Taking a math test is never an easy venture because math can be a
difficult and complex subject. But most students do poorly on math
tests not so much because the material is too difficult to understand
as much as the student's study habits are poor. That is to say, poor
test preparation is often the reason for underperformance. Of course,
through reversing a number of common math test preparation mistakes
the ability to perform better can be achieved. Here is a look at the
ten most common mistakes to avoid when taking a math test.
Studying at the last minute. Waiting until the night before the test
to study is often a recipe for disaster as it leaves you with far
too little time to study properly. Plus, if it turns out you need
extra time in order to properly prepare you are out of luck!
Studying for too long a stretch. There is only so much you can mentally
and physically stand and forcing yourself to study for an extended
period of time is self defeating. Instead, it is far better to break
up your study time into shorter periods (say a half hour each) throughout
the day.
Reading test material without practicing it. When it comes to math
you have to actually work out the problems in order to become proficient.
Math is not a course like history where you can simply read from the
textbook. Math requires practice.
Studying haphazardly. What structure do you apply to your study session?
If you try to study without any structure you may find yourself totally
under-prepared when test time arrives. As such, a solid study plan
should be devised and followed. Also, it is critical to be productive
when you study and not waste time or cut it short. Such an attitude
will prove self defeating.
Taking an "I got it" attitude. In other words, do not get too confident
in your supposed knowledge of the material. People use this attitude
as an excuse to study less and it is a bad idea. Believing that you
have solid knowledge of the material when you don't will eventually
bring a solid dose of unwelcome reality.
Not taking advantage of resources. If you have access to study groups,
extra help sessions or even a private tutor you should utilize these
resources as they will dramatically increase the chances of performing
well. Sometimes you really shouldn't go it alone particularly when
certain partnerships can lead to higher scores.
Not identifying or concentrating on weaknesses. If there is a particular
area that you are weak on then it becomes important to invest time
in this area the most. Yes, this can be a little difficult to do at
times but the end result is your weak points will not longer be weak.
Incomplete study materials. This is a close cousin of haphazard preparation.
When you sit down to study be sure you have everything you need. This
means in addition to your notebook and text book you should review
prior homework, old tests and quizzes, handouts and anything else
that may be part of the class work. By comprehensively studying all
classroom material you will undoubtedly
Be sure to have adequate sleep. Staying up all night to cram will
leave you mopey, dopey and sleepy when test time arrives. That hardly
sounds like the way to boost peak performance.
Not knowing what is on the test. This little item was saved until
last because it the easiest to avoid but many people make this fundamental
mistake. If the test is on Chapter 4 then you shouldn't be studying
Chapter 9!