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Maths learning happens when you get the answer wrong
Most children do not know how to study for a maths test. The first mistake they make is to think they do not have to study for maths. If they do then go on to study for a maths test, they use the same study methods that they would use to study for social and natural sciences. These methods are mostly ineffective when studying maths.
A large section of maths consists of formulas, properties and methods that can and should be memorised. Think of geometry properties of quadrilaterals, or the different methods used to factorise an expression or formulas to determine area, perimeter, volume, etc. Although you won’t necessarily get a maths problem that you have seen before, applying known methods, and using the correct formulas may just help you pass your maths test.
We all know that practise makes perfect when it comes to maths, but what and how you practise are just as crucial to succeed in maths.
A few tips on how to study effectively for a mathematics assessment:
1. Make study notes
Go through the topic you will be assessed on and make notes of any facts or formulas that can be memorised. If there are methods to follow to solve specific problems, make notes of the steps to follow. Making notes in class while the teacher is explaining the concepts will help to refresh your memory when you have to study for an assessment at home.
2. Identify problem areas
When making notes and going through class work, identify any concepts you struggle with and make a point of addressing these with a teacher or tutor.
3. Practise makes perfect is a perfect practice
The proof of the pudding lies in perfect practice.
What are you practising?
Human nature will dictate that learners are more inclined to practise what they can already do. Your child may show you volumes of maths exercises that they have completed, but they may have only practised one concept or a topic that requires the same method to be applied when solving problems.
It is crucial to practise concepts and topics that learners struggle with or problems that may require a combination of different methods to solve.
Don’t practise until you get it right, practise until you get it wrong. This will encourage your child to tackle more difficult problems.
Practise tests are a great way to prepare for an assessment as a combination of questions on different levels will be assessed.
How are you practising?
Definitely not by browsing through your book and looking at the problems! Pen in hand, on paper, try to encourage learners to practise problems on all levels of understanding, starting with basic problems.
How often should you practise?
In an ideal world, a little bit every day. This is not always possible, but the best is to revise at least once a week. Remember that quantity is less important than quality when it comes to maths practice. Exam time will be far less stressful if maths practice is done regularly.
4. Explain maths to your mom (or dad)
If you are helping a younger child prepare for a maths assessment, ask them to explain one of the concepts to you. If, for example your child learns about changing improper fractions into mixed numbers, ask him or her to explain the method to you. Having to explain the concept will encourage them to think about what they are doing and will help to reinforce the concept and retain the information better. This will also highlight if the child is not confident with the topic.
5. Don’t be scared to get it wrong
Maths learning happens when you get the answer wrong. But learning only happens if you can see where you went wrong. Your child should therefore not solve pages and pages of problems without it being checked. Remember that the final answer of a maths problem is only one little part for which you will only get 1 or 2 marks. The method used and steps taken to arrive at the answer are often far more valuable from a learning perspective.
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