Some people love math. Some people like math. Then, there are people who struggle greatly with math. They find all the numbers and formulas to be exhausting to keep up with and get their stomachs in a knot on test days. If this describes you, you might think that math just isn’t your forte. While you might not have a natural inclination for fractions and geometry, it doesn’t mean that you can’t do well. What you most likely need is a new perspective on the subject. These five study methods will help you to do better in math.
Pace Yourself
If you’re struggling with math, it can be hard to find the motivation to study when you need to. Odds are you’ve become used to putting off studying to the last minute. That is if you even study at all. The more you procrastinate o an anything, the scarier it’s going to become. In order to become better at math, you need to revamp your study habits. Math Goodies suggests to get started on studying even before a test has been announced. You should find ways to review concepts on a regular basis, preferably once a day. When something is taught, you should immediately start practicing problems that cover it. This is the purpose of homework, to make sure that you understand the rules of concepts before you’re tested on them. When you get a problem, put your focus on it and see what areas the biggest struggle for you are. Don’t put any unhealthy demands on yourself to master concepts as soon as you’re taught them. The beauty of pacing yourself is that you can avoid the anxiety of having to learn a lot of concepts in a short amount of time.
Set a Schedule
You get out of school what you put into it. If you are sloppy with your studying, you’re going to likely end up with unsatisfying grades. Doing well in math isn’t completely about intelligence. A larger part of it is discipline. You have to commit yourself to review information as much as possible. The best way to establish discipline is by creating a study schedule. Set aside time every day for studying math. This should be a time commitment that you know you can make. It wouldn’t help to try to promise yourself that you’re going to study math for two hours every single day. Start slowly, with about 20 minutes a day (including doing homework). This can help you clarify issues that might be giving you particular trouble. Independence University explains that if you plan out your study time in advance, it will be easier to avoid procrastination. You also need to make sure you’ve created a sanctuary that is conducive to studying through proper organization. Make sure you have your materials ahead of time. By the time you need to be tested on new concepts, your preparation will have you strapped in and ready to go.
Get a Tutor
Tutors can be a saving grace if you’re having trouble with any subject. Even if you’ve got a knowledgeable math teacher, the need to keep up with a classroom full of students means that their method of imparting information might not be able to translate for you. We Have Kids discusses that since they can only devote so much time to offering private instruction, you’re best off getting a tutor. This is someone who will be able to discuss any issues you’re having and recontextualize them in ways that are more understandable by you. This can lead to “Eureka” moments that make everything else click. For the best experience, show your tutor your understanding of concepts by demonstrating them in various problems.
Form a Study Group
You’re not alone in struggling in math. There are likely people all around you who are wanting to get help but are embarrassed to admit it. Forming a study group will help you to join forces with other students who work to boost each other’s math grades. It can help to have someone with an immense knowledge of math leading the group. You can go over your assignments and compare answers to see what sort of issues you’re having. Just because you’re struggling in some areas doesn’t mean you can’t help your peers in others.
Use the Internet
The world wide web can be a great educational platform. Math.com explains that if you’re having trouble with math, you can find all kinds of websites that explain concepts in ways that might be easier for you. There are videos that demonstrate how to solve certain types of problems. You can also find online homework support groups that let you introduce your problems and what issues you’re having. Just make sure you fully understand how to solve the problem after receiving an explanation and to ask for any elaboration if necessary.
Even if you don’t think you’re good at math, you use it more than you realize. It happens when you’re seeing how many times you need to fill up a one-cup measure while baking or when you’re calculating how fast you’ll have to drive to reach your destination by a certain time. With all these numbers and problems floating around, it’s only logical to dive into bettering your math grade as completely as possible. Not only will you end up with higher grades, but you’ll also be able to greatly expand the capabilities of your mind.
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