Common Mistakes Students Make in Math
Is math really impossible, or can the right approach help you get the grades you desire? Math courses tend to be the pitfall of many students, not because they are extremely difficult, but because students use strategies that are not ideal for their success. With the right habits, anyone can improve and even begin to enjoy the subject, regardless of their past experiences with it.
One of the biggest mistakes that students make in math is trying to tackle everything alone instead of asking for help when needed. Oftentimes, students feel like their teachers do not care. The fact is that most of them genuinely enjoy helping – it is their job, after all! Many teachers are available during lunch, and before or after school, giving students the chance to get the support they need to grasp concepts. Furthermore, if you feel that asking your teacher for help is not the best option, tutoring is an excellent alternative. There are many free tutoring initiatives available, such as Academic Allies, a program that offers one-on-one support from Ontario Certified Teachers. This demonstrates that someone is always invested in your academic growth; you just have to reach out.
A second mistake that many students make is not staying consistent with practice. A lot of students believe that they will ace a test by memorizing formulas or relying on a cheat sheet, so they skip homework or complete it half-heartedly. Unlike memorization-based courses, math is a skill, and like any other skill, you get better at it the more you do it. Regular practice helps you build confidence and improves test results, as homework questions are often similar to or even the same as the ones on tests. In addition, a lack of consistency in earlier years limits your success in more advanced branches of math. For example, Grade 12 math is largely based on concepts covered in the lower-level courses, which is why having a strong understanding of the fundamentals is essential for success.
Lastly, it is common for students to understand the lessons in class yet still struggle on tests. Many lose marks because of long questions or word problems that appear. This usually happens because they prioritize the wrong problems while studying or are unaware of how to properly prepare for tests. The best way to study for them is to review tests from previous years or find sample tests to complete online. This is an effective strategy because the questions on these are likely similar to the ones you will see on your actual test. A bonus tip is to check if your teacher posts past tests, as this gives you an idea of how they mark and what they are expecting you to know.
If you feel stuck in math, do not hesitate to ask a teacher for help or find a tutor. They will work with you until you understand the concepts, no matter how long it takes. To get higher grades, practice regularly and focus on the questions that are most likely to appear on tests.
-Aidan (High School Student, Tutor Mentee)
