Math Study Skills for Adult Students

Learning Strategies for Developing a Sound Foundation in Math

Nov 4, 2009 David R. Wetzel 11 strategies focusing on problem solving and memory are provided for developing the necessary skills in math to be successful in adult education courses. Math study skills for adult learners, especially non-traditional students, typically relate to their past experiences with math during their high school days. Their previous math skills were based on memorization of formulas or algorithms. Adult students quickly discover that rote memory skills are not enough in adult education math courses. They are required to apply mathematics beyond basic facts, specifically in critical thinking and problem solving activities. Adult learners need to develop different learning strategies and skill sets as they adjust their math study skills for college level math courses. Developing effective strategies for learning mathematics is critical because college math courses cover an entire year of high school in one semester or quarter. The material is more complex and challenging in adult education, along with the need for self-motivation in and out of class.

Problem Solving: Substitution Strategy Math Study Skills

The substitution strategy is used for math problem solving, especially when specific information concerning a component of a math equation is unclear or when an appropriate math equation cannot be setup to solve a word problem. Using the substitution strategy, the unknown part of a math equation or problem is replaced with something known. Fractions substitute with the decimal equivalent of a fraction whenever possible, as long as the decimal is not repeating. For example replace the fraction one-half with 0.5. Variables sometimes the meaning or function of a variable in an equation is unclear. In this case, substitute an actual number for the variable(s) and solve the problem. For example the formula I = Prt is replaced with 10 = 30 x 2 x t. Word Problems adult learners commonly experience difficulty with word problems, especially with developing an equation using the information given in the problem. Substituting the unknowns or variables with actual numbers will help develop an equation. Another strategy is following the 12 Tips for Solving Word Problems, which apply to all levels of mathematics. The key to solving math word problems is to have a plan or strategy, which works in any math word problem solving situation. Tthe following 12 tips are provided for helping students become good problem solvers. 1. Read the problem carefully looking for clues and important information. Write down the clues, underline, or highlight the clues. 2. If necessary, rewrite the problem to help find these clues. 3. Look for clues to determine which math operation is needed to solve the problem, for example addition, subtraction, etc. Look for key words like sum, difference, product, perimeter, area, etc. They lead to the operation needed to solve the problem. 4. Look for what is needed solve the problem, for example: how many will are left, the total will be, everyone gets red, everyone gets one of each, etc. 5. Use variable symbols, such as x for missing information. 6. Eliminate all non-essential information by drawing a line through distracting information. 7. Draw sketches, drawings, and models to see the problem. 8. Is the word problem similar to a previous work, if so how was it solved. 9. Develop a plan based on the information determined to be important for solving the problem. 10. Carry out the plan using the math operations which were determined would find the answer. 11. Does the answer seem reasonable, if it does then it is probably ok if not then check the work. 12. Work the problem in reverse or backwards, starting with the answer to see if you wind up with your original problem.

Improve Memory: Techniques for Developing Better Math Study Skills

Math courses often require four types of information be remembered by adult students on quizzes and exams. Improving memory strategies are needed when encoding, retrieving terms, definitions, symbols, equations, and problem solutions. Key Words highlight and focus on key words in the math definitions. This reduces the amount of information that must be remembered and helps identify words that may be omitted in fill-in test questions. Association once the key words have been identified, associate specific math terms with the key words. Use phonetic associations, vivid visual associations, associations with prior knowledge, or other associations. Flash Cards are useful for registering definitions of terms into memory. Write the term on one side of the card and the definition on the other. Practice recalling the definition when given the term and vice-aversa. Running Concept Lists make running concept lists of math equations and rules using notebook paper divided into two columns. The names of the equations or rules go in the left-hand column and the mathematical expressions are written in the right-hand column. Fold the paper or cover one column to test your recall of math equations and rules. Mnemonics problem solutions or definitions are registered in memory using mnemonics. Take the first letter of each step and form it into a cue word or cue phrase. One classic example is Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sallie. This mnemonic represents parenthesis, exponents, multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction for order of operations. Frequent Review review often. Review flash cards while waiting in line or between classes. Explain the problem solution to a friend while walking to class. Frequent reviewing aids remembering math formulas, definitions, and algorithms. Rehearsal repetitious review of steps for a solving a problem aids in long-term memory. The effectiveness of this strategy is enhanced when rehearsals are made by actively vocalizing, listening to recordings, or writing about solving various math problems. Procedure Cards use procedure flash cards to register problem solutions in long-term memory. On one side of the card write the type of problem and an example. On the other side write the steps in English for solving the problem and actually show the steps for solving the example.

Making Connections: Improving Math Study Skills and Learning Strategies

Adult education requires a different view of learning, along with improvement in math study skills. Not developing appropriate learning strategies and procrastination are the top two areas in which adult learners get in trouble with math. Other areas of concern are not developing a positive attitude about math and developing math anxiety. Learning math requires hard work, elimination of the expectation to get everything right the first time, and realize that learning takes time. Success in adult education math courses is one of many important steps to follow to avoid dropping out of adult education.