You have spent lots of time studying, and practicing your math problems over and over. You’ve done all your homework. You can remember the math when doing the homework so the test should be a breeze, right?
Well, maybe.
What Usually Happens
Most homework sets are built to practice the single concept the teacher talked about that day. For example, in calculus, I learned about integration by parts. After finishing the homework of 6-10 problems that had to do with integration by parts I was feeling pretty confident. I knew how to integrate a function by splitting it into different parts. So what’s the problem?
The next day, we learned about u-substitution. I got the homework, I did 6-10 problems that involved u-substitution and I felt pretty confident about it. Then I got to the test. On the test I didn’t know if a problem was supposed to be solved using u-substitution, integration by parts, or something else.
Problem with Math Homework
When you get the test the problems are all mixed up. This isn’t a big deal if the concepts are different, but what about the problems that are just barely different from each other, like in my calculus class?
On the test, I didn’t know which method to use and I would get mixed up and try the wrong one and get the wrong answer, or waste time so I couldn’t answer all the questions.
What Works to Remember Math
So, what works? Have you ever heard the phrase practice makes perfect? Well, this is sort of true. To practice taking a test you need to take tests. Or at least, do the homework problems in the same way they will be presented on the test. How do you do this? Start by mixing up your homework problems. Do the problems from that day mixed with problems from previous homework sets.
Keep a bank of homework problems. Each day during your study time do problems from that day, and then mix in problems from previous days. Embrace the challenge. When you give your brain time to forget, you also give your brain time to learn. Anytime it is difficult to remember the math concepts, your brain is learning and will remember them better the next time. For more about the brain science, check out this article by Jo Boaler.
Conclusion
To remember math you need to practice recall. Do math the way you will see it on your tests. Start by mixing up your problems so your review and your current problems all happen together. Then space out your practice to give your brain time to forget. This exercises your brain and helps you to remember things better. If you want step-by-step help to do this for your next test, sign up for our free “3 Steps to Ace Your Next Test” guide.