PASSING MATHEMATICS

a practical guide

Lets Get Something Straight!!

You ARE an A student!!

There is NO such thing as I cannot do Math

You may not like it but you can do it

Forget about bright/dunce, that is only an illusion!!

There is only:

hardworking/lazy persistent/complacent resilient/self-defeatist

What To Expect - Generally

The learning pace at university is perhaps two or three times as fast as high-school. Its your job to work consistently at the course material so that you dont fall behind
NB: you are here to read for YOUR Degree Prepare to do work Much of the learning must take place outside of the classroom During class time, your instructor can only guide you in your learning Lecturers & Tutors are available to help you

It is your responsibility to ensure that you understand when they teach; if you dont understand, ask for them for help
Determine your learning style: http://www.engr.ncsu.edu/learningstyles/ilsweb.html

What to Expect Math

The study of mathematics is a process that requires:

progressive step-by- step learning of fundamentals

Problems are usually solved using an ordered process Be prepared to spend at least two hours outside of class for each hour in class

Lectures

Read notes online at http://courses.dec.uwi.edu before class Ensure you write down solutions to examples accurately NB: Each successive class builds on those before

Asking Questions

Do not be afraid to ask questions

Try and be as specific as possible with what you do not understand

On Your Own

Read the course material Students who succeed in Math typically put in at least 6 hours of work per week outside of the classroom Organize a study group
Use

small groups Discuss lectures and homework Ensure that at least one person in the group understands each topic. If not, assign different topics to group members to learn and understand and in turn assist the group Be warned that the group cannot do your learning for you

On Your Own

Create a study timetable

Points to remember when creating a timetable:
It

does not have to be detailed. It has to be fair and adequate you carve out the appropriate time

Ensure Have

a study break: 10 minutes (MAXIMUM) every 40 minutes of continuous study

Problem Solving

There are four main steps (developed by Plya):

1.

Understand the problem what is being asked Devise a plan identify the skills & techniques needed to solve the problem Carry out the plan Look back does your answer seem reasonable

2.

3.

4.

Solving Applied Problems

1. 2. 3.

Convert the question into a mathematical problem List all quantities identified in the problem List all unknowns in the problem assign a variable name to them

4.
5.

Identify the goal of the problem

Continue using Plyas steps

How to Study

Do not wait on the last minute to do work

Practice past paper questions When you study, ensure you LEARN THE MATERIAL. You will need to demonstrate that you understand ideas and that you can think logically to apply concepts and techniques to solve problems

Remember For the Exam/Test

Make sure that you are aware of the due dates for activities Be aware of the time, date and venue for your exams

In the Exam

Read through the entire exam

Decide which questions seem easiest to you and do those questions first Work by the clock

do not become obsessed with any one question so that you spend a lot of time on it at the expense of the other questions

Unless the exam is multiple choice, show complete solutions for all questions, not just final answers
Do not give up on a several part question just because you cannot solve the first part

General Info

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