Learning mathematics is not an easy task but it can be well worth the effort. Math is often referred to as the “gatekeeper” subject. Research has shown that the students who have taken the most math courses in high school perform the best in college. They are the students least likely to drop out as well. As our society makes constant advances in technology, a math background is becoming more and more essential as a requirement for many careers. Careers that previously were not associated with mathematics now need some of the basic skills. Even fields where no math is used can benefit from a study of math because the subject matter encourages the user to synthesize and analyze information, to think logically and to draw inferences. These are skills essential to good thinking.
As you approach the study of math it will help if you realize that it requires a “struggle”. In fact George Polya said that through this struggle “the student learns to persevere through unsuccess, to appreciate small advances, to wait for the essential idea, to concentrate with all his might when it appears.” Learning math will require that you concentrate, persevere, pay attention to details, recognize patterns, make conjectures and take risks.
Learning to read mathematics is a very important skill that must be developed to help you in your endeavor. It differs in several respects from reading in other subject areas. Because the language of math is so precise, you will find very little ”text” to read. This means that every word is significant so you cannot skim over them. Also, math reading involves studying examples which illustrate how the concept is to be applied. You should always read a math book with pencil and paper close by so you can work through the missing steps on your own. It might require several readings of the material before you begin to comprehend the ideas.
When you have finished the reading and look ahead to answering the questions, it might help if you realize that different types of questions require a different level of involvement from you. On researcher has offered the following headings to indicate the types of questions you may encounter: “RIGHT THERE”, “THINK & SEARCH”, “Author & Me”, and “ON MY OWN.” In the “right there” type question the answer is stated directly in the reading. You must merely look for it. This type of questions can be answered often with very little understanding of the answer. In “think and search” type questions the answer is in the reading but not directly stated. The answer may be stated in the form of an example for instance. To answer this type of question requires a bit of thinking if you are to extrapolate the information from what is being given. For “author and me” questions the author is asking you to use your previous knowledge and recall some information that is related to the new topic. The brain is most engaged in “on my own “questions. For this type there is nothing specifically stated in the book related to the question. You must use your cognitive powers to suggest an answer.