One of the guest posts last month asked the question, "What's a Student to Do (with a Bad Math Teacher)?" Today's post asks, "How do YOU become a GREAT math student?"
Let me start by clarifying: I'm using "math student" to mean "anyone who learns (or wants to learn) math", not just someone who's enrolled in a class.
Everyone knows that teaching is a job (some of us also think it's a calling), but sometimes we forget that being a student is a job too. As such, it takes work, effort, and time to master it and do it well. Students often have incorrect notions of what it is we (the teachers) want from you. So, I'm going to just tell you straight up what we want so there's no further confusion: Ok?
Be Brave.
You may think that, as a teacher, I want you to know everything -- that's not true! I don't expect you already know everything (after all, if you did, I'd be out of a job!), but I DO expect you to WANT to know stuff. I expect you to be BRAVE enough to ask questions, take a chance, try to work something out, and risk getting things wrong. If you are not brave enough to risk getting something wrong, you'll never get it right.
Be a Detective.
You've probably heard it said that math is a language. That is true, but it's also more than that: Math requires a level of attention to DETAIL that most of us never give to our daily lives. Think of yourself as a detective: every abstract symbol and new definition or formula is a clue that you must first PAY ATTENTION TO and second CONNECT to the thing you're trying to figure out. It's like a big whodunit. You are the detective and if you miss all the clues along the way, you'll never catch the crook. Being a detective means you must be hyper aware of what stuff means: in math, everything means something very specific and precise. You can't be sloppy with your language, your thinking, or your notes if you want to be on top of your game in math. If you want to be a great math student, BE PRECISE in your thinking, your speaking, and your writing.
Spend the Time.
Most students I've talked to have absolutely no idea how much time we (the teachers) spend on class-stuff. So, I've started telling my students. It's always funny to me how shocked they are when I tell them I spend anywhere between 2 and 4 hours in preparation for every hour of class time. Then, when I tell them, "And I already know this stuff!", I hope it hits home that they must SPEND AT LEAST AS MUCH TIME AS I DO if they want to get good at this. There is no substitute for spending the time. Sure, you can look up a shortcut on the internet. Absolutely, you can find a YouTube video that will sing about that topic. But, if you want to be a good math student, it takes TIME. Think of it this way: how many hours of time do you think Serena Williams devotes to tennis? How many hours do you think James Farrior devotes to football? How many hours do you think Jennifer Hudson devotes to singing? EVERYONE WHO IS GREAT AT SOMETHING SPENDS TIME ON IT. Math is no different.
Stay Engaged.
As your teacher, I devote a great deal of time and effort creating the learning experience I want you to have in class. I think of it like a theatrical production: there's a preview, the show itself, and then the appreciation / applause for what just happened. As such, I want students who are ENGAGED in a hands-on (and more importantly) minds-on type of way. For the 50 or 70 minutes that you are in class, FOCUS! Don't try to multi-task by getting a quick Facebook fix or making your shopping list or writing your English paper: during math class, stay engaged in the math. Staying engaged also means be present... often your teacher will have a particular order that she wants to present the information to you. Most times, this order is a considered attempt at building knowledge and making your life easier. Staying engaged in the present discussion will help classroom "flow" and allow your teacher to connect the dots for you along the way. Finally, staying engaged means play along... many times, I will have an activity that, at first glance, may not have anything to do with the math topic at hand. I want students who are WILLING to play along: stand up and get in a circle, or bring that bag of M&Ms & a Red Solo Cup to class if that's what I asked you to get last time. Don't roll your eyes, moan, or refuse to participate. If you want to be a great math student, then ACT like it.
Just Do It.
Nike has a point. Sometimes, you just have to DO something. In math, that is the best advice I can give you: JUST TRY IT. Now, just like anyone who's trying to get good at something, you're not going to be perfect every time. That is especially true when you are tackling a brand new topic -- you won't "get it" instantly and, as a result, there may be a few setbacks. I am going to tell you the biggest secret of how to be a great math student: PERSIST! Don't give up! Even if you get the problem wrong, even if you fail the test (or the class), and even if you think the light bulb will never come on: DON'T GIVE UP! Keep going, keep trying, get help, stay positive, spend the time, and do your job. I promise you: it works! YOU CAN BE A GREAT MATH STUDENT!
The Solver Blog
Author: Dr. Diana S. Perdue