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Students and Math
Many people (adults included) have "Math Anxiety". When we are confronted with the prospect of
taking a math test we have a variety of reactions.
- We get nervous
- We freeze up
- We get sick
- or we get the math
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Do you have friends who think math is fun? Imagine the activities that you think are fun. They are
usually things that you are good at. Well, when you manage to get good at math - it can be fun too.
The purpose of this page - is to take some of the fear and anxiety out of math tests, have some fun,
give you tips on taking tests and improve your math skills.
Some Cool Brain Teasers Links
http://www.squiglysplayhouse.com/BrainTeasers/index.html
http://www.brainbashers.com/
http://www.highiqsociety.org/noflash/nonmembers/iqtests.htm?IQ
http://www.mathpower.com/funstuff.htm
Tips on taking tests
- Arrive early for tests and bring all materials you will need such as pens,
pencils, a calculator, and a watch.
- Stay confident and relaxed. If you feel anxious before or during a test,
take several slow, deep breaths to relax. Remind yourself that you are going to do well and you are prepared!
- Listen attentively to any last minute instructions given by the instructor.
Don't miss them due to your anxiety or because your talking to your classmates. The instructor may give you some
valuable information just before handing out the test.
- Read the directions very carefully. Look for specific instructions on
how to proceed on the exam. You may find that more than one answer is possible on multiple choice questions.
Watch for details. A question maybe stated such that you are looking for the answer that is
NOT valid.
- Begin by answering the easiest questions first. Answer the most difficult
questions last.
- Trust your knowledge and do not look for patterns on an exam. Do not change
your answer just because the last 4 answers were all "b". Change answers only when you are certain.
Your first instinct is often correct. Reviewing in haste and changing answers
without certainty can do more harm.
- When you have completed your test, spend the remaining time reviewing your answers. Make sure you have
answered all questions (do not miss questions on the back side of the paper). Check your answers for careless
mistakes (e.g. no $ signs, misplaced decimals). Proofread your writing for spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Work the math problems backwards when possible to verify answers.
Did you know?
It is impossible to lick your elbow.
An ostrich's eye is bigger than it's brain.
"Stewardesses" is the longest word that is typed with only the left hand.
There is a bird that barks instead of sings.
The guy on the ten-dollar bill was shot and killed by a vice president.
A fresh egg will sink in water, but a stale one won't.
Peanuts are one of the ingredients in dynamite.
No piece of square dry paper can be folded in half more than 7 times.
The sentence "the quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog" uses every letter in the English language.
It's impossible to sneeze with your eyes open.
Over 75% of people who read this page will try to lick their elbow..
Five Ways to Reduce Math Anxiety
- Consider math a foreign language - it must be practiced.
- Ask questions. If you don't understand don't sit silent. Math builds upon previous lessons.
- Do math homework everyday. Repetition helps.
- Trust your intuition. You know more than you think.
- Study with a group. Other students may be able to help explain things in a way you understand.
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