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how to (properly) study for a math course

Writer's picture: Melissa Galindo LealMelissa Galindo Leal

Surprise. This has been in the making for a bit now, but I just concluded one of my math classes and I dare say, though the road was tumultuous, it was a successful journey. Throughout the many years I've had math classes, and now with zoom, I've figured out some tips and tricks that help me out when it comes to studying my most dreaded subject.



1. Go to class

No matter how worthy recorded classes are, there is nothing better than actually being there, seeing the procedure done at the time, and having time to digest all the new information your brain is trying to soak in. It also allows you to ask questions in the same exact minute you lose track of something, and it helps with getting your brain to become familiar with the concepts by watching someone else implementing them.


2. If you're having issues figuring something out, rewatch the class.

This is where technology and recorded classes come in handy. Rewatching the class if you don't understand the topics helps cement each individual definition, procedure, and pause it in order for you to make notes of what you were getting wrong and how to improve next time.


3. Keep your notes (and procedures) organized

Have you ever been in the middle of a very complex equation that takes an entire page, your scribbles are a mess, you look away one second and don't know where you left off when you go back to staring at the page? Even if you found where you left off, odds are you might've missed a sign or a number, rendering all that procedure wrong. Try to keep it as neat as possible, and while figuring something out, if things get messy, start anew in an empty page. It will save you time, a wrong answer, and anxiety.


4. Do. Practice. Exercises.

As many as you need, until it almost becomes muscle memory. Especially when trying to grasp a hard procedure or concept, do practice problems and exercises until you feel confident. It might take days of putting aside two hours and studying, but by the end of the term, you'll be glad you put in that time. Otherwise, topics you don't understand will pile up and you won't have the chance to review each of them to 'perfection'. This is also a great way of teaching yourself and preparing for the test.


5. Prepare for the test (or quizzes), but don't overload.

A day or two before the test, set aside an hour and a couple of questions consisting of your entire syllabus. Scramble them, gather them from the internet, your teacher, anywhere at all, and answer them without cheating. See if you can handle said questions in a limited amount of time, almost as if you're trying to recreate the exam and are making sure you're capable of writing it. It will serve as a confidence booster, stops your anxiety, and helps you review and calm you a bit before your test.


BONUS POINT:

If there is a certain problem or procedure you keep getting wrong over and over, analyze it. Set aside a couple of minutes (or hours) to write it down, mark the steps as you do the procedure (in different colors) and make sure you understand the logic behind it, in case a similar one pops up in the test.


So, there, my expertise in the field of actually dreading (and sucking at) math but putting in the effort and discipline to overcompensate. Hope this helps someone.


Thank you so much for reading!


-goldenmel

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