How did you study for math exams and courses in your undergraduate career?
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4 answers
Cecilie’s Answer
Hi there,
I was a math major and a math tutor during college. My favorite thing that helps students with their math classes is changing the way you think about math. I find that most people think about math as something that is hard and something they're not good at. That would be your biggest hurdle to understanding and excelling at math. As soon as you start thinking that you are bad at something, you start to create that reality.
You have to view math in a different light. I view math as a game or puzzles. Without knowing the proper rules to a game, it seems insurmountable. So take the time to learn the rules. Your class lectures and the book are great places to learn the rules. We also have access to an endless source of information, the internet. Once you've learned the rules to the point of competence, then practice. There's a reason you are given homework, to be able to practice your new skill.
Hard work and the right frame of mind can lead to success in your math classes. And this method works for other classes. Your brain is a powerful tool that can either help or hurt your efforts. Learn how to control this tool.
Victoria’s Answer
Math is a subject that you have to practice over an over to get right. I found that taking good notes, highlighting my books (paper or virtually), and working tons of problems helped me prepare the best for exams. When you work problems over and over you get in a rhythm and when you get to the exam you work the same kinds of problems using the methods you practiced preparing for the exam - you stress less when you know the steps to take to solve a problem. If there is vocabulary or multiple choice, I find it helps to make test questions as you study either in your head or write them down (like flash cards)
Office hours are super if you are having questions. There are lots of online sources for help, like utube, Google, and possibly your lectures are recorded or notes are on file in the library. Consider sharing notes in a study group. If it is possible to find practice tests this can be helpful as well.
Sometimes study groups can be helpful but this depends on how you work best.
Figuring out what methods work for you can help you also determine the most effective way to study.
I find I did better when I really understood the principle versus memorized a technique.
Also try to explain it to someone else and you will quickly figure out what steps you don't understand.
I hope this helps :)
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Praveen’s Answer
For me, Mathematics was all about practice. I would look for every opportunity to solve problems, try different question papers from previous years. Also, looked at creating variations of the questions.
It is also important to look for some shortcuts and tricks and that can come in handy while solving exam questions.
Andrea’s Answer
Studying in college was a challenge because there was so much to do on my campus. So I created a schedule that allowed me to study during the day. For math exams, I liked to repeatedly practiced my math problems. I would get a ream of paper and just do my problems over and over until I could do them without looking up the formulas. In some of my classes a formula sheet was provided. For my other classes, I would read the chapter highlights and focus on the talking point from the instructor.
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