Improve Math Skills, “Math,” the subject which was too easy to study in primary classes. But as we leveled up, it became a nightmare for a majority of us. How difficult could it be to improve math skills? Isn’t it only about adding, subtracting, dividing, and multiplying numbers? Is math even helpful in my day-to-day activities? Well, as adults, we deal with mathematical problems on a daily basis: comparing pricing, measuring cooking items, and estimating the amount of time it will take us to complete some tasks, and these are just a few examples.
If you are having difficulty with simple mathematical problems on a daily basis, this does not imply that you are doomed to a life of failure in mathematics. Some of us need more time to improve our math skills and acquire problem-solving abilities. Others may need to go back and review previous topics before learning a new concept.
Math is structured like a shaky ladder; if you try to skip a step of it, there is a maximum amount of probability that you will fall! In order to get the most knowledge out of the subject and effectively improve math skills, it is important to approach it step by step, lesson by lesson.
This article contains helpful ways for improving math skills while reducing frustrations and problems. If you are beginning to despise mathematics, continue reading for suggestions on how to enhance your abilities and confidence and maybe even make mathematics enjoyable.
What are some ways to Improve Math Skills ?
People aren’t naturally weak at math; many just need more time and effort to fully comprehend the subject. The twelve suggestions mentioned below may be applied to any math lesson you are currently studying.
1. Concentrate on understanding basic concepts
In mathematics, each concept builds on the one before it. It is necessary to have a thorough comprehension of previous ideas in order to prepare for the following session. However, if you have a firm knowledge of fundamental mathematical concepts, you will be well prepared for the lessons ahead.
To improve math skills, solve any math problem. Many of us try to rote learn the formulae, theorems, or rules, but doing so does not imply that you understand the underlying concepts that are being used. As the subject progresses to a higher level, it becomes more difficult to solve problems this way. It becomes practically impossible to absorb new knowledge without difficulty because of the lack of understanding of basic concepts. Taking the effort to make sure you understand what you’re doing may make a significant difference in your math abilities.
What are the fundamental math skills?
Calculations of numbers, sizes, and other measures are the most basic math skills. The fundamentals of mathematics, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, serve as a stepping stone for the study and application of more complex ideas. The ability to do simple math calculations will be beneficial in your career as well as your everyday life.
Imagine you buy some groceries worth 278 rupees, you give the shopkeeper a 500 rupee note, and he returns 200 rupees. You take the money, and while walking back home, you are subtracting 278 from 500; it is frustrating, and hence you ignore it and reach home. You return the 200 rupee note to your mother and receive a flying chappal (slipper) and free taunts in return for the lack of basic subtraction in your skill set. So, who says math isn’t important in day-to-day life?
2. Improve math skills by practicing everyday
Nothing and I mean nothing, can lead us any closer to success than practicing. So make math a part of your everyday life and practice it without even realizing it by taking advantage of any real-world opportunities to enhance your math abilities that come your way.
Once you’ve grasped the concept, it’s time to get down to business with the practical. And in many cases, it is the practice that allows the notion to eventually sink in. In either case, math entails more than merely memorizing formulae on a piece of paper.
The importance of practice in mathematics
Practicing math helps to build “Number Sense,” which is the ability to perform mental math fluently without having to think about it. The ability to apply mathematics quickly and accurately, calculate solutions without exerting effort, and just have an intuitive understanding of the way number’s function are all benefits of having this ability.
Also Read: How Can I Improve My English Speaking Skills?
Practicing doesn’t mean memorizing the rules, formulas, or algorithms. Instead, it is the process of understanding facts and applying them. The focus during practice shouldn’t be on solving a question on paper and pencil. But it is about building a relationship between concepts and procedure until it all starts to make sense and starts to become a playful experience.
3. Concentrate on a single topic at a time
Math is a concept that develops in itself. If you are having difficulty with your current lesson, do not skip it and return to it later. Practice and repetition are necessary at this point; the topic you are having trouble with should be re-examined and practiced regularly with concentration repeatedly until it becomes clear.
Look for alternative approaches to new mathematical concepts. Consider a learning app to motivate you to keep going for extra practice. Cell phones should be avoided while studying, and it is better to have a hard copy of the material you want to concentrate on so that you don’t get distracted to scroll on social media.
How can I stay focused to improve my math skills?
In order to focus, you must remove everything that you know is going to occupy your attention. Make sure to turn your phone on silent mode, change your room if it has a television, close all other web browser tabs if you are studying online and avoid sitting at a place that is noisy.
Not all people can stand silence. Hence, you can play music without lyrics so that you don’t get distracted by humming the lyrics in your head. Some people find that listening to music helps them to focus. It doesn’t help for some people, though. See what works best for you by experimenting with it.
4. Solve examples to clear the concept
There are a variety of examples available online. You can search for examples for a specific topic and try to solve 2 to 3 problems on your own. Check your answers to see whether you got them correctly the first time, and if you didn’t, re-read your solution and see where you went wrong, and try solving the other problem. Remember that we all learn; nobody was born in this world reciting tables and complex math formulas.
Even if you specifically request, your teacher may also be able to provide you with some more sample problems. Read the question carefully and see what the question is asking. Follow the steps, believe in yourself, and you’re good to go!
5. Make use of game-based learning
If developed properly, game-based learning has the potential to harness inherent motivation and a desire to play while guiding you towards advanced problem-solving abilities. You will be encouraged to solve problems and engage in self-learning as a result of the game-based learning (GBL) technique, which will allow you to acquire a mathematical idea without even recognizing it.
Some games/ platforms you can try to improve math skills are Prodigy, Sudoku, Khan Academy Kids, Mental Math Master, and many more.
6. Improve math skills by teaching someone else
It’s an excellent method to consolidate your understanding of a topic by teaching it to someone else. Involve a friend or family member in the process by inviting them over and teaching them what you know step-wise with a logical explanation of each step.
This tip will help you polish your concepts and is a creative way of understanding where you are lacking in understanding a concept. Check your notes or textbook if you get stuck and can’t get your point across clearly and effectively. Ask your friend or family member to let you know if they understand what you are teaching properly or not. Get the most out of this tip; answer them as thoroughly as possible.
7. Using visual representations
The use of visual representations is an evidence-based method for assisting yourself in the learning of abstract mathematical ideas and the solving of problems.
A visual depiction will assist you in reflecting on your comprehension of the problem and will assist you in appropriately resolving the problem too. For example, a pie chart—can be used to study the concept of fractions.
Visual representations and data science
Data can be considered as the fuel for companies in the future. Data scientists are an essential part of the present as well as the future. Many of you might even dream of becoming one someday. So, it is important to remember that data scientists work in a variety of capacities, including programmers, researchers, and corporate executives.
However, there is one thing that all of these fields have in common: a statistical foundation. As a result, statistics are just as important as programming languages in data science. Many data visualization tools make use of visual components like charts, graphs, and maps, which make it easier to detect and analyze trends and patterns in large amounts of information.
8. Integrating technology with math
According to Jo Boaler (British author and mathematics professor) and her team at Stanford Graduate School of Education, visualizing all mathematical ideas and incorporating visual exercises into all grade levels may considerably benefit students. Additional chances for learners to observe and engage with mathematical ideas are made possible via the use of technology. You may learn via the use of games, simulations, and digital tools.
Increased access to math technology provides for a more personalized learning experience. Because neither of the two students are precisely similar when it comes to the rate of understanding a new concept, technology can be used to revise certain concepts again and again, even at the comfort of your home. Whenever you are in the mood to revise a particular concept again, you can watch it as many times you want.
9. Use project-based learning
Project-based learning is a common teaching technique across a wide range of disciplines. While it is not as often used in mathematics but you can use small examples, such as a problem based on real-life scenarios.
Take, for example, ratios. Use information from the internet to compute and compare the pricing of products offered on various websites. You can also observe the graph of trigonometric functions, say y= sin x. Change the coefficients to any number you like. Observe what effect it has on the graph of the function. These are just small examples; you can scale them up as you progress in a lesson.
10. Study in a group
Study with a group of classmates with whom you get along and who are similarly enthusiastic about learning math. Studying together to go through the lessons and do the assignments will help you in ways you can’t even imagine. Conversations with various sorts of learners can assist you in developing fresh perspectives on difficulties.
The benefits of studying math in a group are not for everyone, and it shouldn’t be the sole method of learning math. However, who knows what the outcome might be for you.
11. Study at different times of the day to Improve Math Skills
In order to determine the most effective times of day to study different topics, we’ve all spent a long-time testing and developing theories. Some of us prefer studying math in the morning, while some prefer studying math in the evening or at night. Don’t modify your routines completely; instead, experiment with a different time of day to study and evaluate the outcomes.
How did you feel while you were studying at that time of day? Were you more alert? Did you find that you were absorbing and remembering knowledge more effectively than usual? Ask yourself these questions to improve your math skills effectively.
12. Join math forums online to improve math skills
Collaboration is the most effective method of improving math abilities. Join math forums on the internet where you may debate math topics, solve them for others, ask your queries, and discuss general topics with other math enthusiasts. Now is the moment to start taking advantage of the internet’s capabilities.
Imagine what it might be like to talk about math with students from Canada, India, America, and other countries across the world!
Conclusion to Improve Math Skills
It’s important to remember that there is no miracle solution for learning Math. It comes with doing things one step at a time and with a lot of repetition. The advice provided above will assist you in your mathematics studies and instill confidence in you. And when it comes to mastering any level of mathematics, self-assurance is very essential. Don’t compare your pace of understanding a concept with others; we all learn at different speeds, and the least and the most you can do to improve your math skills is practice till you make it perfect. All the best with solving math!