- Math
texts present information in a very condensed form. Every sentence
is important.
- Math
textbooks use a very precise technical language.
- Math
texts attempt to teach skills as well as to convey information.
Because
of these differences, math texts must be approached in a different
fashion than other texts. Below we are describing several techniques to
help you improve understanding.
- To
improve retention read the text multiple times.
- Read
the text actively to develop your problem solving skills.
- Read
the text in a different manner at each reading to maximize
understanding.
Preview
Preview the text before the lecture. At this stage you want to skim the
text for broad ideas. Survey the topic headings, examine any diagrams or
example problems and familiarize yourself with the vocabulary. When done
you should have a good idea of the type of problems that you will solve,
a basic idea of the approach to solving them, and some of the
applications.
Lecture
If you have pre-read the material, you will find lectures to be more
informative. During a lecture, instructors typically overview the
material and work selected problems. The lecture will help to give focus
and direction to the vague ideas that your pre-reading will have
generated.
Outlining
Your second reading will be the most comprehensive. Here you will
carefully read every sentence. This reading should be an active process
and will require that you have pencil and paper (and maybe a
calculator). You should record every new vocabulary term and its
definition as you encounter them. You should also work through every
example problem.
Homework
Homework is the first place to apply what you have learned. While
working through the problems you will probably use your book as a
reference. Try to more than just copy the techniques illustrated by the
example problems. The goal of homework is to help you learn how to apply
general principles to specific situations. Try to keep your eye on the
big picture.
Highlighting
During your third reading the idea is to review topics and
examples that are still giving you trouble. When you complete this
reading you should be able to answer every problem in the homework and
the lecture.
Review
It is a good idea to read the text again before each quiz or test. At
each reading the concepts will become more clear and memorable.
Acknowledgement:
Thank you Patrick Quigley for sharing this information. |
