Want to improve your maths skills? For many students, maths is the most challenging subject. So much so that it leaves many with the idea that only the naturally gifted individuals can master it. Truth be told, anyone can be good at maths as long as they practice the best and effective strategies. Achieving success in maths won’t be accomplished overnight. That said, you must be willing to work hard and maintain a certain level of discipline to practice every day until concepts become clearer. This week’s blog will highlight tips to help you improve your maths skills. If this is something you’re interested in, continue reading to find out more.
Master the basics
Think fast, 50 times 3. The first step in becoming better in maths is to take the time and ensure that you understand the basics. Concepts such as algebra are the key to mastering more complex maths concepts. Multiplication, slopes, graphs, systems of equations are the basis for most secondary school maths problems.
If a student realises that these skills are too difficult to master, then they should seek help as soon as possible before they are left behind their peers. If your child has struggled with the basics, there’s only one thing to do, make them practice. You can use flashcards, educational computer games and ensure they practice, practice, practice.
Take it one step at a time
If you look at the question as a whole, then you’ll only end up becoming confused. Instead, look at the question in parts and begin to solve it one step at a time. Avoid thinking about the impending steps and focus on what you need to do at the moment. For example, if you need to multiply first, then concentrate on multiplying.
After having worked out the problem, should you choose to go back and analyse your answer to fully understand what you did and how your process worked, then feel free to do so? In fact, we strongly encourage you to make this a habit. You’re more likely to increase your chances of succeeding in improving your maths skills and boosting your grade in exams.
Analyse and understand every mistake
We cannot stress enough how important this is. In a world where perfection is the goal, this should become a habit for most students. But, unfortunately, it is far too easy to want to ignore a mistake made on homework or a test just to let it go. These evaluation methods are an indication that there is room for improvement. Instead, you must go to your teacher or tutor to rectify the mistake, understand where you went wrong, and analyse your thought process that led to the incorrect answer. As the famous saying goes, those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it.
Don’t hold in your questions (get help fast)
Most if not everyone learns by asking questions, so don’t be afraid to put your hand up and ask if you have a question. You may have heard this from your parents or guardian, but there is nothing to be embarrassed about when asking a question. The chances are that there is another student in the room with the same question as you, which can benefit you, the other student, and the teacher.
Now they know where you are in your learning and can help you move forward. A school setting is the perfect setting to practise asking good questions. Many of us were once (and still are) that shy student who felt too embarrassed to ask questions in front of others. Please don’t wait until it’s too late to ask! You can wait until class is over or when you meet your tutor if you’ve got one.
Find a study partner
Some students learn best through peer learning. Teachers sometimes deploy this technique by posing a question to students and allow them to pair up with one of their peers to work out the answer. Learning in students has been known to increase when they explain their ideas and participate in activities where they can interact with their peers.
This activity fosters a different dynamic between students and peers compared to a traditional student-teacher relationship. Students feel more comfortable with their peers in a more collaborative and engaging setting where they can learn from someone who has managed to grasp the concept to motivate them. In addition, it could help a friend tend to take good notes and is reliable to call and fill you in on homework should you miss days from school.
The calculator is your best friend
Many students use calculators without fully understanding how to input the maths problem to be given the correct answer. Calculators have come a long way since humankind invented them. These days calculators come with unique buttons and features, and some even have mini-games you can play just for fun. As a learning excerise try to play around with a calculator to familiarise yourself and explore its features? Practising this early can ensure they receive the correct answer and save them time during maths examinations.
Conclusion
Maths can be tricky, and you’re not the only person who feels that way. It seems like every year, and it gets unnecessarily more complex. It doesn’t matter what you study in college or what career you’re thinking of; maths is every you go, and mastering it can help to maximise your options. With the right amount of effort from the student and support from those around them, everyone can get better at maths.
Seek help as soon as you realise you need it. Your tutor and or your teacher is there to help you get to where you need to be. Homework can be a pain, but it is helpful to practice maths concepts as much as possible to master them. The numeracy skills you gain from practising can provide confidence with handling money, and when the time comes, it can lead to a high paying job, and who doesn’t want that?
We hope you enjoyed this week’s blog post on how to improve your maths skills. Stayed tuned for next week’s blog post. We promise you won’t be disappointed!
