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5 Essential Math Study Skills for High School Students

Updated: Apr 3, 2023

As high school students transition into higher education, it's important to develop good study habits to set them up for academic success in math subjects, such as algebra, trigonometry, geometry, or calculus. While there are many different strategies that can be effective for different individuals, there are some key skills that can help students achieve better grades and more efficient study sessions. This is particularly important when it comes to math, where precise information retention is key. Here are five study skills that every high school student should master: 1. Time management: The ability to manage time effectively is crucial for academic success. Encourage your child to use a planner or scheduling app to keep track of their assignments and deadlines. By setting aside specific blocks of time for studying, they can avoid cramming sessions and reduce stress levels. Additionally, they can use time management tools to break up larger assignments into smaller, more manageable tasks, which can make them easier to complete. 2. Active reading: Reading comprehension is a fundamental skill for academic success. Encourage your child to read actively, which means engaging with the text, taking notes, and asking questions. Active reading can help students retain information more effectively and can make studying more efficient. Encourage them to read in small chunks, underline or highlight important information, and write summaries or questions to help reinforce their understanding. 3. Note-taking: Effective note-taking is another crucial skill for academic success. Encourage your child to develop their own note-taking system that works for them, whether it's using bullet points, diagrams, or mind maps. Additionally, encourage them to review their notes regularly and to organize them in a way that makes sense to them. This can help them remember information more easily and can make studying more efficient. 4. Study groups: Working with others can be a highly effective way to learn and retain information. Encourage your child to form study groups with classmates, where they can review and discuss course material together. By explaining concepts to others, they can reinforce their own understanding, and by hearing others' perspectives, they can gain new insights and ideas. 5. Test-taking strategies: Test-taking can be stressful, but with the right strategies, students can feel more confident and perform better. Encourage your child to prepare for tests by reviewing class notes, studying with flashcards or practice exams, and getting plenty of rest the night before the test. Additionally, teach them test-taking strategies such as reading directions carefully, pacing themselves, and double-checking their work. By mastering these five study skills, high school students can improve their academic performance and prepare themselves for the demands of higher education. Remember, every student is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. Encourage your child to experiment with different study strategies to find what works best for them, and to ask for help or guidance from teachers or tutors if they're struggling. With persistence and hard work, they can achieve their academic goals and set themselves up for success in the future.

Does your child need support in a math subject like algebra, calculus or any other high school subject? If so, please contact Marin Tutors today. Over 25 years of experience working with Marin students, we've collected a world-class roster of fantastic tutors who would be happy to work with your child to help them achieve academic excellence.

Call us today: (415) 378-3324

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