Math Study Skills: Diagnostic Inventory
Scoring: 90 - 102 Give yourself
an A. You are using the study skills you need in order to be successful in
math. 80 - 89 Give yourself
a B. You are using good math study skills. Choose a few strategies to work on
each day, and you will be well on your way to an A. 70 - 79 Give yourself
a C. Your study skills are average. If you want an A, choose one or two
strategies in each category to work on until you are using most of the
strategies described above. Below 70 You are probably having a difficult
time in math class. But the math itself may not be your trouble! More that likely, your main problem is the study strategies
you are using (or not using). Make
yourself do the things on the list above. Some Ways that Math
is Different from Other Subjects:
1. Math requires
different study processes. In other courses, you learn and understand the
material, but you do not always have to apply it. You have to apply the math in
each assignment. 2. Math involves a
linear learning process. What you learn one day is used the next, and so
forth. You cannot "coast" during any of the topics. 3. Math is much like a
foreign language. It needs to be practiced EVERY day, and often the
vocabulary is unfamiliar. 4. Math in college is
different from math in high school. In high school, you may have math class
every day but only two or three times a week in college. And what took 36
weeks to learn in high school is now covered in only 15 weeks. Much of the
learning takes place outside of the classroom, through your preparation and
homework. Reasons for Math Anxiety: 1.
People
do not have confidence in their abilities. You need to experience small
successes to begin building confidence in yourself. 2. People don't try to
understand; they just memorize. 3. People often do not
prepare for math class or for tests. Avoid trying to "wing" it. Some ways to study for math exams: 1. Start on Day One--Do
EVERY homework assignment. 2. Use flash cards for
formulas and vocabulary 3. Use the chapter
summary, review section and practice test found at the end of each chapter in
your textbook. 4. Rework problems you
missed on the homework or on quizzes. Make a list of any that you cannot
correct and ask your instructor or tutor. 5. Complete practice
tests. Ways to study for
Math class: 1. Do not study just
for tests; study for each day of class. 2. Keep up-review
notes after class. 3. Take thorough
notes. Write everything from the board on paper. 4. READ the textbook.
MUSCLE read it. If you don't understand it, get help. 5. Find a study friend
from your class. 6. Have a set time for
completing your math homework. Treat it as a scheduled class. Courtesy of North
Virginia Community College |