Math Made Easy: 11 study strategies for middle school students

Several factors contribute to the perception that many students in India find mathematics challenging. It’s important to note that these reasons can vary from individual to individual, and not every student faces the same difficulties.

A major reason is the negative attitudes towards Math; this often stems from cultural perceptions or personal experiences. Many students fear of making mistakes and facing consequences in a highly competitive environment. Gaps in foundational concepts, which can accumulate over the years and hinder understanding of more advanced topics, are another contributor because of which students find the subject difficult. Failure to address and rectify these gaps early on in a student’s education means that the student fears Math as he/she moves into higher classes.

However, Ms Rakhi Roy Chaudhury, TGT Math, Apeejay School, Kharghar says that Math is like any other subject. “Unlike History or Geography where one may need to rote learn certain things, Math is all about understanding the concepts. Once the students are clear about the concepts, this subject becomes easy,” Ms Rakhi said.

With exams for all the classes set to kick off in February, Ms Rakhi shared several strategies for middle school students to help them score well in the exam.

Daily Practice:

·         Allocate at least one hour every day for Math practice.

·         Consistency is key – practice daily without fail.

“There is an adage: Practice makes the man perfect. This is apt when it comes to Math. Don’t leave revision for the weekend or holidays. Whatever has been taught in the class must be revised at home. Practice Math problems daily; do similar types of questions that have been taught in the class,” Ms Rakhi said.

Regular School Attendance:

·         Attend school regularly, avoiding any inclination to skip classes.

·         Active class participation is essential for understanding concepts.

Homework Approach:

·         Complete assigned homework regularly.

·         Extend practice by solving similar questions from additional reference books.

Recommended Books:

·         Utilise school-recommended books such as NCERT Exemplar and Rd Sharma.

·         Explore supplementary reference books for a variety of questions.

Testing and Self-Evaluation:

·         Weekly self-tests are crucial.

·         Parents can help by framing questions for a timed self-assessment.

Analysis of Test Performance:

·         Analyse mistakes after tests.

·         Avoid checking answers immediately; take a break for at least half an hour.

Reward System:

·         After analysis, reward yourself with a break.

·         Relaxation is crucial for maintaining motivation and confidence.

Exam Preparation:

·         Start exam preparation early to avoid last-minute stress.

·         Focus on understanding rather than memorizing formulas.

Topic Prioritisation:

·         Begin with easy topics before gradually moving to challenging ones.

·         Understand the derivation of formulas for better retention.

Ms Rakhi also said that each class has some students who struggle with the subject. “For such students, I would recommend that they refer to the NCERT textbook and practice similar questions and then gradually progress from easy to difficult chapters. Utilise sample papers and common question papers for practice. Practice questions from the assignments given by the teacher,” she advised.

Systematic Planning:

·         Plan study sessions systematically.

·         Set realistic expectations to avoid unnecessary pressure.

Consistent Self-Study:

·         Allocate a dedicated half-hour for self-study every day.

·         Maintain a focused and concentrated approach during this time.

“By following these strategies, students can enhance their understanding, build confidence, and perform well in mathematics,” Ms Rakhi said in conclusion.