How To Study for a Math Test

Math is not a spectator sport, you need to be actively involved!

General Math Tips:

Take Good Notes. Try to write down everything that your teacher puts on the board. It may seem easy when watching the teacher, but it often is not so easy when it comes time for you to do it. A good set of notes will help remind you how to do these problems.
Ask Questions. If you don’t understand something then ask your teacher. Chances are you are not the only one who doesn’t understand. Understand your mistakes. When you find a mistake in your homework or test try to understand what the mistake is and what you did wrong. Look for something about the mistake that you can remember to help you to avoid making it again.
Keep your notes organized and make sure they're easy to read and review. This may mean that you need to recopy some notes at home or during a free period while the concepts are  still fresh in your mind.

Here is a list of helpful tips that can help you successfully study for a Math Test:

Start on Day One. You should always be studying for the next exam.

1. Know the vocabulary.

Start by going over each section, reviewing your notes and checking that you can still do the homework problems (actually work the problems again). Use the worked examples in your notes - cover up the solutions and work the problems yourself. Check your work against the solutions given.

2. Practice

You're not ready yet! Redo the homework problems you answered incorrectly.  Go over any Entrance/Exit slips we did in class.

3. Verbalize

Try to explain out loud, in your own words, how each solution strategy is used.

4. Situation

Put yourself in a test-like situation: work problems from review handouts.  It's
important to keep working problems the whole time you're studying.

5. Start studying early

Several days to a week before the test (longer for the final), begin to allot time in your schedule to reviewing for the test.

6. Homework

Do the homework when it’s assigned so that you know if you need additional help/clarification from a teacher

7. Find a friend to be your study partner.

8. Get lots of sleep the night before the test. Math tests are easier when you are mentally sharp.

Study Timeline Planning

When you sit down to study, think about how much time you want to devote to each topic. This will keep you from getting overwhelmed.

4-7 days before your test, study the math vocabulary and problems being tested.

2-3 days before your test, review the vocabulary quickly. Do another 10-15 practice problems; use the problems you originally got wrong on your homework.

1 day before your test, review those vocabulary words and do one problem from each night’s homework.

Day of the Test Tips

When you first receive the test, write down any formulas or definitions you had to memorize. This will immediately free up some brain power for the rest of your test.

When you are stuck, do as much as you can (you may get partial credit). Then, skip the problem, circle it and move on. Come back to it if you have time.

Make a List of Important Concepts/Formulas. Review your notes and make a concise list of important concepts and formulas. Make sure you know these formulas and more importantly how to use them!

Never Leave a Problem Blank. You should never leave a problem blank. Even if you don’t know how to finish the problem, write down as much as you do know. The teacher can only give partial credit if there is something written down for the problem. Writing something down is not a guarantee of partial credit, but not writing anything down is a guarantee of no credit at all!

Does Your Answer Make Sense? Make sure you’ve gotten an answer that makes sense.

On-line Resources:

https://www.khanacademy.org/math/cc-seventh-grade-math

https://www.mathgames.com/grade7

https://www.homeschoolmath.net/worksheets/grade_7.php

https://www.mathhelp.com/

https://TenMarks.com

https://mathantics.com

How To Study for a Science/Social St. Test

General Testing Tips:

• Take Good Notes. Try to write down everything that your teacher puts on the board. It may seem easy when watching the teacher, but it often is not so easy when it comes time for you to do it. A good set of notes will help remind you how to do these problems.

• Ask Questions. If you don’t understand something then ask your teacher. Chances are you are not the only one who doesn’t understand.

• Understand your mistakes. When you find a mistake in your homework or test try to understand what the mistake is and what you did wrong. Look for something about the mistake that you can remember to help you to avoid making it again.

• Keep your notes/labs organized and make sure they're easy to read and review. This may mean that you need to recopy some notes at home or during a free period while the concepts are  still fresh in your mind.

Here is a list of helpful tips that can help you successfully study for a Science/Social Studies Test:

***Start on Day One. You should always be studying for the next exam.***

1. Read the study guide and test instructions closely.

• It’s important to review all the information your teacher provides about the test.

2. Make Your Own Flash Cards

• Yes you can use Quizlet. However, creating your own flashcards by hand requires you to think about your material.  Use your flash cards for 10-20 minutes every day to improve your memory retention. Do not add more than 1-2 sentences of information per flash card so the content is easy to remember.

3. Add Visual Aids to Your Notes

• Using a visual will help you remember the material that’s connected. It’s a visual cue/reminder.

4. Become the Teacher

• Pretend you need to teach this material to another person. Practice by being the teacher.

5. Start studying early

• Several days to a week before the test (longer for the final), begin to allot time in your schedule to reviewing for the test.

6. Homework/Labs

• Do the homework/labs when it’s assigned so that you know if you need additional help/clarification from a teacher

7.  Make a Timeline

• This is especially helpful in social studies. This helps you remember things in chronological order.

8. Re-read your notes/labs and put them in a paragraph form. By organizing your  notes it will make it easier to understand the larger concepts.

9. If it's a map/geography test-use dry erase markers and sheet protectors to practice.

10. Figure out what you really know and don't know-chunk what you don't know so you aren't wasting time studying all of it every day-then review it as it gets closer.

11. Find a friend to be your study partner.

12. Get lots of sleep the night before the test. All tests are easier when you are mentally sharp.

Study Timeline Planning

• When you sit down to study, think about how much time you want to devote to each topic. This will keep you from getting overwhelmed.

• 4-7 days before your test, study the vocabulary and terms being tested. Create any flashcards/timelines that would be helpful.

• 2-3 days before your test, review the vocabulary quickly. Re-copy/review your notes.

• 1 day before your test, review all materials. Teach a friend or parent.

Day of the Test Tips

• When you first receive the test, write down any facts or definitions you had to memorize. This will immediately free up some brain power for the rest of your test.

• When you are stuck, do as much as you can (you may get partial credit). Then, skip the question, circle it and move on. Come back to it if you have time.

• Never Leave a Question Blank. Even if you don’t know how to fully answer the question, write down as much as you do know. The teacher can only give partial credit if there is something written down for the problem. Writing something down is not a guarantee of partial credit, but not writing anything down is a guarantee of no credit at all!

• Does Your Answer Make Sense? Make sure you’ve gotten an answer that makes sense.