Mathematics is a subject that every student has to study at one time or another. Some love it but if we’re being honest, most people hate studying maths. The importance of math for students has never been more prominent, primarily because culture dictates that Mathematics is not for everyone. Potential of students, unlike in singing, dancing theatre arts, in Mathematics is like following and tracing a treasure map to discover full capacity and potentials.
Maths is one of those subjects which you can easily spend hours studying but end up none the wiser. However much you have studied, if you can not solve the problem on day of the test, you are lost.
But what is really in Math that makes it hard?. Life is even more complicated, but we never get tired of living it to the fullest. Albert Einstein once said, “Its not that Im so smart, its just that I stay with problems longer.” Getting and reading between the lines, the great scientist himself, mingle with problems until he was able to find answers to his problems that lead to the invention of some of the most important inventions of all times.
To better help the students of today’s generation, a group of mathematicians in the United States created the Examtime Mathematics Group and enumerate some helpful tips to improve one’s Mathematical abilities:
1. Practice, Practice & More Practice
It is impossible to study math properly by just reading and listening. To study math you have to roll up your sleeves and actually solve some problems. The more you practice answering math problems, the better. Each problem has its own characteristics and it’s important to have solved it in numerous ways before tackling the exam.
2. Review Errors
When you’re practicing with these problems, it’s important to work through the process for each solution. If you have made any mistakes, you should review them and understand where your problem-solving skills let you down. Understanding how you approached the problem and where you went wrong is a great way of becoming stronger and avoiding the same mistakes in the future.
3. Master the Key Concepts
Do not try to memorize the processes. This is counter-productive. It is much better and rewarding in the long-run to focus on understanding the process and logic that is involved. This will help you understand how you should approach such problems in the future.
Remember that Maths is a sequential subject so it’s important to have a firm understanding of the key concepts that underpin a mathematical topic before moving on to work on other, more complex solutions which are based on understanding the basics.
4. Understand your Doubts
Sometimes you can get stuck trying to solve part of a math problem and find it difficult to move on to the next stage. It’s common for many students to skip this question and continue on to the next. You should avoid doing this and instead spend time trying to understand the process of solving the problem. Once you have grasped an understanding of the initial problem, you can use this as a stepping stone to progress to the remainder of the question.
Remember: Maths requires time and patience to master.
It is a good idea to study with a friend who you can consult with and bounce ideas off when trying to solve complex problems.
5. Create a Distraction Free Study Environment
Mathematics is a subject that requires more concentration than any other. A proper study environment and a distraction free area could be the determining factor when solving complex equations or problems in geometry, algebra or trigonometry!
Studying with music can help create a relaxing atmosphere and stimulate the flow of information. Having suitable background music can foster an environment of maximum concentration.
6. Create a Mathematical Dictionary
Mathematics has specific terminology with a lot of vocabulary. We suggest you create Notes or Flashcards with all the concepts, terminology and definitions you need to know. You should include their meanings, some key points and even some sample answers so you can consult them at any time and recap.
7. Apply Mathto Real World Problems
As much as possible, try to apply real-world problems when approaching maths. Maths can be very abstract sometimes so looking for a practical application can help change your perspective and assimilate ideas differently.
Probability, for example, can be used in everyday life to predict the outcome of something happening and determine whether you want to take a risk such as if you should buy a lottery ticket or gamble.
Oh and don’t forget that it’s also important to have confidence in yourself and face the exam knowing that you have prepared properly!
Whatever techniques and strategies one will use in dealing with Mathematics and the complexities it have, what’s real important is the driving force by which we are attached. Tips and techniques will always be the same if values aren’t involve in the process. Remember good mathematicians aren’t born good in solving problems, it is brought about by several factors that lead them to full understanding of Math. Challenges, real life hurdles, mistakes, and the drive to get up and step up are all important factors why we have the best Mathematicians in the world.
Who knows, you might be the next best thing in Mathematics. Keep the faith!
By: Rocchely N. Dellosa | Teacher III | Limay National High School
