How To Excel In Math

To excel in math you must work hard. To work hard you must have ganas (desire)! To see ganas in action view the Stephen Curry workout video Stephen

Curry (start at 5:05). I was a horrible math student in both middle and high school. Only after suffering a severe neck injury did I begin working hard at studying math and begin using many of the principles listed below (very similar principles and better worded can be found in the book by Barbara Oakley - so I use much of her wording here) to study math in college. Using these principles I soon found out that I was much better at math than I thought as I started taking calculus and other advanced math classes. I slowly learned to not only solve the problem but ask myself why the solution was true. And once I found out why I asked myself why again.

Before you even start working on math you need to focus on the process not the product. Process means a single focused effort to learn math in no more than 25 minute chunks. Back away from judging yourself (am I getting closer to finishing?) and allow yourself to relax (fully concentrate) in the flow of the work.

Here are seven magnificent steps to excel in math, they are:

1. Master arithmetic (5th Grade Math Pretest) so you can do math.
2. Take notes and put key notes in your Math Data Notebook
3. Focus on math at a set time, work hard and eliminate distractions
4. In the Classroom actively discuss math with your group
5. Complete homework, but more importantly do it right.
6. Correct and study mistakes on quizzes
7. Test Preparation

You should start out by glancing at each step before reading each step same as you would any other article or looking at the chapters of a book. The reason you are doing this is to get a quick general idea of what you are reading. If you just started reading from top to bottom, why?

Before we review the seven magnificent steps I want you to watch these videos for an overview about how to study in smarter ways.

Step 1. Master arithmetic (5th Grade Math Pretest) so you can do math.

If you cannot solve arithmetic problems such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division you will have problems in 7th and 8th Grade math. This issue can easily be overcome if you develop the self discipline to follow a curriculum to help you learn master arithmetic and some basic algebra and geometry concepts taught in 5th Grade. If you have problems with arithmetic, no problem! This curriculum is self paced and gives you instant feedback on how you are doing and also helps you develop good habits..

Calculators are banned unless you have an IEP requiring it!. Students who rely on calculators become weak in estimating skills (mental math) and are unaware of wrong answers from keying mistakes. Using a calculator takes much longer for simple facts. Calculators will only be used for complex calculations with the exception of students with an IEP

Step 2. Take notes and put key notes in your Math Data Notebook

Take notes, review them and put them in one location such as your Math Data Notebook you will best understand math concepts if you follow the Feynman method. which says, "If you want to understand something well, explain it"

The 2020 Corona Virus pandemic caused us to think about sharing our notes in one unified location. Multiple students are currently working on what they have named as The How To Make Your Life Better 101 research site.

The primary focus is to create a research platform to gain and share a deep understanding of math far beyond 8th grade and middle school math concepts.

Step 3. Focus on math at a set time, work hard and eliminate distractions

This means no multitasking (turn your phone off and get away from as many distractions as possible)!. Constant shifting of attention means that no new ideas and concepts have no chance to take root and flourish. Use the Pomodoro technique of working in 25 minute chunks of time. If you don't understand a problem remember thinking in a focused and difused mode as described below will usually help you come to solutions..

How To Study. Focused and Diffuse Modes

Focused Mode

- Before starting a new unit skim through each section to get an idea of what the unit is trying to get at.
- Read each section before you start it.
- If after completing a section in class you still do not fully understand review the videos and practice questions for the section. Do not simply reread a section to better understand the material!
  - Instead read the math concept, look away and see what you can recall - working toward understanding what you are recalling at the same time. Then glance back, reread the concept , and try it again.
    - Don’t wait more than a day after you are first exposed to the math concept to recall it.
- When you do your homework set a timer for 25 minutes (and make certain you turn your phone off and get away from distractions)

Diffuse Mode

See whether you can form a new triangle that points down by moving only three coins. If you can’t figure it out right away don’t look at the answer. Get away from the problem for at least 25 minutes and then try to solve it. You will find that after getting away from the problem many of times you will solve it.

- Don’t understand a concept or problem then close your book and get away. Come back to it after you have had time to relax.
- Let me show you how this works.

Finally, make certain you take time and actually plan fun things you like! You might like math a lot but do other fun things you like.

Step 4. In the Classroom actively discuss math with your group. Discuss beyond the obvious

Step 5. Complete homework, but more importantly do it right.

Step 6. Correct and study mistakes on homework, quizzes and tests. Advocate for yourself and take advantage of study groups

Learning is a process. If you don't understand the process review it and do everything you can to learn it. Advocate for yourself and get help if you don't understand. Even better, join a study group to deepen your learning. Before participating in a study groupmake certain you review and understand the concepts as much as possible.

Step 7. Test Preparation. Carefully read directions and the problems so you don't have the same problems as Mr. Bean. Check your work if you have time left. Review any problems you missed and retake or redo anything that will allow you to boost your grade. Get help if you don't understand. Better yet, prepare for the test by taking the practice tests at the end of each chapter in the lesson plans!

If you are reading this section it is because you are a leader. Towards the end of the year you will work on advanced math concepts beyond your current grade. You will work on key math concepts you need to master in next years math class or very challenging problems that may take the whole period to solve.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse