Succeeding in Math 1021 by Studying Smarter

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Succeeding in Math 1021 by Studying Smarter

• Dr. Saundra Y. McGuire
• Director, Center for Academic Success
• Adjunct Professor of Chemistry

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Requirements for Excelling in Math 1021

• A Positive Attitude
• Controlling Anxiety
• Effective Study Strategies
• Proper Test Preparation
• Test Taking Skills

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Why Mathematics Requires Consistent Study

• The material is cumulative
• The material can be conceptually difficult
• The course moves rapidly
• The tests are less straightforward and require
  you to apply concepts

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Judgment the ability to make decisions and
support views requires understanding of values
Evaluation
Combination of information to form a
unique product requires creativity and
originality
Synthesis
Identification of component parts determination
of arrangement, logic, semantics
Analysis
Use of information to solve problems transfer of
abstract or theoretical ideas to practical
situations.
Application
Identification of connections and relationships
Interpretation
Restatement in your own words paraphrase summary
Translation
Verbatim information memorization with no
evidence of understanding
Recall
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So, What Can You Do Now?

• Spend more time studying math
• (at least 9 hours per week 1 hour each day)
• Aim for 100 understanding
• Use the tutorial center and office hours
• Use the Continuous Process of Learning and
  Intense Study Sessions
• Study Smarter for Mathematics

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How to Approach Math

• Recognize that the past
• does not matter
• Take an I CAN Do It! attitude
• Devote at least 1 hour per day and
• 8 hours per week to math study
• Ask Questions! Ask Questions!
• Ask More Questions!!!

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Use Efficient Study Strategies When You Study
Mathematics !

• Study SMARTER, not HARDER

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Continuous Process of Learning
Phase One Read or preview chapters to be
covered in class before class (Create chapter
maps) Phase Two Go to Class. Listen
actively, take notes, participate in
class Phase Three Review and process class
notes as soon as possible after class Phase
Four Incorporate Intense Study
Sessions Repeat
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Intense Study Sessions

• 2 - 5 minutes Set goals for next 40 min.
• 30 - 40 minutes Accomplish the goals
• Read text more selectively/highlight
• Make doodles/notes in margins
• Create mnemonics, work examples
• Create concept maps
• 10 minutes Review what you have just studied
• 10 minutes Take a break
• Repeat

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Get the Most Out of Homework

• Start the problems early--the day they are
  assigned
• Do not flip back to see example problems work
  them yourself!
• Dont give up too soon (lt10 min.)
• Dont spend too much time (gt30 min.)

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Get the Most from the Tutorial Center and Office
Hours

• Try to understand the concept or work the problem
  by yourself first
• Come prepared to ask questions
• Explain the material to the tutor or professor or
  study group members

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Special Problem Solving Tips

• Work extra problems!!!
• When working homework problems, DO NOT
• flip back to look at examples in the text.
  Spend at least 10 minutes, but no longer than 30
  minutes trying a problem before you seek
  assistance.
• Visualize the problem situation. Draw diagrams.
• Use front end back end problem solving
• What can I get from what I am given?
• What do I need to get what I am trying to
  find?
• - Estimate the answer, if possible. Check you
  answer to make sure it is in the ballpark.

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Preparing for Tests

• Use the Continuous Process of Learning
• Practice speed problem solving
• Use home works as practice tests
• Work old exams

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What the CAS Offers LSU Studentswww.cas.lsu.edu

• Supplemental Instruction in Many Courses
• Biology, Chemistry, Chem. Eng., Physics, Math
• Tutorial Centers for Science, Math, and Computer
  Science Courses
• Individual Consultations
• Service-Learning Courses
• Computer Applications Workshops

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INDIVIDUAL CONSULTATIONS at the CAS in B31 Coates
Hall

• Specific Study Strategies
• Concept Mapping
• Test Preparation

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ON-LINE STUDY STRATEGIES WORKSHOPS

• Time Management
• College Reading and NoteTaking
• Managing Test Anxiety
• Test Taking Strategies
• Concept Mapping

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Visit our WEB SITE WWW.CAS.LSU.EDU

• Study Smarter Workshops On Line
• Weekly and Semester Planners
• GPA Calculator
• Study Tips

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The Center for Academic SuccessB-31 Coates
Hallwww.cas.lsu.edu

• Unlock your excellence
• and succeed in Math 1021!