HOW TO BECOME A BETTER MATH STUDENT?
MILA M. VERANO
Math falls at the bottom of a list of subjects that people like or in which they feel successful. It is not uncommon to hear students say that they hate math. When you experience difficulty with learning math, it can affect your self-esteem, your motivation, and achievement in life. If not addressed properly, these problems often grow and can limit your potential to achieve success.
If you are struggling with math or you are afraid you will fail math here are some tips to help you become a better math student:
Have a positive attitude. Educators agree that success requires more than ability, competence, or hard work. You need to have a positive attitude in math. You must visualize yourself now as a successful student and be convinced that you have the ability to succeed in math. Of course a little worry about your performance is normal and can even be helpful. Resist the temptation of blaming yourself with negative words. Negative thoughts are the cause of math anxiety. The good news is that you have the power to control your thoughts. Change your negative math self-talk into positive math self-talk. Instead of “I will not pass math”, say “I am smart enough to pass math”.
Use the resources of your school, college or university. Most of them have a tutoring lab, if your education institution doesn’t have one; consider hiring an upper level math student or a professional math tutor for individual learning support. A tutor can help guide you through the labyrinth of content in a way that facilitates learning and reduces math anxiety.
Consider math a foreign language. Learning math is like learning a foreign language. It requires daily practice. If you do not practice a foreign language, you lose it. The same holds true for math, if you do not practice, you are likely to forget it. There are many symbols and new words to know.
Do your homework assignments later that same day after class. After each math class, allow at least half an hour to read your class notes and then do your homework. Remember to read your notes first before doing your homework.
Attend every class. If you ever have to miss a class, it’s imperative that you meet with your professor or teacher during office hours and make certain that you understand the material you missed. If you don’t, you may be lost or struggling for weeks or the rest of the term.
You should avoid reading your mathematics textbooks like a novel. You should sit at a desk, with paper and pencil in hand, verifying statements that are unclear to you and inserting question marks in margins so that you will be ready to ask questions and improve your understanding of new mathematical concepts.
Be proactive, plan ahead. Have a mind set of an over achiever and make a habit of preparing your math tests well in advance. Start your study program as early as a week before the schedule exam.
Following these tips will make you a better understanding about math and you will appreciate the magic in learning math.— oOo—
The author is Teacher III (Math) at General Mariano Alvarez Technical High School