If there is any subject that gives students nightmares in school, it is mathematics. However, studying math does not need to be filled with trepidation. With the right math study strategies, you should be able to conquer that mountain of Mathematics in no time. This article will open your eyes to the various ways to study math and various helpful math study skills.
How to study for math
Many students go into math examinations with fear because they have not adequately prepared for them. Many of them need to learn how to study for math test. Because of the poor preparation, they end up getting poor grades. They then use their poor grades to justify the opinion that math is just too difficult. Below are some tips for math studying that can be helpful for students at any level.
- Get top-notch explanation
It would help if you did not go into studying for a math test without understanding the topics. You must get a source where you can get a simple and clear explanation of topics. Some places you can get these include the Khan Academy, MIT OCW (for advanced math), etc. Do not rush it.
Ensure you get the explanations as they are key to your learning of how to study for math. Make sure you understand the fundamental rules. If you find it hard to understand, you need to go back to the basics. Once you understand the fundamental rules of a topic, it will be easy for you to grasp the concept.
- Solve test problems
The best way to study for math tests is to solve test problems. Math should not be read; it should be solved. Do not wait until the knowledge you have gained from explanations fizzles out of your memory. Immediately apply that knowledge by practicing past questions on that topic. Be consistent in doing this; the more you do it, the better you get at it.
- Understand basic concepts
Cramming math is a very bad idea. The best way to go at it is to understand the basic concepts of each topic.When you can explain concepts, it will become easier to apply them. This also helps you remember better when facing a test or examination.
- Seek help
Don’t be afraid to ask for help whenever you need it. Ask for help from others ahead of you or classmates who understand. If you have tried everything and need help to understand and master a math topic, it will be a good idea to seek help.
Group discussions with classmates help you get a clearer view of the topic. You might be able to crack that tough nut with help from others.
- Play with it
After learning a formula or a topic in math, you could play with it by creating various versions of that formula. Use the formulas to create different scenarios where you could apply them. Excel can help in doing this. You need to input the formulas, tweaking them here and there to see how they work in different contexts.
- Apply it to the real world
Math and science knowledge can be derived from things in our environment. After practicing with various questions, you could also attempt a real-world application of the topic. What if you could apply it to something happening in your environment? You could also build a story around that topic to help you understand it better.
The essence of learning is to be able to apply it to the real world. Math is not abstract. It can be applied to things in the real world. Doing this helps you have fun while you learn mathematics.
Conclusion
Math is easier than it appears to many students. It is much more straightforward than learning a language. This is because there are formulas that guide every exercise. Once these formulas and concepts are understood, you are halfway there.
