Math study tips - part 2
What’s better than one blog post on math study tips?... Two! <insert grandpa trying to be relevant meme>
A lot of students reach out to us for a math tutor; it's usually the first course people want help with, so we thought it warranted some extra study tips. We help students with Pre-Calculus and Foundations Math 10, Pre-Calculus 11 and 12, Calculus 12, Foundations of Math 11, Workplace Math 10 and 11, university math (Calculus, finite math, and discrete math), and much more. Whether you want to work with a math tutor regularly, get drop-in tutoring only when needed, or just seek advice on how to study math effectively, you’ve come to the right place!
FOCUS ON YOUR FOUNDATION
A lot of students come to us thinking they struggle with a specific topic in math (graphing, systems of equations, etc.). What we actually find is that they understand the new subject, but their baseline algebra can be holding them back. Once you reach a certain level, teachers move through math and calculus solutions quite quickly, and if you haven’t had enough practice, the solution might be hard to understand. Spending time mastering your algebra or other foundational math skills such as BEDMAS (order of operations), exponents, and fractions can make a huge difference in your comprehension.
2. Ask Your Teacher Where You Can Improve
If you know you’re struggling but can’t pinpoint the root of your barriers, ask your math teacher. Teachers love to help and will review your past work (bring the materials with you if you can, don’t make them hunt for it) to identify common mistakes.
If you have a good relationship with past teachers, you can always ask them for help if you’re more comfortable. I had the same math teacher for grades 8-11; you better believe I went to her for help in grade 12 when I didn’t know my new teacher as well (even though it was her husband…I could write a love story about our math teachers).
3. Start a Study Group
We are not the first ones to struggle with math! Everyone has topics they find challenging. If you work with students in your class, you can teach each other, which helps reinforce your learning when you’re the one teaching. These groups can also keep you accountable for studying math. Just like I mentioned in our Math Study Tips Part 1, math requires constant practice. Accountability is key!
4. …and of course - Get a Tutor!
I’ve said it before, but are we surprised I’m saying it again? Getting a tutor can be a great way to receive immediate feedback on the parts you struggle with and identify where you excel. Our tutors show you the fun in math and the logic behind each step. We don’t want you to just memorize what to do but to understand why you took each step along the way. This is the best way to study math so you can truly excel with new problems.
I hope this helps! I wrote another great blog post on math study tips, so be sure to check that out. Whether you’re a student studying math or a parent/guardian trying to help your teenager prepare, these tips can be valuable. If you have any questions about our services, check out our web pages for in-person tutoring, online tutoring, or all our services. If you have any thoughts on this blog, I’d love to hear them! You can reach me at info@largetutoring.com or through our contact page.
Have fun studying!
