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General resources
How To Succeed in Quantitative Courses (September 29, 2020)
Are university-level quantitative courses harder than you thought? Watch this recorded workshop, developed by a college math instructor, to learn how to gain the deep understanding needed to solve even the trickiest exam problem. To receive Co-Curricular credit for watching this workshop, fill out the Webinar Reflection Form for CCR.
Transitioning to University Math
Justin Gray, an instructor in the Department of Mathematics, gives his best advice to incoming students on how to succeed in university-level math courses, and which strategies you used in high school you may have to change.
Exam Preparation: Strategies for Success in Mathematics Courses and Other Q-Courses
The March 2009 version of a workshop presented by Dr. Malgorzata Dubiel and Dr. Jamie Mulholland of the Department of Mathematics. Contains the "Magic Key" and step-by-step preparation instructions for quantitative exams.
How to study for a mathematics degree (Lara Alcock)
Practical advice based on research about learning mathematics. Covers a full range of topics from abstract intellectual challenges to everyday study practices.
A Fable
Handout given an exam preparation workshop. An analogy to how students typically behave in their math classes. Most students are "Shelley"; more successful students are "Cindy". Be Cindy.
A Better Approach to Quantitative Courses:
SFU Department of Mathematics resources
Math Success Session by the SFU Department of Mathematics
Effective strategies to prepare for exams, study more efficiently and improve performance in math courses. Designed especially for first- and second-year undergraduate students.
Q Placement Test
Assesses whether you should take FAN X99 before any "Q" courses.
Calculus Readiness Test
Assesses whether you should take MATH 100 (precalculus) before taking any calculus courses.
First Year Mathematics Guide (Professor Randall Pyke)
Contains tips that are useful for any quantitative/ problem solving course, as well as many of the above links and links to previous math and MACM exams.
General success strategies
- Math study skills: High school vs. college (Mission College) - A chart showing ways in which students must adapt themselves to the expectations of university-level problem-solving courses.
- Study techniques for math (Mission College)
Understanding concepts
Problem Solving Videos (McMaster University)
To learn the conceptual approach to problem solving, access these videos:
- Problem Solving I: Frequent Solver,
- Problem Solving II: Concepts vs. Plug and Chug, and
- Problem Solving III: Decision Steps.
Problem-solving tests
Problem Solving Exams (University of Guelph)
Tips on preparation, writing and analyzing the exam afterwards.
Math Study Skills: Math Tests (Mission College)
Tips on preparing for problem-solving tests, doing well on those tests, reviewing returned tests, test anxiety, and the final exam.
Reading & note-taking for problem solving courses
Reading math textbooks (Mission College)
Several tips, including the "KWL Strategy".
Math study skills: Note taking (Mission College)
Several tips following the model "Listen, Write, Review, Reflect."
How to Read a Math Textbook (Cuesta College)
Several appropriate steps to read a math textbook.
Reading a Math Textbook (Arizona State University)
Tips that can help you understand the material better.
Overcoming math anxiety
Why do people get so anxious about math? (TedEd video, 4:36 by Professor Orly Rubinstein, Haifa University)
Math Anxiety (Pace University video, 2:40)
More resources
Find more resources for your particular problem-solving course.