Tips for Students
Why Studying Math is Different
Take Charge and Take Action
Preparing for Tests

Why Studying Math is Different

· Reading math is not like reading a novel. You may have to stop and think about some lines before continuing.

· It is important that you understand each concept you learn in math. If you miss a concept one day, you might not be able to understand concepts you study later. Get help if you do not understand something.

· Make friends with people who can help you if you are having trouble understanding something. Get help on the telephone or by email or instant messaging.

Take Charge and Take Action

· Participate when you are in class. Answer questions and volunteer to write your answers on the blackboard. Ask questions if you are confused.

· Math is learned by doing problems. You get really good at math by doing problems yourself. You might need to ask for help, but do as much as you can on your own.

· Problem-solving is an important skill. There are tips for problem-solving on page xii of MathLinks 9 Adapted. The steps are:
      – Understand the problem.
      – Plan how to solve it.
      – Do It! Carry out your plan.
      – Look Back. Review how you solved the problem and the answer you got. Does it make sense? If the answer does not make sense, go back and look for mistakes or try to solve the problem in a different way.

· Before you begin an assignment, look at your class notes. Make sure you understand the examples and any new words.

· Use the Foldable at the beginning of each chapter to keep track of information.

· If you have finished the assigned problems and still don’t feel comfortable with the concepts, do more questions. The MathLinks 9 Adapted student site has many things to help you. Go to www.mathlinks9.ca and follow the links to the student site to find more resources.

· If you cannot finish your entire math assignment, it is better to do a few problems from each part than just the first problems in the assignment.

· If you do not have very much homework, use the extra time to review and practise concepts you learned earlier in the year.

Preparing for Tests

· If you do your homework every day and make sure you understand concepts as you learn them, it is easier to study for tests. All you need to do is review the concepts you will be tested on and do some practice problems.

· When you get your test, take a minute to look over it. You do not have to do question #1 first. If you know how to do question #3, do that one first.

· Don’t get stumped by a question. If your strategy isn’t working, go to another question.

· Sometimes you will not be able to finish a test in the amount of time given. Don’t panic. Do as many questions as you can.

· Read each question carefully. Underline what the question is asking for. Make sure you answer what the question is asking.

· Show your work. If you make a mistake, you will get some marks.