For many students, math can be a daunting subject, especially when they’ve fallen behind. This can lead to test-taking anxiety, a fear of participating in class, and difficulty completing homework on time. If this sounds familiar, try the following tips to supplement a current math study routine and get back on track.
1. Communicate with Your Teacher
Knowing when and how to ask for help can make a world of difference. Being open about your struggles and taking advantage of office hours can be a great way to get extra support. Some teachers may recommend specific chapters to review, walk you through sample problems, or even assign extra work to help solidify your skills.
If you’re unsure how to start the conversation, here are a few ways to approach your teacher:
- “I’ve been struggling with X, Y, and Z. Can you help me figure out how to get back on track?”
- “I’ve been feeling discouraged about my test results. Based on what you’ve seen, what areas or types of problems do I need to focus on?”
- “I know where I’m struggling, but I don’t know how to improve. Can we discuss what concepts from previous years I should review?”
A recent survey of math teachers revealed that asking for clarification and guidance is considered a crucial step in mastering mathematical concepts. Most teachers are eager to help students who actively seek support!
2. Use Online Resources
In good news, there are lots of wonderful supplementary resources available online. Websites like Khan Academy offer comprehensive tutorial videos and practice problems tailored to specific concepts. This can be especially useful if you’re struggling with a particular topic and need extra practice.
Independent YouTube creators, such as PreMath and Math Antics, also produce high-quality, step-by-step math videos that can help reinforce difficult concepts.
Tip: When using video tutorials, pause the video before the instructor walks through an example. Try to solve the problem on your own first—this “active recall” technique is one of the most effective ways to cement your understanding.
3. Find Study Partners
Studying with a focused friend or in a small study group can provide motivation and support. Research shows that collaborative learning improves comprehension and makes studying more enjoyable. An effective study group can work together on homework assignments, offering each other guidance and reinforcing understanding of concepts.
When choosing a study partner, find someone who is reliable and can stay on task. Set a regular meeting time and choose a quiet, organized study space where you can focus and reference each other’s work.
Note: Be mindful of potential distractions. If you’re studying with friends, set boundaries at the start of the session to ensure everyone stays focused on math for a set amount of time. You can always catch up afterward!
4. Know Your Textbook
Many students overlook the value of their math textbooks. These resources often contain detailed explanations, worked-out examples, practice problems, and chapter reviews. If you’ve struggled with particular quizzes or tests, return to those chapters and review the material. Most textbooks also include answer keys, allowing you to check your work for accuracy.
Tip: Take the time to read the chapter summaries at the end of each section. These often provide concise overviews of key concepts, which can be particularly helpful when you’re preparing for a test or final exam.
5. Redo Old Homework and Quizzes
Going over old homework assignments, quizzes, and tests is one of the most effective ways to focus your studying. By redoing past work, you can reinforce concepts and improve your problem-solving skills.
Start by organizing your old assessments in one place. Aim to redo at least one old quiz or homework assignment per week. As finals approach, identify the most challenging assignments from the semester and review them until you feel confident in your ability to solve similar problems on a cumulative exam.
Final Thoughts
There are plenty of tools to get caught up in math, address learning lags, and boost confidence. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, and remember that consistent, daily practice can gradually improve understanding. Persistence is key.
What strategies have helped you improve your math skills? We’d love to hear about your experiences and any tips that have worked well for you!
Additional Articles/Resources:
Unlocking the Power of Math Learning: Strategies and Tools for Success