Some things to consider about overall study habits
Mathematics is a skill that requires ongoing practice
Just because you have “already covered” a particular type of question doesn’t mean you will still remember it in a couple of weeks. Retaining what you have learnt requires regular practice.
Block off some time every day (or every school day, at least) for regular maths homework and revision
It is much more effective to practice some maths every day (or every school day, at least) than it is to do lot of study before a test or before your teacher is checking your workbook.
Work in a distraction-free environment
This means: no TV or music in the background, no social media, turn your phone off, etc.
Enlist your parents’ help to stay on track
Ok, I know . . . the last thing you want is your parents nagging you to do your homework.
Think of it this way though . . .
There will be times you don’t feel like doing your homework and you need some external input to get you on track.
Another benefit is that, if your parents know what you are up to and what you have done, they will actually nag you less.
How to do your homework from school
- Check you have everything you need at hand before you start (i.e. your school textbook, your school exercise book and calculator).
- Make a list of the specific questions you need to complete for homework. Hopefully your teacher has made list of questions to complete for homework. (Or has given you a workplan with a list of questions from each exercise at the start of the topic.)
- Review your notes from your school maths class.
- Set your work out clearly, showing all your working. (Your working out should look like the examples in the textbook.)
- Correct your work as you go. Clearly mark your work with a tick if correct or an asterisk if you got the question wrong.
What if I get stuck?
If you get a question wrong or get stuck, here are some strategies to figure it out:
- Look back at similar questions we have covered
- Look at the worked examples in your textbook
- Watch the videos in the textbook companion website
- Take photo of what you have done so you have it handy when you get a chance to ask for help
“But I don’t have any maths homework tonight!”
Often parents tell me their child has regularly assured them they “don’t have any maths homework”. . .
Really?
In most cases, I can make a list of several things I have been steadily nagging the student to do for revision if they are up to date with their school work.
Some things you can work on after you are up to date with your maths homework are:
- Compete the “Progress Quizzes” from your textbook
- Check you are up to date with any review sheets your tutor has given you
- Revise previous topics (the “Semester Review” section of your textbook are good for this)
- Work ahead by watching the videos and trying a few questions for the next exercise
There is always something to work on during the time you have allocated for maths homework and revision!