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When it comes to discussing homework, many parents (and their children), as well as more self-driven high school and college students, would consider mathematics - such as algebra, trigonometry, calculus or simple multiplication and division - to be one of the more difficult subjects, or even the most difficult subject required for completion of general ed’s. Not everyone suffers with their math homework, and those that do struggle seem to find it greatly difficult, and grind their wheels to a halt quickly, while those who succeed apparently possess an innate talent for the matter, and stride forward easily. So how to get around this impasse?
Why It Pays to do Your Math Homework
Well, the good news is that studies have shown there is a correlation, between doing your math homework and achieving a better grade in the class, that is higher than for any other subject. So it pays to do your math homework, to do it well, and to do it repeatedly. In this first, introductory program, I’m going to outline some math homework study skills that you can use regardless of which subject or level you are approaching.
The first objective of approaching any math problem, or page of problems, should be to construct an overview of the terms, the functions and operations being shown on the page, and from the chapter in the textbook it is drawn from. It is important to develop your basic math vocabulary, so that you can easily identify the system being displayed and the appropriate steps to be taken. Often, on long standardized tests, it is the math section that confounds, disrupts and impedes a student’s progress; so it is necessary to learn how to identify quickly which type of problem you are dealing with, and to apply the correct method to find the solution.
Vocabulary
Vocabulary
In statistics, you will need to become familiar with mode, median, standard variation, expected value, conditional probability and discrete variables, for example; in algebra, you will need to know complex fractions, binomials, dependent variables and exponential growth. Facility with the important vocabulary of the topic will enable you not only to swiftly move through the problems as they are presented, but will also allow you to communicate with your teacher, your tutor or your parent about the material being presented. Not all of these terms will be relevant for each math homework assignment, but it is important to get a lay of the land and an understanding of what you are being presented with before diving into the intricacies of the problems.
Answer Review
Checking your homework answers is also a two-way process, in which you can either scan the answers beforehand, to get an idea of what kind of solutions you will be generating, or you can review each answer individually to make sure you do not proceed without a correct method. Or, you can self-test by checking all the answers only after you have completed the total assignment. That way, you will prepare for an eventual quiz and you will get an idea of which math homework problems you tend to struggle with, and which problems you find to be a breeze.
Conclusion
Math homework is certainly subject-specific, and will vary in complexity depending on grade level and sequence within the course. However, using these strategies for vocabulary retention and answer review, you can self-assess and determine what skills you need to develop, which problems present challenges for you, and what concepts or terms you are unfamiliar with.
