40 Quick Tips to Excel in Difficult Math Classes
I recently got my grade back for my second semester of Calculus, and I was really happy to find out I got an A. However, I knew a lot of people who failed despite trying really hard in that class, so I figured I’d share some of what I do in my math classes to help me get good grades.
1. If you can, try to select an instructor and class time that works well with your learning habits and style.
2. Get in the mindset to learn something new!
3. I suggest getting a notebook with graph or squared pages because it makes the organization of problems and graphing so much easier.
4. I suggest bringing pens instead of pencils because you can take notes much quicker.
5. Show up 5-10 minutes early, some people say 15 minutes early but I think that’s a tad overkill.
6. Get comfortable: bring water and maybe a light snack if your instructor is okay with that.
7. If you don’t understand something, ask a question.
8. Don’t get stuck on the minutiae.
9. Write down everything that helps you understand the concept.
10. Don’t be hindered by fear or doubt.
11. Attend every lecture you possibly can.
12. If you miss a lecture, ask your classmates what you studied that day, then go to khan academy or a similar source for supplemental instruction.
13. If you miss a lecture, do not go directly to the textbook to try to learn a new concept.
14. I repeat, never go directly to your textbook to learn a new concept.
15. Re-write and organize your notes in a way that makes them the most understandable to you.
16. If homework is optional do it.
17. Prioritize the most difficult problems when you’re doing your homework.
18. Utilize the tutoring center.
19. Use your instructor’s office hours.
20. Keep track of your grade.
21. Use supplemental instruction such as Khan Academy to wrap your head around difficult concepts.
22. Work with your classmates on more difficult problems. Sometimes a collaborative process works best.
23. If you feel comfortable with it, try helping your classmates when they’re having difficulty with the topic.
24. See if you can get your hands on an old exam or a pre-test.
25. You can’t just understand the idea; you have to practice, practice, practice which means do the problems.
26. Try to form a study group.
27. Use pneumonic devices to help the formulas stick. For the formula uv- ∫vdu my friend came up with ultra-violet voodoo , and it has stuck in my head ever since.
28. Visual representation is your friend.
30. Don’t try to write the entire class on the cheat card.
31. Write down the difficult-to-remember formulas, and everything else you have difficulty remembering.
32. Don’t be afraid if your cheat card is not packed with information because it means you remember and understand a lot of the material.
33. If you have blank space on your cheat card use it to remind yourself not to make silly mistakes, like basic algebra mistakes, and to write little encouragements to yourself.
34. Color code your note card by problem type.
35. Take every easy point you can get on an exam.
36. Leave no answer blank.
37. Notation, notation, notation.
38. Look out for basic algebra errors.
39. Don’t worry about what other students are doing.
40. Don’t panic. You’ve got this.
10 Tips to Excel in Math by @cornucopiaofthoughts
How to Study for Math by @enfpfocustudyblr
A Maths Masterpost by @organisaticns
Succeeding in Math… When You’re Bad At Math by @universtudy
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