10 Strategies to Help You Get Better at Maths

Do you think maths is the most complex subject? Are you often told by your parents and teachers to improve your maths? Don’t worry, you are not the only one who is facing this problem. Many students are going through the same struggle as you. However, what you and others are not realising is that math is just like a puzzle that can be solved with the right approach and mindset. Here are some ways that will help you hone your mathematical skills and give you the confidence to tackle even the toughest mathematical problems.

1. Work on basics

It doesn’t matter whether you are studying in class 12th or you are a graduate, if you get intimidated by maths, it’s likely that your basics are not clear. So, work on strengthening your fundamentals and this can be anything from basic arithmetic and number properties to geometry and advanced mathematical concepts (you know what you need to work on). However, if you are facing difficulty understanding these topics, don’t shy away from getting help from your teacher.

2. Don’t skip topics

Most students skip those topics that they find difficult and jump to the next one, thinking it will be easy. This decision gives them momentarily happiness, but soon they realise that the gaps are piling up. As the topic becomes complex, those missing pieces make it difficult for them to understand the entire topic, leading to frustration and confusion. Therefore, students should not move to the next topic, until they fully comprehend the preceding one.

3. Practise is the key

When you were little, do you remember how you learned 10+12=22? By consistent practice at school and home. You have to do the same to become better in mathematics- Practise, Practise and Practise. Set aside a separate time every day to solve maths problems. This will help you get a better hold of fundamentals and concepts and reduce your fear of complex problems, however, when it comes to finding maths problems that suit your grades, either search the internet or ask your teacher for resources. The best CBSE schools in Baddi will provide you with ample resources that will help you practice as much as you can. And this will eventually help you improve your maths.

4. Minimise Distractions

Distractions limit one ability to focus, and when it comes to concentrating on challenging subjects, it makes things even worse. So, switch off your phone and place your laptop away while studying mathematics. Also, if your deskmate wants to discuss the latest TV shows you both like watching during the class, tell him/her to save the talk for the lunch break. You can also consider dividing your study sessions into 20, 30, or 40 minutes, depending on how long you need a break. Though understanding maths is tricky, reducing the distractions can help you do half the work. So, ensure that there are no distractions while you are studying.

5. Take Online help

Google can answer any question, so why not use it to get answers to your math questions? If you find it difficult to understand a mathematical problem or are looking for clarification, the internet can help you find answers to your queries. Also, you can enrol in courses or post questions on platforms such as Quora to seek answers. Moreover, maths doesn’t need to be stressful, you can turn it into an enjoyable activity by playing games that focus on skills like addition, subtraction, and more.

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6. Don’t be afraid to ask questions

Have you ever felt confused about something that is taught in the class and instead of asking the question, you choose to stay silent? Ask yourself why you hesitate to seek clarity from your teacher. Is it because your peers haven’t asked, leaving you hesitant to ask and stand out? Being a student, you shouldn’t entertain these thoughts, as you have every right to ask the question. Also, whether you are studying at top CBSE schools in Barotiwalaor an international public school, teachers are trained to help students understand concepts. So, don’t hesitate to ask questions from your teacher even if you think that it is silly (though no question is silly).

7. Relate maths with real-life problems

Although children look at maths problems as a complex set of random numbers and symbols, we all know there is more to it. Creating a connection between the abstract math problems and the real world will help them understand the relevance of the topic/concept. So, when your teacher is writing anything on the blackboard, try to relate it to a real-life thing. For example, if your teacher is teaching your geometry, think about the role geometry plays in designing the desk on which you are sitting. Also, when you understand the value and relevance of a topic that you are studying, it will be a more rewarding experience for you.

8. Set realistic goals

Most people think that the more time children spend studying, the better their results will be. However, this is not always true, as studying longer does not guarantee improved outcomes. Let us say that if they try to understand a concept that is frustrating, they will not enjoy that session. So, parents should consider encouraging children to follow mini-practice sessions and get help from their teacher when they feel stuck. Note that the extra time that children devote to the subject should be finding the problem of the solution and not reinforcing that it is a complex subject.

9. Find a study partner

Has a friend or classmate ever tried to explain something to you? Or have you tried to help them learn something? If your answer is yes, then you know how easy it is to understand a concept that is explained by someone who is of your age. So, make a study buddy with whom you can study, discuss, and clarify doubts. This buddy will share what he learns, and you will pass on what you understand. All this will help you improve in maths and aid in developing a long-lasting friendship built on mutual learning and support.

10. Have confidence and adopt a positive attitude

Lack of confidence prevents thousands of children from getting better at mathematics. So, work on building your confidence, which can be achieved by reminding yourself again and again that maths is a skill just like any other skill and therefore can be improved with time and patience. You also need to work on your weak spots and take proactive steps to address them. Also, remove the negative impression of maths from your mind, thinking that it is too difficult to understand will make you lose even more confidence. Follow a positive approach while studying mathematics by looking at every concept and problem as a challenge and applying every effort to understand it.

The bottom line

We know that just like arts and other sports, many children grasp maths more easily than others, but it does not mean you can’t succeed in it. By following the above tips and putting in extra effort, you can significantly improve your maths skills. Also, remember that maths is a subject that opens doors to numerous career opportunities and makes one land jobs in fields such as finance, engineering, and more. So, keep pushing yourself to become better in maths day by day and bring yourself closer to a bright future.