Maths is a unique subject. It involves symbols, formulae, specific procedures, textbooks that look different and many unique words and terms. Consequently, it is important to use study skills that apply particularly well to maths.
Here are some you should use:
DO ALL HOMEWORK AND ASSIGNMENTS
You can’t learn maths just by reading and listening. Much of maths learning involves actively doing. This means that you must do all of your maths homework and assignments. This is essential to learning how to use formulae and procedures.
MAKE SURE YOU KEEP UP
Maths is a sequential subject. What is taught on a given day is based upon what was taught before. Once you fall behind, it is very difficult to catch up. Cramming at the last minute will not help you. Be certain to attend every class and keep up with your teacher.
ALLOCATE MORE TIME
Maths is a difficult subject that becomes increasingly complex. You may have to spend more study time on this subject than on your other subjects.
MASTER KEY CONCEPTS
Don’t try to memorise your way through maths. There are simply too many formulae and procedures. Try to master the key concepts. This will reduce the amount of information you will need to remember.
APPLY PAST LEARNING
Once you learn a procedure for solving a problem, the same procedure can often be used to solve other problems. When presented with a new problem, try to apply your past learning to the new problem.
MAKE SPECIAL NOTES FOR MATHS TERMS
Learn the vocabulary of maths. Often, a word used in maths has a different meaning than that same word when used outside of maths. For example, volume in maths refers to the amount of space within a solid figure.
Outside of maths, volume can refer to a book or to loudness. Write new maths words and terms, and their maths meanings, in a special place in your notebook.
BELIEVE
Maths is a subject that makes many students very anxious. As simple as it sounds, having confidence in yourself can reduce your anxiety.
PRACTISE PROBLEMS
Practice, as they say, makes perfect. And practice is also a great confidence builder when it comes to maths. This ties in with the first pointer provided, which stresses the importance of “doing” when learning maths. Work consistently through all problem examples provided in your text books, and then be sure to also practise using past test and exam papers – some “classic” problems have a way of resurfacing quite regularly in exam papers.
These study tips can help you succeed in maths. But don’t be too proud to seek help when you realise that you need more than tips and super effort to succeed.