Struggling with math?
Many students do. Math doesn’t come easy to many. And especially to artistically-minded individuals…
However, math is a skill. It takes time to develop – assuming you’ve got good habits in place.
Today, we’ll discuss those habits. We’ll show you the best ways to get better at math.
Apply them all, and see them reflect positively on your grades!
#1 – Dedicate 1 Hour (minimum) to it Every Day.
You need to practice problem solving. And this isn’t something you can do on and off.
You need an hour each day to get better (especially since most curriculums deal with multiple branches).
One day, you might deal with geometry. The next is algebra.
What you plan is up to you. Analyze your weaknesses, and setup a work plan. Then double-down on those…
And if you can’t find your weaknesses, then you can…
#2 – Hire a Tutor.
Curriculums are getting more complex. And tutorship is becoming a staple for many students.
You need to hire one. A math tutor has the expertise to analyze your issues and help you out…
They can see your weaknesses better than you. And they know how much time is needed for every lesson/exercise.
Also – It’s 1 on 1.
This means unique courses.
And it also means better accountability. They’ll keep track of your progress at all times. And they ensure you stay consistent.
#3 – Make it a Challenge.
Here’s something you can do.
Find other students in your school. Setup a contest on who can do best in this subject…
You can have timed “problem solving contests.” And the winner gets anything, from money, to a nice dinner…
Contests are an amazing motivational boost. They make you sharpen your skills. And they give your school life an interesting edge!
Make it Solo.
Maybe you’re someone who likes self-challenges. If so, working alone might suit you best.
Have someone set you up with a sheet of problems. And give yourself constant tests…
Try to finish within a specific time. And do so while striving for higher rates of correct answers!
This is something you can do with a tutor. Or, you can apply it by doing past exams on your own time!
#4 – Practice Abstraction and Linear Logic.
Both are required skills in a successful mathematician.
And they’re used in many areas of life too. In fact, consider them less of a skill, and more of a life approach.
Get yourself used to them. Get yourself used to retreating in your head, and shuffling around values and causal chains.
How Do I Do That?
We mentioned practice earlier. But this is something you can apply to games.
Pick up something mind-absorbing, like Sudoku. It’s a math (more of a logic) game that requires spatial awareness!
Make Sure it Isn’t Location Limited.
You need to hone that skill anywhere. You need games you can play at home, in transport, or during school/work breaks.
With a smartphone and internet, this is easy. But we wouldn’t recommend practicing on phone…
After all, most of your exams are “written”. So you need paper and pen to keep exercising!
#5 – Build Perspective.
One problem with many math students is utility.
They get disinterested in math, and that’s because they don’t see the use of what they study.
The concepts are complex, especially at higher levels (like SATs). And they have no idea how they apply to reality.
So build that perspective. Ask and do research.
Maybe you can ask your tutor. Or, do some online research, and see how math sets a foundation for scientific accomplishments.
It’ll show you the utility of the subject. And it’ll give you a drive to explore it!