Spring 2023

Schedule:

Course Uploads: 

Tips for Students

In the following list, I offer some advice that has helped me learn in a number of different settings. If you’re currently learning something, you may find them helpful. 

1. Know the concepts 

Since assessments have traditionally been problem-based and lack explicit conceptual questions, it is easy to focus on problem-solving while neglecting the concepts. Don’t make this mistake. A strong understanding of the concepts in a subject will be your compass in the problem-solving process and your preparation for future topics.

2. Be proactive 

A common misconception is that the learning process assigns the instructor/student purely active/passive roles. Instructors can enrich the learning process in a number of passive ways (e.g. listening, letting students answer questions), and you can enhance your own learning by being proactive. To start: practice plenty of problems, test yourself, ask questions, give feedback, and collaborate with others. Some of the benefits: gaining problem-solving accuracy and speed, discovering your misconceptions, correcting your misconceptions quickly,  improving your instructor’s teaching, helping other students, and hearing other perspectives.

3. Write like a lawyer

When you write mathematics, it is your responsibility to convince the reader that you know exactly what you’re doing. This means that having the right equations and the right answer is not as important as explaining why you’re doing what you’re doing. Not sure what or how much to say? As a rule of thumb, try to write an argument that is convincing beyond a reasonable doubt. To start: use plenty of words, include only standard symbols, be specific, order things logically, justify your steps, check your work, and leave as little room for the question ‘Why?’ as possible.

4. Keep a study sheet

Sometimes, referring to a large collection of notes can be time-consuming and intimidating.  A shorter list consisting of the main ideas of a subject often serves as a more practical reference, makes the topics more manageable, and offers perspective into the big picture. For an example of one, see the ‘Course Uploads’ section below.

5. Struggles ≠ failures

The learning process will be, by nature, a challenge for you. This means it is okay (in fact, expected) for you to struggle. These moments are not failures – they are tests that you can overcome by keeping a good attitude, giving your best effort, and seeking help. Additionally, some resources available to you are your instructor, other students, university centers, and educational websites (e.g. Khan Academy).