top of page
Search

How To Get a Better Grade in Math (Part 1)

Updated: Apr 9


Have you ever been stuck working on a math problem you simply didn't know the answer to or confused about certain mathematical concepts? Were you ever concerned about your overall math grade? Let's face it, getting good grades does not always come easy. In fact, you will probably have to put in a lot of effort to achieve your desired result. To some, learning new math topics and completing math problems may come across as easy, but for others, it is difficult. Studies show that about 10% of school-age children have persistent and significant difficulties with math.


Nevertheless, as William Thurston said, "Mathematics is not about numbers, equations, computations or algorithms, it's about understanding." Yes, it is true that 5+5=10, but if we don't understand why, then it is in vain. Therefore, if you are struggling with getting good grades in math, know that there is help. There are a number of tips and tricks that can help you succeed.


Keep in mind that applying and mastering these methods does not happen overnight. It takes time to become a great math student! Below are some tips that will help!


Practice, practice, practice

Math, just like every other subject, requires a lot of practice, if not more. The best student doesn’t practice until they get it right, they practice until they can’t get it wrong. While studying for an exam, complete targeted practice questions for each topic. You can even re-do homework or quiz questions you’ve already completed, by writing the questions over on a separate sheet of paper and solve without any assistance.


 It is important that you practice questions that you find challenging. While doing so, you can have someone create their own quiz for you! Create incentives that will challenge you to get every single question right!


Practical Application

  • Try the questions you've answered incorrectly a couple of times.

  •  You can set a timer for yourself to mimic taking a test in class. Once you are done, make sure you check your answers and practice any questions you got wrong!


Take detailed, neat notes.

It's important to take detailed notes during class. As the teacher is speaking, make sure to jot down anything that you deem is important. Highlight or star anything that you don't understand. This will remind you to either return to that concept later on or to ask your teacher for help. You can even have a little fun and make your notes colorful! Taking detailed notes will ensure that as you go back later on, you are able to see clearly what you have learned! It's an effective way to study for future homework or quiz questions.


Practical Application

If you can figure out the correct answer on your own, clearly write out the steps in a “Correct Answers” section of your notebook. If you cannot figure out the answer, ask your peers, teacher, or tutor for clarity. Ask if they can help you break down the question with a step-by-step solution.



Watch Videos

Watching videos of people solving relevant questions correctly is one of the most effective tool to understand more clearly. Oftentimes, it takes someone else to explain things for us to understand better. Who knows, you might be a visual learner who learns best by watching!


Watch videos where people solve problems in a slow, step-by-step process so that you can follow along and take notes. There are many incredible online resources that teach math through videos, including Khan Academy, School Yourself, and specific channels on YouTube. We recommend completing the practice problem before the narrator, comparing your results and making any necessary corrections.



Create Flashcards

The process of writing out definitions and formulas can help you remember the content better when the test comes around. Studies show that writing concepts on physical paper can lead to more neural connections which help retention and recall of information


Practical Application

Create flashcards with important vocabulary terms, formulas, theorems, processes, drawings, and graphs. Online flashcard websites such as Quizlet are a great way to study math on your phone or computer. Study these flashcards consistently and have someone quiz you on them. You can even color code the flashcards by assigning specific colors to certain concepts!


Share this article so that others can know more about how they can improve the way they learn and some of the best strategies to stay organized in 2021.


Sources:


 

Contributors:


Rebecca Wilkin is a dedicated member of the Solomon Tutoring Writing Team. She is an editorial assistant at Newsela, an education technology company, and enjoys reading, painting, and hiking in her free time.


Delia is a dedicated member of the Solomon Tutoring Writing Team. She is pursuing a degree in business administration and enjoys reading, singing, dancing, and being around her friends and family.



Tunisia Solomon, founder and CEO of Solomon Tutoring, enjoys sharing educational tips to help students reach academic excellence. She believes that with access to the right information, a growth mindset, belief in oneself, and "smart" work, anyone can achieve their dreams.

 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page