ASC

Studying Mathematics

College is very different from high school and those who succeed in their college math classes succeed because they work hard, develop self-discipline, and take responsibility for their own accomplishments and failures.

How is learning math at college different from learning math at high school? One college surveyed students who placed into remedial mathematics and found that those students typically believed that if they did most of the homework, getting the answers any way

they could, they would pass the class. This model may have worked in high school but will not work in college. Some students believe just being able to manipulate equations and expressions without understanding what they are doing will be enough. However, the college math classes you will eventually take will require you to understand what you are doing.

Each math concept builds on the concepts that came before it. It is much easier to learn new concepts if you really understand (not just have memorized) the previous concepts. To really understand, you must practice thoughtfully and use the correct language and notation.

To do well in your math class you must aim to do your very best, to understand completely all of the material presented; you cannot aim for passing or even an 80%, you must learn it all. Your attitude, determination, and study skills, far more than other factors, will lead to your success or failure. Those who find mathematics difficult or unpleasant must have a plan for success and the determination to carry their plan through. The Eastern Washington University Mathematics department in conjunction with the Academic Support Center has developed a manual to help students develop their own plans and to give them resources for support.

This is the introduction for the EWU Mathematics Study Skills manual and it is available for download below.

PDF TUTORIALS

Succeed in Mathematics (EWU)

ADDITIONAL MATH SKILLS LINKS

Basic Tips for Mathematics Success

PREPARE FOR CLASS

Read material ahead of time that will be addressed in class.
Arrive early and quiz yourself by jotting down as many ideas as you
can remember from the previous class.

CLASS NOTES

Condense class notes to a 1 to 2 page help sheet, organized by topics. This will
later serve as an easy reference when studying for prelims and the final exam.
Refer to your class notes as you work on homework problems.
Assigned problems are usually similar to those introduced in class.
Leave extra space on each page of notes for future clarity. This will enable you
to add your own comments at a future time.

TEXTBOOK

Familiarize yourself with your text pedagogy: chapter summaries, review
exercises, appendix tables and charts, answers in the back of the book, etc.

HOMEWORK

Textbooks normally provide answers to odd-numbered problems only. If
assigned an even-numbered problem, work on the odd-numbered problems
surrounding it first and check those answers in the back of the book.
Use a colored highlighter to identify problems with homework exercises.
This will prepare you ask specific questions when attending office hours.

OFFICE HOURS AND EXTRA HELP

Take advantage of scheduled office hours by the parent instructor, “00”
instructor, TA’s and course assistants. Be prepared to ask specific questions.
Visit the Academic Support Center or contact our Mathematics Specialist Marci Bohac in the Mathmatics department for additional help.

ADDITIONALLY

Form a study group with classmates.
Study consistently at least one week before prelims.
Redo missed problems and attach to your prelim for future reference.