Mathnasium of La Jolla works with students to achieve success in math and build excitement for the subject. Regardless of whether you're in elementary, middle or high school, it's never too early ... or too late ... to begin that journey. It's a journey that leads to greater confidence, improved problem solving skills and success in the classroom, future education and career paths.
To help students and parents on this journey, Mathnasium of La Jolla has developed our Seven Math Mantras to achieve success.
1. Practice, Practice, Practice
George Polya once said: “Mathematics is not a spectator sport.” Math is more than just a series of numbers and symbols on a page. It’s impossible to do well in math just sitting back and reading or listening. It requires you to jump in and be an active participant. Students who practice math, whether it’s at Mathnasium of La Jolla, in the classroom or at home, and develop problem solving skills will be more successful. If you want to be a great athlete – football player, gymnast, swimmer – you don’t just roll up and say “I am here!” It requires effort, practice, work outs, etc. to achieve success. Math is no different. To master anything, athletic or mental, requires practice.
2. Understand Errors
Making mistakes in math is a fact of life. Whether you’re an advanced math student or one who’s working to catch up, math errors come with the territory. That said, it’s important to work through the process and understand these mistakes and how to improve problem solving skills to overcome the errors. What approach did you take, what went wrong, and how can you improve to avoid the same mistakes in the future?
3. Master Key Concepts
Rote memorization will only go so far in math. It is better, and more fruitful in the long term, to truly understand the process and logic that is involved. This can help both with today’s math, and the math students will see in the future. Math is based on pre-requisite knowledge. You can be a World War II expert, but know nothing about the U.S. Civil War. You don’t have the same luxury in math. If a student is unable to master early math concepts, there’s little likelihood of mastering more advanced math concepts. It is important to have a solid understanding of the foundations before moving on to more complex solutions, which require mastery of the basics.
4. Be Patient
Math requires patience. Students should do more than just solve for the answer of a problem and then move on to the next one. Take the time, and make the effort, to understand the process of solving the problem. Once it’s understood how the initial problem was solved, these skills can be used on future problems. In order to get there, it will take patience and understanding. Working with a Mathnasium instructor or friend can help as students dig deeper to solve complex problems.
5. Create the Right Study Environment
Math requires concentration. Creating the right study environment is key, and of course, personal to each student’s preferences. However, research shows that studying with instrumental music can create a relaxing atmosphere and stimulate the flow of information. The goal is to foster an environment for concentration and focus. So, Taylor Swift or Imagine Dragons may not be your best options.
6. Build Math Vocabulary
There are a lot of specific math terms and vocabulary. Students can create notecards with the key concepts and terms they need to become familiar with. The cards can include the definition, applications and even sample problems with answers. Students can use this to refresh or recap as they prepare for new concepts.
7. Math in the Real World
Often at Mathnasium of La Jolla, students (and sometimes parents) ask when will they use this in the “real world.” Our answer is every day. Sure, there are parts of math that are abstract, but by finding the appropriate practical applications, perspectives change and students get a better sense of how to apply what they are learning. Travel planning (how fast, how far), cooking recipes (fractions, proportions), shopping (percent) are just a few of the everyday, real world, applications of math.
With these seven mantras in the new year, students can build their math confidence and be prepared for the math assignments in front of them each day.
Related Topics
Advanced Math and Math Enrichment Programs
Math Tutoring and Homework Help
Elementary School Math Instruction
Middle School Math Instruction
Algebra Tutor and Homework Help
Geometry Tutor and Homework Help
Frequently Asked Questions
More About Mathnasium of La Jolla
The Mathnasium curriculum and the Mathnasium Method combine to benefit students at all levels of their math education. The development of number sense leads to a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts, improved performance and greater confidence. This growth aids students in their classroom work, standardized tests, future education and career plans.
(858) 291-8186
(858) 291-8186
