1	Winning at Math Series Set I Successful Homework Center for Academic Assistance FLORIDA GULF COAST UNIVERSITY
2	Sources Some of the topics herein are adapted from the text, “Winning at Math” by Paul D. Nolting, Ph.D., Academic Success Press, Inc., 1997. The author of this presentation, Robert Brownell, Ph.D., Applied Mathematics, University of Virginia, has over 30 years combined experience teaching university level mathematics and training engineers in industrial simulator design and operation. “Hands on training”, a common term in industry, is a basic method used to teach mathematics and engineering concepts in both industry and academia.
3	Dreading a math exam ? Lost in a math course ? Feeling that it’s hopeless to catch up ? You might be surprised at how many people feel the same way about math exams and math homework ... Did you know that most people are not trained to take math exams or even to study mathematics?… …and that it’s hard for most people to prepare for a math exam or do math homework ? This study guide can help you prepare for an exam or do math homework more effectively, plus it can help you in other courses as well. It does take persistence on your part, and it can produce good results quickly if you learn and practice the steps in this study guide.
4	Sounds good…, too good maybe ? Most people who are successful at learning mathematics have developed ways to reduce the amount of rote memorization. They get new facts into long-term memory efficiently. When faced with a challenging math problem, they start from basic concepts and extend their knowledge to the larger problem. You can learn to do math problems the same way and : Improve your understanding of the basic concepts. Commit concepts to long-term memory without rote memorization. There is no secret here - the concept is not new. Stated simply: Use simple, basic steps, one at a time, in your solution. Write down each step in words and symbols as you work, using as many pathways in the brain as possible.
5	Use as many pathways in the brain as possible as you learn ------------------- This means you use as many senses as possible while you work…. By writing each step in words By writing each step in symbols By seeing symbols and words together for each step By speaking the words as you write them That pretty much uses the hands, the eyes, the ears, eye-hand coordination, and speech all at once! Learning tests have shown that using all of the senses can increase learning efficiency from less than 25% to more than 75% --- plus it helps keep you alert.
6	PLUS --- Writing steps gives you a written record of each type of problem, which you can use at any time for exam review, or for a reference from which to work other problems. If you get stuck at a step in a problem, your written work will show just where the problem is. A teacher, tutor, or friend can then give fast, efficient help. You might call this method “HANDS ON LEARNING” because you use your hands, but there is more to it ...
7	“Hands On Learning” - Learn by doing it yourself, with your own hands “Hands on Training” has long been the choice in industry, because it is very effective. The trainee walks through the procedure himself...”hands on” Each basic step of the training problem is written down, checked off a list, consciously anticipated, and physically done. No steps are skipped. None are done “in the head” Memory is not trusted. The training procedure shows all basic steps and results. Visualize training for landing a 747 airplane. Would you skip any steps? “Hands on Training or Learning” engages the trainee Uses the physical senses and the communication pathways of the brain all at the same time. That is why it is so effective.
8	“Hands on Learning” used in Preparation for Math Exams and Math Homework The following are examples of math problem solutions which use this method. Remember, take small basic steps; write down each step completely. DO NOT try to memorize, but DO re-read each step to understand it before you go on to the next step. The step-by-step method is what counts, not your IQ ! This may seem tedious, but it ---- reinforces learning significantly saves time in the long-run increases your accuracy
9	Example 1 Mixed number to an improper fraction
10	Example 2 Linear relationships in a word problem
11	Example 2 page 2
12	Example 2 page 3
13	Example 2 page 4
14	Example 3 Solve a system of equations
15	Example 3 page 2
16	Example 4 Solve a quadratic
17	Example 4 page 2
18	“Hands on Learning” emphasizes : Enhancing your thinking with your physical senses as you study. Using a methodical procedure to focus your thinking on the mathematical method of each step. Using small basic steps to encourage steady success toward the solution and to increase learning of basic math skills. Documenting each step clearly for understanding and for future reference. Reducing rote memorization while increasing long-term retention of basic math skills.