Math can be difficult for many students. And if you are looking for tips for cracking the math code, you are in the right place. According to Yahoo! Finance, approximately 93% of Americans report some level of math anxiety, and nearly 1 in 5 U.S. adults suffer from high levels of math anxiety.
A 2016 study suggested that 11% of college students exhibit a high level of mathematics anxiety that could require counseling. As a nation, we have an advanced-stage math problem that we need to solve.
So if you’re considering taking a math class in college or high school or struggling with your current coursework, this guide will help you understand how to prepare.
Importance of Math Preparation
In today’s world, math skills are essential for many careers. Even if you don’t plan on becoming a math major, the ability to apply mathematical concepts is a skill that will serve you well in any field of study.
According to Education Week, most American students take mathematics for the majority of their high school careers. Twenty-seven states require three courses in the subject before graduation. 17 states plus the District of Columbia require four.
Building a Strong Foundation
One of the most important things you can do as a college student is to build a strong foundation in math. This will help you succeed in all of your courses, whether they require basic arithmetic or more complex concepts like calculus and statistics.
Here are some steps for building that foundation:
- Make sure that you thoroughly understand the basic concepts covered in middle school, high school, and even earlier levels of education (such as algebra). If any gaps exist in your knowledge base, take time to study those areas again.
- Reviewing old material before taking new classes is especially important if it has been several years since you last studied it. This way, when professors ask questions about these topics during class discussions or lecture presentations, they will seem familiar and clear.
Utilizing Online Resources
Utilizing online resources is a great way to learn math concepts and practice your skills. Online resources also offer more flexibility than traditional classroom learning, as you can study on your schedule and at any time of day.
Online courses are often free or low-cost, so they’re affordable for students who need extra help with the material. If you’re struggling in a particular subject, look into taking an online course through your school or another resource like Proprep Math for college students.
Proprep provides users with interactive lessons that teach them to tackle problems step by step while also providing access to practice tests so they know what questions might come up during exams.
The platform also includes videos explaining key concepts such as fractions or algebraic expressions so that users understand how each piece works together toward solving larger problems.
Active Learning
Active learning is a more effective way of learning than passive learning. Active learning involves students in the learning process, which helps them retain information and make connections between new information and what they already know. It can be done in small groups or individually, but it generally involves more than simply listening to a lecture and taking notes on it.
Active learning can take many forms. Some examples include:
- Discussion-based activities that ask students to share their opinions or debate ideas with one another.
- Hands-on activities where students engage with materials like graphs, charts, diagrams, etc., using them as tools for understanding concepts being taught by the instructor.
- Collaborative projects where students work together on solving problems related to an area of study.
Time Management
Time management is an essential skill for college students. If you want to succeed in your classes and get good grades, you must learn how to manage your time effectively.
Many things can help with this task, like prioritizing, being realistic about expectations and deadlines, using a calendar (electronic or paper), planning ahead of time, taking breaks when necessary, and avoiding procrastination at all costs.
Working with Others
One of the best ways to prepare for your classes is to study with others. Working together can help you learn and understand the material, stay motivated, and build your confidence in mathematics.
It’s also an opportunity for you to share ideas with other students and learn from them. You might discover that someone has an easier way of solving a problem than what you’ve been doing all along.
Personalized Approach
A personalized approach to learning is the best way to prepare for college math courses. This means creating a study plan that aligns with your learning style and then sticking to it. In a personalized approach, you have to:
- Create a study plan: You will need a solid schedule to succeed in college. Make sure that you set aside time every day for studying or reviewing material from class, as well as some free time where you can relax or catch up on other work outside of math class.
- Set goals: To help motivate yourself during this process, set short-term goals so that each day feels like progress towards achieving them. Longer-term goals may include finishing up all assigned reading before midterms or completing an online course by the end of summer break.
Cracking the Math Code: Conclusion
No matter what your background is, it’s never too late to start preparing for college math. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in math occupation is estimated to grow by 29% between 2021 and 2031. This increase will result in creating 82,000 new jobs in the field in over a decade. Math occupations are expected to create 30,600 openings per year through job growth and replacement needs.
Plenty of online resources can help you get started on the right foot and build a strong foundation in math for success in college. With some hard work and dedication, you’ll be able to ace all those pesky calculations without breaking a sweat.
