TIPS FOR SUCCESS IN MATHEMATICS

A.          Getting Ready for This Course

Now that you have decided to take this course, remember that a positive attitude will make all the difference in the world.  Your belief that you can succeed is just as important as your commitment to this course.  Make sure that you are ready for this course by having the time and positive attitude that it takes to succeed. 

          Next make sure that you have scheduled your math course at a time that will give you the best chance for success.  For example, if you are also working, you may want to check with your employer to make sure that your work hours will not conflict with your course schedule.

          Now you are ready for your first class period.  Double-check your schedule and allow yourself extra time to arrive in case of traffic or in case you have trouble locating your classroom.  Make sure that you bring at least your textbook, paper, and pencil and whatever other materials you are required to have with you.

B.          General Tips for Success

Below are some general tips that will increase your chance for success in a mathematics class.  Many of these tips will also help you in other courses you may be registered for.

          Exchange names and phone numbers with at least one other person in class.  This contact person can be a great help in case you miss the class assignment or want to discuss math concepts or exercises that you find difficult.

          Choose to attend all class periods.  If possible, sit near that front of the classroom.  This way, you will see and hear the presentation better.  It may also be easier for you to participate in classroom activities.

          Do your homework.  You’ve probably heard the phrase “practice makes perfect” in relation to music and sports.  It also applies to mathematics.  You will find that the more time you spend solving mathematic problems, the easier the process becomes.  Be sure to schedule enough time to complete your assignments before the next class period.

          Check your work.  Review the steps you made while working a problem.  Learn to check your answers in the original problems.  You may also compare your answers to the answers to selected exercises listed in the back of the book.  If you have made a mistake, try to figure out what went wrong.  Then correct your mistake.  If you can’t find your mistake, don’t erase your work or throw it away.  Bring your work to you instructor, a tutor, or a classmate.  It is easier for someone to find where you had trouble if they look at your original work. 

          Learn from your mistakes.  Everyone, even your instructor, makes mistakes.  Use your errors to learn and to become a better math student.  The key is finding and understanding your errors.  Was your mistake a careless one or did you make it because you can’t read your own ‘math’ writing?  If so, try to work more slowly or write more neatly and make a conscious effort to carefully check your work.  Did you make a mistake because you don’t understand a concept?  Take the time to review the concept or ask questions to better understand the concept.

          Know how to get help if you need it.  It’s okay to ask for help.  In fact, it’s a good idea to ask for help whenever there is something that you don’t understand.  Make sure you know when you instructor has office hours and how to find his or her office.  Find a tutor located in the Learning Center on campus along with other videotapes and software that is available for you to use.

          Organize your class materials, including homework assignments, graded quizzes and tests, and notes from your class.  All of these items will make valuable references throughout your course and as you study for upcoming tests and your final exam.  Make sure that you can locate any of these materials when you need them.

          Read your textbook before class.  Reading a mathematics textbook is unlike entertainment reading such as reading a newspaper.  Your pace will be much slower.  It is helpful to have a pencil and paper with you when you read.  Try to work out examples on your own as you encounter them in your text.  You may also write down any questions that you want to ask in class.  I know that when you read a mathematics textbook, sometimes some of the information in a section will still be unclear.  But once you hear a lecture or watch a video on that section, you will understand it much more easily than if you had not read your text.

            Don't be afraid to ask questions.  From experience, I can tell you that you are not the only person in class with questions.  Other students are normally grateful that someone has spoken up.

            Hand in assignments on time.  This way you can be sure that you will not lose points needlessly for being late.  Show every step of a problem and be neat and organized.  Also be sure that you understand which problems are assigned for homework.  You can always double-check this assignment with another student in your class.

C.         Getting Help

If you have trouble completing assignments or understanding the mathematics, get help as soon as you need it!  This tip is presented as an objective on its own because it is so important.  In mathematics, usually the material presented in one section builds on your understanding of the previous section.  What does this mean?  It means that if you don't understand the concepts covered during a class period, there is a good chance that you will not understand the concepts covered during the next class period.  If this happens to you, get help as soon as you can.

Where can you get help?  Try your instructor, the tutors in the learning center, a math lab, or you may want to form a study group with fellow classmates.  If you do decide to see your instructor or go to a tutor, make sure that you have a neat notebook and be ready with your questions.

D.        Preparing for and Taking an Exam

Make sure that you allow yourself plenty of time to prepare for a test.  If you think that you are a little "math anxious," it may be that you are not preparing for a test in a way that will ensure success.  The way that you prepare for a test in mathematics is important.  To prepare for a test,

1.    Review your previous homework assignments.

2.    Review any notes from class and section level quizzes that you may have taken.

3.    Review concepts and definitions by reading the chapter summary at the end of each chapter.

4.    Practice working exercises by completing the Chapter Review found at the end of each chapter.  Don't stop here!

5.    It is important that you place yourself in conditions similar to test conditions to see how you will perform.  In other words, once you feel that you know the material, get out a few blank sheets of paper and take a sample test.  There is a Chapter Test available at the end of each chapter, or you can work selected problems from the Chapter Review, or your instructor may provide you with a review sheet.  During the sample test, do not use your notes or your textbook.  Then check your sample test.  If you are not satisfied with the results, study the areas that you are weak in and try again.

6.    On the day of the test, allow yourself plenty of time to arrive where you will be taking your exam.

When taking your test,

1.    Read the directions on the test carefully.

2.    Read each problem carefully as you take your test.  Make sure that you answer the question asked.

3.    Watch your time and pace yourself so that you may attempt each problem on your test.

4.    If you have time, check your work and answers.

5.    Do not turn your test in early.  If you have extra time, spend it double-checking your work.

Taken from:  Algebra: A Combined Approach by K. Elayn Martin-Gay