework write notes about how to do them correctly.

Your Attitude Matters

Have a positive attitude and just do the best that you can do. Don't compare yourself to others.

Know Your Basic Math Facts!

There are hundreds of math games on the internet to help you practice your math facts (multiplication, addition, subtraction, etc). They are the foundation of math.

Keep Up

Or to say it another way, don’t fall behind. More than any other subject, math is relentlessly cumulative. Almost every concept (or class) depends on what came immediately preceding that concept (or class). Since it takes such a big effort to catch up once you fall behind, your best strategy is not to let yourself fall behind. If you don’t understand something, deal with it right away.

Eliminate Distractions

Eliminate as many distractions as possible. Choose your seat wisely. Surround yourself with people who have the same goals as you. Limit cell phone usage.

Limit Cell Phone Usage

Many studies suggest that cellphones distract and negatively impact reaction times, performance, enjoyment of focal tasks, and cognitive capacity; finding negative effects on learning and task completion. Do your best to limit how often you use your cell phone in class.

Be Consistent

Set a good pace and stay with it. Avoid coasting for long stretches of time.