If mathematic tests give you sleepless nights and you freeze every time you take a math test, then read on to learn tricks that can help you conquer your “math test phobia”. One of the biggest mistakes kids tend to do is to keep quiet in class when they haven’t understood the problem or a particular formula.
Math lessons especially those of algebra are built on top of one another and if you miss out on certain lectures, you may not be able to catch up with the rest of the class again. Discipline yourself as far as your homework is concerned and make sure that all your notes are complete. If you have remained absent for some reason, chat to another class mate or simply let the teacher know, when you arrive back.
Get a study buddy! If math lessons make you feel sleepy… You may ask your class mate to study with you on weekends or even discuss problems over the phone. Knowing where others have reached so far would inspire you to speed up and finish your homework and assignments on time. Two heads are always better than one. Working on problems together with your friend can be fun especially if you quiz each other or solve tests together.
If you feel that math is one of your weakest subjects, then get help from an after-school tutor. Tutors can teach you to solve problems. There are some great tips to improve your maths study at secret study skills, if you are interested to find out more. Your school may also have a tutoring system to help students sail through in math and other subjects. Alternatively, your teacher would also be able to guide you and tell you exactly how to go about solving your math problems. Your teacher may also give you sample tests to be solved at home.
You depend heavily on your visual learning abilities to master this subject. As such, you need to be there when your teacher is working out equations on the board and if yours is a big math class that meets only twice or thrice a week in large groups, join a smaller one held by a private tutor or a teaching assistant.
Math formulas are often very complicated and only practice can help you master them. While certain formulas are simple and can be easily remembered by associating them with a vision or an image, others are more complex and the only way to remember them is to memorize them. Puzzles, brain teasers, and certain breathing exercises are known to improve memory and concentration.
Before every math exam, make sure that you get a good night’s sleep to refresh your mind. And, never skip your breakfast even during exams, as you may suffer from concentration problems on an empty stomach. Most students are unable to sleep well due to “math anxiety” and the very thought of math makes them nervous. You need to stay calm or else you may forget everything you have learnt so far. Practice some relaxation techniques and focus on your end result. A nice fat A+ on the top of the test paper… Start believing in yourself
