Math is an intriguing subject but it is also one that is most feared by many students. Most students struggle with understanding concepts as they dive into them with the preconceived notion that it will be challenging to begin with. Math tuition teachers and school tutors teach students in a systematic manner by using different strategies so that students need not fear the subject.
Math tutors, especially, have the ability and the liberty to teach each and every student in a way that is tailored to meet their own learning needs. No two leaves are different; each student has his or her own way of grasping concepts and internalising them. This is the reason why most parents do not understand why their way of tutoring is not making any tangible progress or seeing any success in their children’s grades. Many parents and students are unsure of how to handle this subject and hence the struggle leads to more confusions and disappointments.
Here are some must-know steps on how you can boost your math grade!
Love The Subject
In order to do well in anything in life, it is of utmost importance to first of all love it and enjoy the process of engaging in it. The subject may seem formidable, it may seem as though one can never master it, however there are plenty of students out there who are performing with excellence.
Excellence is not a matter of being a genius or having a talent, but it is to do with one’s interest, curiosity and passion. Though you may not like math to a great extent, it is helpful to say out loud that you indeed love it. It’s an odd piece of advice but it works wonders! Try saying “I love math, it is a fun subject!” to your peers or anyone else around you when you are having a conversation. This involves you tricking your own mind into thinking that you like the subject and soon enough, you will find the joy in learning math over time.
Progress starts with something as small as this.
Do Not Fear Mistakes
Making mistakes is part and parcel of learning. For anyone who is learning, two types of confusions would arise: The first is not knowing which one is which, the other is having a misconception and thinking that it is true, when it is actually something else. These are normal confusions that can arise and one should never be ashamed of making such mistakes.
Your math tutors are experts, but never forget that experts were also once beginners. They can empathise with your worries and they know exactly how it would feel to underperform. Thus, talk to your tutors, communicate your worries with them and they will be able to find the perfect solution for you.
Practice Is Crucial
Doing well in math does not solely depend on having a good understanding of concepts. Yes, that is much needed; but without practice, understanding of concepts becomes moot. One needs to practice using past-year papers and assessment books in order to get some idea of the kind of questions that can be asked.
Math questions are not straightforward and they can be complex in the sense that one question can test multiple concepts. This integrated understanding of concepts and application really tests students on their ability to think on their feet and engage their mind in critical thinking. Under exam stress and pressure, under such nerve-wracking environment, students need to be able to calm themselves down and analyse what the question requirements are.
Read The Question Carefully
Students leave out precious marks due to their careless in reading the question being asked. Making assumptions and skimming through questions is a deadly habit. Breaking down the question and understanding the question requirement is absolutely essential. Students need to develop this habit while learning the topics themselves. It will be helpful for students to annotate on the side of the question in a pencil as to what kind of concepts are being tested.
This will help students narrow down into the concepts that they need to think around. Writing down the formulas associated with them would also making it easier for them to derive the answers. Moreover, re-checking your work to see if you have made any mistakes is also as equally as important!