study skills presentations

8/13/2019 Study SKills Presentations

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PASSING

MATHEMATICS

a practical guide


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Lets Get Something Straight!!

You AREan A student!!

There is NO such thing as I cannot do Math You may not like it but you can do it

Forget about bright/dunce, that is only an illusion!! There is only:

hardworking/lazypersistent/complacent

resilient/self-defeatist


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What To Expect - Generally

The learning pace at university is perhaps two or three times as fast as high-school.Its your job to work consistently at the course material so that you dont fall behind

NB: you are here to read for YOUR DegreePrepare to do work

Much of the learning must take place outside of the classroom

During class time, your instructor can only guide you in your learning

Lecturers & Tutors are available to help you

It is your responsibility to ensure that you understand when they teach; if you dontunderstand, ask for them for help

Determine your learning style: http://www.engr.ncsu.edu/learningstyles/ilsweb.html
http://www.engr.ncsu.edu/learningstyles/ilsweb.htmlhttp://www.engr.ncsu.edu/learningstyles/ilsweb.html


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What to Expect Math

The study of mathematics is a process that requires:

progressive

step-by- step learning of fundamentals

Problems are usually solved using an ordered

process

Be prepared to spend at least two hours outside ofclass for each hour in class


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Lectures

Read notes online at http://courses.dec.uwi.edubefore

class

Ensure you write down solutions to examples

accurately

NB: Each successive class builds on those before
http://courses.dec.uwi.edu/http://courses.dec.uwi.edu/


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Asking Questions

Do not be afraid to ask questions

Try and be as specific as possible with what

you do not understand


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On Your Own

Read the course material

Students who succeed in Math typically put in at least 6hours

of work per week outside of the classroom

Organize a study group

Use small groups

Discuss lectures and homework Ensure that at least one person in the group understands each

topic. If not, assign different topics to group members to learnand understand and in turn assist the group

Be warned that the group cannot do your learning for you


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On Your Own

Create a study timetable

Points to remember when creating a timetable:

It does not have to be detailed. It has to be fair and adequate

Ensure you carve out the appropriate time

Have a study break: 10 minutes (MAXIMUM) every 40minutes of continuous study


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Problem Solving

There are four main steps (developed by Plya):

1. Understand the problemwhat is being asked

2. Devise a planidentify the skills & techniques needed to

solve the problem

3. Carry out the plan

4. Look backdoes your answer seem reasonable


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Solving Applied Problems

1. Convert the question into a mathematical problem

2. List all quantities identified in the problem

3. List all unknowns in the problemassign a variable name tothem

4. Identify the goal of the problem

5. Continue using Plyas steps


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How to Study

Do not wait on the last minute to do work

Practice past paper questions

When you study, ensure you LEARN THE

MATERIAL. You will need to demonstratethat you understand ideas and that you canthink logically to apply concepts andtechniques to solve problems


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Remember For the

Exam/Test

Make sure that you are aware of the due dates

for activities

Be aware of the time, date and venue for your

exams


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In the Exam

Read through the entire exam

Decide which questions seem easiest to you and do those

questions first

Work by the clock do not become obsessed with any one question so that you spend a lot of

time on it at the expense of the other questions

Unless the exam is multiple choice, show complete solutions forall questions, not just final answers

Do not give up on a several part question just because you cannot

solve the first part


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General Info

Participate in discussion forums

Organise your life

Check your emails

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