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How to Have the Right Attitude
Tips for Success in Math Class
Try my best.
Complete all assignments.
Ask questions.
Commit the time to learn.
Take notes and use them.
Learn as much as you can during class time.
Pay attention
Participate.
Ask questions.
Listen to other student's questions.
Sit in front of the classroom.
Use other resources.
Check for reasonableness of solutions.
Use the few minutes before class--locate homework you have questions about, reread notes, look ahead to the next section, try an unassigned problem.
Avoid deceiving yourself about how well you study.
If you receive a low grade on a test at after putting in a lot of time studying, it usually indicates that you have used ineffective methods to prepare for the test.
Understand a procedure before memorizing!
If you have studied correctly, when you walk into the test you should honestly find
You have no weaknesses among possible topics
You have a reasonable chance to get 100% or close to 100%
It may be tempting to blame your teacher or the test for an unsatisfactory grade, but you will do better to identify improvements you can make in your study habits. If you can accurately identify what you did wrong you are less likely to repeat these errors on future tests.
Points to look for when analyzing mistakes:
Arithmetic or careless error
Misunderstood directions
Conceptual error
Careless error
Applied inappropriate technique
Be persistent in trying to get all the help you can--before the test.
Use 3 X 5 study cards to master lists of formulas; to help identify types of problems.
Know the difference between "Explain", "Describe", and "Compare".
Explain: Who, how, why reasons. Give examples. Tell why it works, how it works. Show or list logical steps in order. Be clear and clarifying. Use facts. Use verbs.
Describe: Use thorough, concise facts--use details until idea is clear. Identify subject. Use adjectives. Provide an image. Use complete sentences.
Compare: Tell about differences and similarities between items. Use complete sentences.
How to Have the Right Attitude
Begin with an open mind
Motivate yourself!
Overcome previous "low ability"--Low grades do not necessarily indicate low ability
You are not in control of whatever your natural ability is, but you are in control of how much time you devote to the course and how you use that time.
Do the homework.
Ask questions.
Study (review) for all tests.
Don't make excuses--take responsibility for your own education.
Math is not a spectator sport.
Take a positive approach.
Decide you will make an honest effort to do well.
Decide now you will persist in working hard in the course all year.
Why Do We Have
to Study This Stuff, Anyway?
Study
it because I told you to…
Study
it to help you pass your WASL, SAT’s, ITBS, …
So
you can pass this class…
So
you can pass math classes in college…
Not good enough
reasons?
So
you can find equations for information…
So
you can find the probability of something happening…
So
you can find out if you have enough money to buy something…
Learning math will help you find a good paying job...
So you can learn to solve difficult problems...
So you can learn about yourself--to develop insight into how your own mind works...
Still not good
enough reasons?
Consider
this:
It doesn't matter how many words you can read, if you cannot analyze what
you are reading. You should be able
to examine material methodically, separating the information into parts and
study their interrelations. Math
helps train your brain to do this. Math
helps train your brain to think.
So…
take this opportunity to improve your mind.
Throughout the
year, you will be shown some practical applications of the mathematics which you
are studying, but always remember, “Your mind is in training.
The only way to improve it is to use it.”
10 Tips for Success in Math class
1.
Complete ALL of the assigned
homework every night.
It is essential that you understand the dangers of falling behind. “Catching up” may be extremely difficult.
2.
Neatness, not only counts, it is
essential.
Developing
the habit of neatness and of saying exactly what you mean (No skipping steps!)
will help you in other subjects as well as mathematics.
3.
Problems MUST be solved in PENCIL.
Always
copy the original problem before you begin to solve.
4.
Even if you are an Einstein, you
must show all your work.
Steps are written one under the other, not to the side.
Steps must be orderly.
5.
Box or highlight your answers so
they may be easily seen and read.
6.
Division problems are written as
fraction, not with ÷
7.
Multiplication problems are
written with parentheses.
8.
Ask questions in class!
There are probably other students sitting in the class
with the same questions you have.
Remember, “Smart kids know when they don’t know.”
9.
Work on developing a positive
attitude.
Even
if you dislike math, stop announcing it. Instead,
try to realize that most likely, its not the subject you dislike, but rather the
NOT UNDERSTANDING that’s getting you down.
So vow to fight it and come out a winner.
It may not be easy, but you can do it.
10.Start
taking responsibility for your own success or failure when trying to master a
new concept.
Remember
there is no “easy way” to learn math. Math
is HARD WORK. Get help the same day
you do not understand. Like most
anything else, the more you practice, the better you’ll do.
Remember: math is not a
spectator sport.
When
you play football, basketball, tennis, volleyball, wrestle, baseball, or
participate in a track meet, you may end up losing even though you have done
your best. There’s no shame in
that. At least you tried and did the
best you could do—at that time. Every
time you play, you gain experience and sharpen skills for the next time.
Studying
for a math exam is different from studying for other subjects.
Math is learned by doing,
so…
1.
Do ALL your homework every night,
without fail.
Homework is first and foremost a
means of learning ideas and processes in mathematics.
If you get stuck, don’t just give up!
Look back at the book and your notes for ideas related to the problem.
If you still can’t clear your thinking, ask the teacher about the
problems as soon as possible.
2.
Correct your homework errors.
Don’t
just change the answers. Strive to
understand how you made your errors and what you need to do to avoid making
those errors again.
3.
Concentrate!
Ask
questions when you do not understand.
Listen
to the questions and answers of others in the class and take part in the class
discussion.
4.
Teach the topic you are tying to
learn.
See if
you can explain it to your mom or dad. If
you can explain it well enough for someone else to understand, you know it well
enough to pass with high marks.
5.
When the test is handed to you,
remember these pointers.
1.
Do the problems in the order that suits you.
Start with the problems you know for sure.
2.
Work quickly and continuously.
If you get stuck on a problem, move on to another one.
3.
Show all your work and make it as easy as possible for the teacher
to see how much you do know.
4.
Make sure you read the questions carefully and do all parts of
each problem. Does each answer make
sense?
5.
If you finish early, check every problem.
Rework everything from scratch.
1. Stay informed.
2. Make sure your students are taking advanced courses. The mathematics students learn in the middle grades has a strong effect on whether they will be able to take the higher levels of mathematics necessary for admission to college and for an increasing number of jobs. Encourage your child to master Algebra and Geometry, and then move on to upper level courses.
3. Be a champion for challenge. A challenging math curriculum can stimulate children to learn and can positively influence growth in other areas of their education.
4. Encourage promptness and attendance.
5. Make math fun. Spend time with kids on simple board games, puzzles, and activities that encourage better attitudes and stronger math skills. Even everyday activities can teach children math concepts. The kitchen is filled with opportunities to teach fractional measurements.
6. Use real world examples to teach math. Point out ways that people use math every day to pay bills, balance their checkbooks, figure out net earnings or income, make change, and tip at restaurants. Involve older children in projects that incorporate geometric and algebraic concepts like planting a garden, carpeting or painting a room, building something, or figuring mileage and gas consumption.
7. Prepare children for a profession. Let students know how different occupations utilize mathematics. Encourage them to be successful in mathematics.
8. Tune into technology. Encourage your child to use computers and technology.
9. Encourage children to solve problems. Provide assistance, but let them figure it out for themselves. Problem solving is a lifetime skill.
10. There is nothing to fear about mathematics. Help children appreciate how a strong foundation in math can lead to great opportunities in the future. Regardless of your own experience with mathematics, encourage your child to develop a love of math through supporting their performance, helping with school projects, and discussing their homework.