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MATHEMATICS (Maths) is different from any other subject. It is objective, employs specific procedures, and involves symbols and formulas.
It also has a vocabulary all of its own. Consequently, the study skills you need to succeed in Maths are also unique.
Although there is no one right way to study Maths, the following are a few of the most important things, tips and study skills you need to know in order to do well in the subject.
Subject requires active learning
Unlike some academic subjects, you cannot excel or even become proficient at Maths by just listening and reading. Maths requires active participation.
Consequently, to learn Maths, you must do all your homework and assignments. If you do not do your homework or complete your assignments, you will not memorise the formulas or internalise the procedures required to become really proficient in Maths.
Some people think they are just not good at Maths. Our experience shows that most people can do Maths, but the majority really need to work hard in order to become proficient.
While studying for a couple hours for a History examination at the end of the term is usually sufficient, Maths requires routine studying and daily learning.
Anyone who is not willing to get actively involved in the process of learning Maths is going to struggle.
It is cumulative
Maths is a very sequential subject. What you learn one day builds on what you learned previously and is required to support future learning. It is like building blocks. If you miss any of the building blocks, you cannot progress.
This is why, with Maths, it is so easy for students to fall behind if they miss school or do not complete homework on time.
While cramming can help you pass tests in other academic subjects, it will do very little to help you pass your Maths tests. As you progress through school, you will also find that one Maths class builds upon another. For example, without successfully completing high school algebra, it may be very difficult to understand college algebra.
You cannot perform poorly one year and expect to excel the next. You will have to go back and re-learn previous Maths concepts and subjects you neglected to learn in previous years.
Focus on the principles
In most secondary and lower-level college History classes, being able to memorise names, dates and events is all you need to pass.
However, with Maths, you will find that rote memorisation of formulas and equations will not cut it.
Yes, you do need to be able to memorise information, but that is just the beginning. More importantly, you need to know how to use formulas, understand how equations work and apply mathematical processes.
Maths involves so many formulas, equations and procedures that it can be difficult to remember everything.
Do not try to memorise everything. With Maths, understanding is more important than knowledge.
When you start taking advanced Mathematics classes in college, some professors may allow you to take a list of formulas with you to your tests.
Others may even provide open book tests. All the knowledge in the world will not help you if you do not understand mathematical principles. Focus on developing a good understanding of all the major concepts initially.
Many procedures used for solving one mathematical problem can be used to solve other Maths problems. As you progress in your studies, try to apply what you have learned previously to each new Maths problem you encounter.
Learn the vocabulary
Maths has a vocabulary all of its own. Additionally, many commonly used words have different meanings when used in association with Maths.
Take the time to create a Maths vocabulary log.
You note down and define each new Maths vocabulary term you encounter. Many learners quickly come to the conclusion that they just are not cut out for Maths or that they just cannot understand it.
This is very rarely the case. Maths requires patience, discipline and dedication.
If you dedicate yourself, believe in yourself and put in the effort, you will make it through Maths — and you might even find that you really like it.
Maths grows in complexity
and difficulty
Maths becomes increasingly complex over time. Consequently, many learners have to spend more time studying Maths than they do other subjects in order to succeed. It is not uncommon to spend several hours a night studying Maths once you get into college algebra, trigonometry and calculus. So, if studying Maths is consuming all your time, you are not alone. — Wires
Next week, we focus on how you can improve your Mathematics understanding skills.
Online Reporter