How to Improve Math Skills at Home : I’m so terrible at math.
Being a student, have you ever expressed this sentiment? If you have, then it may be time to correct your misconceptions. Contrary to popular opinion, no one is actually bad at math. We’re sure that terrible math grades would beg to differ, but it’s true. The main reason why many kids seem to perform terribly at math is that lessons haven’t been adapted to suit children’s specific needs and situation. With the right amount of time and practice, anyone can become a math guru.
Today, Brighterly.com and other learning platforms have changed the narrative surrounding math. However, if you’re looking to take matters into your own hands and improve your math skills from the comfort of your room, this all-in-one guide is for you. Let’s get into it.
Why Are Math Skills Important?
So, here’s the big question: why do we even need math? Why are math skills so important today? Well, the truth is that math skills help us in our daily lives, even when we can’t see it. To clear any doubts you may have, here are some specific reasons why it’s important to have these skills in your arsenal:
Math increases your brain power
Several studies have shown that mathematics and mental arithmetic can significantly boost the brain’s capacity. How does it work? Think of math as a form of exercise. When you exercise regularly, you’re pushing your body beyond certain limits. The end result? Your body becomes significantly stronger. The brain works in pretty much the same way. When solving a math problem, you’re making different regions of your brain work at the same time. Thus, these regions become more developed over time and subsequently, you’ll be able to scale through more complex problems.
It can prove useful for career opportunities
Being a math guru doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to become a mathematician. However, it does open you up to several career opportunities in the future. With strong math skills such as problem-solving or logical and critical thinking, you’ll be able to fit into competitive fields like tech and STEM. Subsequently, with one foot in the industry, you’ll have access to even better job opportunities.
Builds self-confidence
Let’s admit that math is no blemish-healing serum nor a perfect shade of lipstick. However, this often-hated subject can also help to build your self-confidence. When you develop math skills, you begin to believe in your own brain power and become more self-confident over time. You will take on new challenges with increased zeal and eagerness.
How to Improve Math Skills
So, we’ve explored the “whys.” Now, it’s time to hop right into the “how”. How can you improve your math skills and become better at the subject? Whether you’re a college student or a parent trying out homeschool math for your kid, the following tips will set you on the right path:
Play math games
You’re probably wondering: what on earth do games have to do with learning? Recent studies have shown that they have everything to do with learning math. According to experts, game-based learning can improve assimilation and most importantly, retention.
So, if you’re looking to improve your math skills, a great way to start is by trying out online math games. Luckily, with the advent of edtech, there are tons of educational math games to guide you on your path to success. You can either play them online or download the apps on your phone to play on the go. Sounds exciting, doesn’t it?
Practice daily
We get it. You’re probably tired of hearing the washed-up saying “practice makes perfect.” However, constant practice is one of the keys to attaining excellence in math. Thus, if you’re trying to become better at math, you’d need to incorporate it into your daily routine. Make math a part of your daily life and practice it in random scenarios.
For instance, if you’re trying to buy a $40 pair of denim trousers that’s on sale with 25% off, try to calculate what its original cost was. By solving random math problems as you go about your daily life, you’ll strengthen your knowledge and understanding of core concepts.
Create a study schedule
As an offshoot of daily practice, here’s another tip for you. Try to create a study schedule for yourself. As a busy college student or parent, this might be a tad difficult since every minute of your time is precious. However, creating a study schedule will help to keep you on track and ensure that you practice math every day. It doesn’t have to be for long. In fact, a math schedule for ten to twenty minutes each day is enough to make a difference.
As you study, make a note of important formulas or concepts. Try to create a quiet study zone for yourself. This way, you can avoid distractions as you practice.
Pro Tip: For the best results, make studying a part of your morning or bedtime routine. For instance, you could study math right before you brush your teeth or go for your morning run. This way, it would feel more natural and easier to stick to.
Look up lessons online
Just like in case of games, there are tons of online lessons to help you improve your math knowledge and skills. If you’re feeling confused or unsure about a particular topic, a great way to get past your confusion is by watching an educative YouTube video about the topic. The internet literally offers us a wide range of resources, and it only makes sense that you use some of these resources to advance your knowledge. The best part? Most of these resources are absolutely free! Therefore, you don’t have to spend a dime to learn.
Alternatively, if you want a more personalized experience, you could hire an online math tutor to help you get through your difficulties and become better.
Learn one concept at a time
It can be tempting to simply sidestep learning a difficult concept and move on to a different one. However, this doesn’t always work out well with math. In math, each topic is often an offshoot of a previous one. So, if you don’t understand the previous concept or lesson, you might find it pretty difficult to move onto the next one. The best thing to do is to master one concept before attempting to learn another one.
So, what happens when you can’t get the hang of a topic? If you’re in this situation, seek help/advice from your tutor or someone else close by. You could also check out educational videos on YouTube for help.
Study with friends
Studying on your own is a great way to avoid distractions, no doubt. However, it can also be super frustrating when you run into dead ends. The solution? Surround yourself with motivated friends and study with them whenever you can. You can challenge and encourage each other towards success.
Conclusion
Math can seem really complicated sometimes. However, to become better at this subject and improve your skills at home, you need to incorporate daily practice and expert hacks. Try out some of the best practices outlined above and you’ll see progress in no time at all.
Good luck!
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