8th-Grade Math Tips That Actually Work

8th-grade math tips are a must-read for every middle schooler who wants to do well in 8th-grade math and prepare thoroughly for high school math. 

Besides, 8th-grade math can be challenging especially if you don’t know how to go about it. You are introduced to Pre Algebra which prepares the foundation for high school math: Algebra I and II.

That’s why we asked our 8th-grade math tutors to come up with the most practical tips and strategies for your 8th-grade math. 

You can succeed in 8th-grade math by following these tips: 

• Review the math concepts
• Know your curriculum expectations
• Analyze your learning needs and goals
• Create a detailed study plan
• Practice past papers
• Find a math tutor

For a detailed step-wise analysis and explanation of 8th-grade math tips, read on!

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Review 8th-grade concepts and syllabus

Before you begin to practice your lessons, you should know what lessons you will practice this year. What is a standard 8th-grade math curriculum? What is your 8th-grade math lesson plan? 

Make a checklist of the 8th-grade math chapters, topics, and subtopics like this: 

Pre-Algebra

• Factors and Multiples.
• Patterns.
• Ratios and rates.
• Percentages.
• Exponents intro and order of operations.
• Variables and Expressions.
• Equations and Inequalities.
• Percent and rational numbers.
• Proportional relationships.
• One-step and two-step equations and inequalities.
• Roots, exponents, and scientific notations.
• Functions and linear models.
• System of equations.

After you’ve completed each subtopic, topic, or entire math subject, tick the checklist to mark it’s done! This activity should be a part of your study plan. 

Find your complete 8th-grade math curriculum and lesson plans here: What is 8th-grade math?

Figure out curriculum expectations

Curriculum planning involves determining instruction objectives, selecting resources, materials, and exercises, and estimating efforts to achieve them, helping to understand curriculum expectations and program objectives in writing. Here are 10 questions for you to answer when calculating your effort:

Prioritize the topics and subtopics

• What do you want to do by the end of the course or unit?
• What are the most important topics to practice?
• What are the most difficult math topics? 
• What are easy-to-score math topics? 

Finding resources

• What activities and assessments will help you achieve your learning goals?
• Are there specific online lessons, videos, web tutorials, YouTube channels, or tutoring services that can help you excel in 8th-grade math?

Time Management

Remember to set realistic time goals. For example, you may want to complete Factors and Multiples in the day, but the real question is, would you be able to do so? 

• How many hours do get for self-study? 
• Out of that how many hours do you dedicate to math? 
• How much time goes into the break? 
• Is it really possible to complete the topic in that period of time?

🔦Find all 8th-grade math resources here: 8th-grade math resources you can easily access.

You are ready to start creating your study plan once you have determined your learning objectives, located relevant materials, and calculated the effort required.

Analyze your learning needs and goals

Once you know what to expect from your curriculum (goals), creating a study plan around it is simple.

Academic success has long been linked to effective study methods, skills, and administration.

According to research conducted by Crede, M., & Kuncel, N. R. (2008), students are more likely to maintain organization and make good use of their study time if they establish clear goals and adhere to efficient study plans. 

Follow these steps to make your study plan:

Consider your learning goals

Identify your course or program goals and determine the specific topics and activities to achieve them. What do you wish to finish at the end of your course or program? Which score is your goal? Having a clear understanding of your goals will help you start determining the exact topics and activities that will help you reach them.

Consider your learning needs

What knowledge are you seeking? What past knowledge and abilities do you have? What’s your learning style? Which learning approaches do you prefer? You may design an engaging and challenging curriculum by being aware of your learning needs.

Be realistic

Don’t overload yourself with tasks. It is for you to know your potential. If you are only able to solve 10 problems in a day, don’t try to reach 20. Don’t underestimate your identity, though. Be prepared to work longer and harder when called upon.

Talk to your teachers and mentors

Your teachers or counselors can assist you in determining your areas of strength and weakness and in creating a program suitable for your objectives and level.

Finally, create a detailed study plan

You can create a monthly, weekly, and daily study schedule. The following information has to be part of your study plan:

Number of hours: Decide how many hours you will spend on your 8th-grade math each day.

Time of the day: Choose the time of day that works best for you to practice math.

Lessons or Concepts: Fix what lessons or concepts you will practice each day of the week.

Test day: Fix a day when you will take a test on the lessons or concepts you’ve learned. Mostly, math tutors assess your math skills by performing these tests. 

If you do not have a tutor, you can test your skills by choosing questions from past year’s papers, solving them, and marking yourself honestly.

Monthly goal: Fix what concepts will be done by the end of each month. 

💡Tip: You can use Google Sheets, study plan calendars, note-taking tools, or a simple pen and diary to plan your study.

Practice past papers 

After mastering a concept, practicing prior papers is similar to taking memory tests. Taking memory tests is an effective study strategy to retain the concept for longer. Source: Roediger, H. L., & Karpicke, J. D. (2006).

Students can also have a thorough understanding of the test format and probable question categories by studying past papers. They help in pointing out the important subjects that they should concentrate on when revising.

They also let you practice answering timed questions similar to those on tests. You can find and fix any gaps in your knowledge or comprehension if you practice past exams regularly.

These are tips to practice past papers effectively:

Follow recent years’ papers

Look for papers from recent years, as this will give you the best idea of the current format of the test. 

For example, if you’re about to take your exam in 2024, start by practicing question papers from the year 2023 to the year 2014 in this order: 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, and so on.

Use past papers to revise a concept

When you are revising a topic, try to answer some past exam questions on that topic. This will assist in making an authentic self-assessment.

For example: If you are revising the concept of fractions in math, you could find some past exam questions on fractions and try to answer them. This will help you to identify the areas where you need more practice.

Focus on the timely completion of answers

Time yourself as you are answering the questions so that you can get used to working under timed conditions of the real test in the exam hall. 

For example: If the exam clocks for 3 hours, try to complete your practice papers in 2.5 hours. Save half an hour extra to review the answers and avoid delay.

Focus on the improvement areas

If you find any questions that you are struggling with, go back and revise the relevant topic.

Ask your teacher for help if you are still struggling with any questions.

For example, Many students find pre-algebra difficult. If you get stuck in algebra problems, focus on practicing them more.

Find a math tutor

Research has shown that a clear understanding of the syllabus and teacher’s feedback is essential for effective learning. This understanding helps students identify what topics to focus on and ensures that they are adequately prepared for the content that will be tested. Source: Hattie, J., & Timperley, H. (2007).

Ignoring your learning needs is a bad idea, especially for middle school math. A math tutor will help you with concept clearing, assignments, test prep, and overall guidance to excel in your academics.

Wiingy is an online tutoring platform that provides individualized math lessons from highly vetted instructors. It offers outstanding 8th-grade math classes starting at just $28 per hour, where you get to pick your own tutors.

The first lesson is complimentary, allowing you to try the tutoring service before actually booking a paid lesson. The best part is that a student need not subscribe to long-term lesson plans or packages. You can book as few as one, or as many lessons as you want. 

Be consistent with 8th-grade math tips

Maintaining consistency is crucial as it helps in creating a strong foundation. Regular maths practice helps to solidify and reinforce previously learned topics. In addition, you are improving your problem-solving techniques and gaining self-assurance.

Maintaining consistency in your maths studies also increases the likelihood of maintaining motivation. You are more inclined to desire to continue when you are making progress. It can be challenging to make up, though, if you fall behind. 

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