Middle School Math Tips
Middle school math can be something of a shock to students as they move from the familiar concepts of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division to more complex and new types of math, such as geometry and algebra. To survive middle school math and use it as a building block for more complicated high school math, students need to open a strong line of communication with their math teacher as well as thoroughly learn the concepts and rules.
-
Ask Questions
-
Encourage students to ask questions. Arm them with a pad of sticky notes to keep in their desk or backpack. If they have a question during class, have them write the question on the sticky note and adhere it to their desk. This will ensure that they will not forget the question and remind them to ask it when there is a break in the lecture or lesson. Create a goal for students to ask at least one question each day in class to break down their resistance to asking questions and to underscore the idea that asking questions is the sign of a proactive learner.
Flashcards
-
In middle school, subjects such as pre-algebra and geometry may be introduced. The laws and rules according to this more complex math can be difficult to remember. Create flashcards with all the rules, definitions and equation steps relevant to this type of math. Encourage students to practice going through the flashcards each night before bed or in the morning before school.
-
Charts
-
Create a chart on a poster board or even on an Excel spreadsheet that lists what was covered each day or each week in class. Create a column that lists the concepts as well as the chapters that were covered each week. List the grades on homework and/or tests and quizzes that the student received that week. This will become a helpful study guide that will allow the student to quickly pinpoint pages to study as well as which areas to concentrate on.
Reading
-
Students may be tempted to skip over reading the definitions and rules outlined in their textbooks and instead go right to the assignment instructions and equations. Encourage students to read all of the lessons in their textbook, which will enable them to better understand the concepts. As students begin to delve into algebra and geometry, they may be surprised to discover the importance of rules and definitions in relation to understanding the concepts. By forming a habit of reading their textbooks, they will be able to understand the concepts and assignments more readily and completely.
-
References
- Photo Credit Mathe image by lawbreaker15 from Fotolia.com
