Math Students Be Aware

It is important that you make yourself aware of:

• Your instructor and his/her office hours
• Your instructor's phone number
• The course objectives
• The testing format and grading scale
• The instructor's testing procedures
• Assignment point values, quiz point values, and attendance point values (if any)
• The course syllabus (a brief outline of the course)
• The textbook and available study guides
• Other resources (study groups, tutors, ACE Center)
  
  

HOW TO TAKE NOTES IN MATH CLASSES

1. Write down what is on the board; identify the problem and page numbers.
2. Write down the explanation that goes with what is on the board.
3. Write a reason for each step of the problem. If there is not time to write an explanation, leave blank spaces and fill them in within 24 hours.
4. Do not jam numbers or symbols together; give yourself plenty of space.
   Examples:     1/2                  1/4
5. Make each numeral and letter clear and unique so as not to confuse them.
   Examples: 1 (numeral) and l (lower case L)     2 and Z          5 and S
6. Identify and highlight main topics. Keep note cards with formulas and definitions for each chapter.
7. Draw pictures, diagrams, charts, etc. to make your work clearer.
8. Take good notes for assignments and tests coming up. Keep a record of all scores received during the semester.
9. Read and revise your notes within 24 hours (do not recopy them).
10. Label your notes with the date, chapter, and page numbers.
11. Keep your notes as organized as possible. Do not be afraid to use paper. Use the margins only to highlight important points. Any time an instructor repeats a point, be sure to highlight that point in your notes.

DEALING WITH MATH ANXIETY: There Is a Way!

1. Prepare for what lies ahead by looking at the summary at the end of the next chapter your instructor will cover.
2. Look at each major heading in the chapter to be covered. Make note cards listing any new formulas or definitions you encounter.
3. Go to class. Steps 1 and 2 have provided you with an excellent framework to listen to the lecture, to organize and write notes, and to understand the worked examples. You also have the background to ask intelligent questions about the subject matter.
4. After class, do your homework as soon as possible while your memory is fresh. Put worked examples on note cards for future reference. Study in a comfortable place where you will have a minimum number of distractions.
5. Complete the assigned work and then work extra problems until you feel comfortable with the material. Always double-check your work and decide if your answer is reasonable.
6. Do not be afraid (or ashamed) to ask for help from family members, classmates, friends, instructors, ACE Center personnel, study groups, or a private tutor. Ask questions as soon as they come up. Later is too late!
7. If you get stuck on a particular problem, do not keep pounding away at it until you lose all control and confidence. STOP! Go on to the next problem and get help later.
8. Do not skip class and do not let yourself get behind in your work. If you must miss a class, get notes from a reliable source and work through the section immediately.
9. Before a test, read over your notes and note cards. Brush up on any topic that you feel needs attention. Make up a practice test and take it. Ask yourself: "If I were the instructor, what would I think is important in this unit?"
10. If you have to cram for a test or exam, you have not been doing your job for the past 2-3 weeks.. Review time is a time to refresh your memory, not a time to teach yourself the material.
11. Know your goal! Think confidently and positively!

EFFECTIVE TEST TAKING: General Tips on Taking Tests

 Before the test:

1. Review lecture notes, note cards, textbooks, quizzes, and other tests. Organize and consolidate the information.
2. Make a summary sheet listing key terms, ideas, definitions, formulas, and categories.
3. Look at previous tests you have taken from this instructor to get an idea of the style of test to expect.
4. Formulate possible questions. Test yourself. Review those areas that are troublesome.
5. Attend class the day before the test. Instructors usually give general hints and/or specific suggestions about the content of the test.
6. If you get in the habit of organized notetaking, regular recitation, and systematic review, there will be no need to cram.
7. Collect necessary pens and pencils the night before, so there will be no need to rush on test day.
8. Get a good night's sleep; eat a nutritious meal; and feel confident and positive.

During the test:

1. Arrive 5 minutes early. Find a seat away from distractions (friends, doors, windows).
2. Compose yourself. Consciously relax and take a few deep breaths. Think of your reward after the test is completed. Think confidently! Think positively!
3. When the test is in your hands:
   
   
   • Read and re-read all directions carefully.
   • Read through the entire test, noting point values and time allotments. Plan your test time schedule accordingly. Allow 5 minutes at the end of your test to proofread your work.
   • Jot down any information you think you might forget.
   • Note the key words in the questions.
   • Answer the easy questions first. Answer every question unless points are subtracted for guessing.
   • Focus only on the question on which you are working. Do not think ahead or behind the question you are answering.
   • Circle questions you are not sure of; return to them later when you can spend more time on them. Do not panic!
   • On multiple choice questions, read every possible answer before you choose the most correct one.
   • Put as much pertinent information down as you can; many instructors give partial credit based on this information.
   • Use all of your allotted time. Do not be distracted by those who finish early.
4. While the test is still in your hands, take 5 minutes and review your answers before handing in the test. Make sure you have made no careless errors. Check your answers to make sure they are reasonable. Make sure your answers are clear and legible; erase stray marks.

After the test:

1. In your notebook, jot down questions you were unsure of. Find the answers in your text or lecture notes. (You may see the questions again on a later test.)

2. When the test is returned, review it and analyze your errors. Find the correct answers, so that you can use them while studying for later tests.
3. Analyze your test preparation and test-taking strategies. Note the techniques you would like to use next time and the techniques which were of no help.
4. Study any comments by the instructor. If you still have questions, see the instructor during office hours or by appointment.

EFFECTIVE TIME MANAGEMENT

1. Build a weekly schedule including:
   
   
   • Work
   • Study and class time
   • Recreation and family time
   • Eating, sleeping, exercising, cleaning, chores
   • Outside commitments (meetings, church, etc.)
   • Breaks and rewards
     HINT: A schedule should be structured, yet flexible. Be realistic rather than idealistic.
2. Build a daily schedule including:
   
   
   • What must be done today
   • What you would like to do today
   • What you could do if you had time
3. How to avoid wasting time:
   
   
   • Plan your day in advance.
   • Do the most important things first. Do not go on to another thing until the first is completed.
   • Block out sections of time for the upcoming week for major activities.
   • Assess your adherence to time management scheduling.
   • Do not let interruptions destroy the "big plan."
   • Fill idle time with small tasks: balance your checkbook, write a letter, memorize, etc.
   • Use idle time for memorizing. Long and short car trips are good for this. Tape note cards with formulas, definitions, etc. around the house. (Bathrooms and kitchens are good places for these.)
   • Rest. If you are tired and run down, you will have a difficult time concentrating.