Testing Smart In Math Without Anxiety

Perhaps no subject strikes more terror in students than math. and no test or exam brings students to their academic knees than mathematics.

While general test taking or test proofing concepts apply to all subjects -- math requires several techniques that can help the math student get better grades on math tests.

Here Are Some Of My Favorite Math Test Proofing Tips

• Look at every problem -- Just like with other exams in other subjects -- read through the exam first. Mostly, this is about looking for what is called for.
• Analyze problems carefully -- Sort the problems by type. Take the "givens" into account. Write down any formulas, theorems, or definitions that apply before you begin. That way you can focus on what you want to find or prove, and take your time to be accurate.
• Estimate answers before you begin to come up with a "possible" solution -- Work the math problem and check the answer against your estimate. The two answers should be close. If they aren't, recheck your calculations. You may have made a simple calculation error.
• Break down the calculation into the smaller possible pieces -- Make sure that you do the problem step-by-step. Don't move on to the next step until you are sure you've made the right step before it. Look for simple patterns like addition, subtraction, etc.
• Remember how you solved similar math problems -- This can give you valuable clues to getting the correct answer.
• There is some merit in drawing a picture (if you are a visual learner) to help you see the math problem -- this can help.
• Above all - be neat -- When it comes to numbers, mistaken identity can make all the difference between a right answer and a wrong answer.
• Check your work -- this can't be emphasized enough -- once you have completed all math problems go back and check your answer by working backwards to see if you are right.
• Review all math problems -- to make sure that you did everything that was asked in the problem -- ask yourself -- Did I answer every part of the questions? Did I show all my required work?

Math anxiety is the uncomfortable feelings associated with what is known to educators as quantitative thinking.

There is a popular myth when it comes to math, that some people are born with or without the ability to think quantitatively. This means that the idea that real math successes are able to do math in their heads. While true, some people can do math easily without aids -- they are the extreme exceptions, not the rule.

Most people who preform poorly in math, often do so because it was the first subject in school that they didn't instantly or quickly "get." Many just simply give up at a grade school level and since learning math is a "cumulative thing" -- they got further and further behind and often ended up feeling like a failure in math or because of math.

No One Needs To Feel Unnecessarily Anxious About Math

1. Overcome your negative self-image about math -- you can learn math even if it is not easy for you.
2. Always ask questions of your math teacher and your friends and if need be seek outside tutoring.
3. Think of math as a foreign language -- it needs to be practiced often to be learned completely and competently.
4. Don't study math by trying to memorize information as you do other subjects.
5. Memorize the math formulas.
6. Read your math book carefully.
7. Get help the same day you do not understand how to do a problem or a concept.
8. Be relaxed and comfortable when you study math and don't put off math assignments until everything else is done -- do it first when you are less tired.
9. Talk mathematics -- yes, I know that is foreign -- but sometimes forming a study group for such subjects can be very helpful, especially the higher in math you go.
10. Develop a sense of responsibility for your own successes and failures and address you weaknesses.