Math
How to Get Better at High School Math? [Best Tips to Know]
Written by Medha Pandey
Updated on: 23 Dec 2024
Content
Performing well in high school is key to getting good colleges for higher studies. Math is typically one of the toughest high school subjects. Many students want to know how to get better at high school math.
You can improve your high school math by setting realistic goals, understanding the concept step-by-step, practicing past papers, learning from your mistakes, and getting help from a high school math tutor.
The Nova Southeastern University also says that: To master mathematics, you must practice regularly, in addition to reading, attending class, and studying.
At Wiingy, we tutor hundreds of high school math students. Our high school math tutors advise students to practice maximum problems from past papers to improve at high school math.
Besides, they swear by telling their students these key tips to get better at high school math.
Looking to Learn High School Math? Book a Free Trial Lesson and match with top High School Math Tutors for Concepts, Homework Help, and Test Prep.
10 things you can do to get better at high school math skills
Attending class, paying close attention, and taking good notes are also essential for success in mathematics. By combining your classroom learning with your own studying, you can become a successful mathematics learner.
Improving in math is a combination of hard work, effective study habits, and the right guidance. Learn how to excel with the tips shared in How to Ace 10th Grade Math. Also, follow the 10 key tips to succeed in high school math:
Believe that you can get it
Believing that you can get the math problem is the first step to solving it. If you have a negative mindset and believe that you can’t do it, then you’re already setting yourself up for failure. Believe in yourself, challenge your negative thoughts, and focus on your strengths.
Set realistic goals
If you are struggling in math, forcing yourself to study more is not the answer. Instead, help identify your weaknesses and set realistic goals to address them.
Don’t practice concepts you don’t understand for long periods of time. This will only lead to frustration.
Instead, try short practice sessions and different teaching methods. You can also ask your teacher for help or find online math lessons. The goal is to help you understand math, not just reinforce the idea that it is difficult and boring.
First, work to get the concepts right
Repetition and practice are important for learning math, but it is also important to understand the concepts. There are many ways to break down math concepts, so find the one that works best for you.
For example, you can search mathematical calculations that run machines, and understand how they work by watching a video to strengthen your concept.
Understand one concept before starting another
Math is a cumulative subject, so students need to master each concept before moving on to the next one.
Improving in math requires consistent effort and smart techniques. Learn how to ace 12th-grade math to sharpen your skills.
For example, if you don’t understand that adding “2” 10 times is equal to “20”, you won’t understand that 20 chocolates can be shared by 2 people and each of them will get 10 chocolates.
There are many ways to approach math problems. Try using math manipulatives or learning apps to help you visualize and understand high school math concepts. When you get frustrated, take a break, but don’t give up. Once they master the concept, they will be able to move on to the next one with confidence.
Practice problem-solving
Practice numerals that come as real-life problems or story format. Problem-solving strategies in math are methods for approaching math problems to achieve accurate results and increased efficiency. These strategies can simplify math for students of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced learners.
There are many different problem-solving strategies in math, and each method has its own strengths and weaknesses. No single strategy is foolproof, but practicing with different strategies can help students improve their problem-solving skills.
The more problems students solve, the more strategies they will learn and the better they will become at choosing the right strategy for each problem.
Practice daily
Math practice is important for mastering concepts and skills. It is important to find ways to make math practice engaging and relevant to your interests.
A high school math student should practice math for at least one hour daily.
Games and activities can be a great way to practice math concepts. For example, if you are learning about squares, you can use math link cubes to build squares. Whenever possible, try to integrate math practice into your daily routine.
Focus on the process not the answer
While grades are important, students should focus on the process of learning math, not just getting the right answer. Process-driven learning helps students understand the underlying structure of math equations and the relationships between the numbers.
In the real world, problems often take years to solve. For example, the race to the moon and successive explorations of space took decades. Mathematicians continue to influence outcomes in fields such as vaccine development and improving the digital quality of distance learning. Therefore, the goal should be progress, not perfection.
Learn from your mistakes
Mistakes allow you to learn and grow. It means shifting your focus from negative self-talk and perfectionism to embracing challenges and seeing mistakes as a natural part of the learning process.
Firstly, acknowledge your mistakes then take some time to think about what went wrong. Learn from the mistakes you made and then proceed.
Take breaks
Math can be a challenging subject for many high school students, causing stress and fatigue. To avoid these problems, it is important to take regular breaks during your studies. This will help you stay focused and retain information more effectively.
For example, if you practice math for three hours straight, take a 10-minute break every hour. The half-hour total break will detach the monotony from the subject and help you practice with doubled concentration.
Seek one-on-one help from an experienced 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).
Traditional math classrooms are designed to instruct the majority of students, but this can leave some students behind or ahead. If you need extra help or a different teaching approach, consider staying after class or meeting with your teacher one-on-one.
If in-person options are feasible, it’s best to get help from an online high school math tutor. At Wiingy, you can find one-on-one online tutoring from top verified and qualified tutors starting at $28/hr only. Parents and students have rated our tutoring 4.5/5 on Trust Pilot and 4.8/5 on Google. Click to book a free trial at $0/hr!
To find the best math tutoring services, check out our listicle Best Online Math Tutoring Services.
👍🔍 Recommended Reading 📚📖
- What is the Hardest Math in High school?
- Which is the Easiest High School Math?
- How to Study for a Math Test in High School?
- Top Benefits of A Private High School Math Tutor
Curious about personalized tutoring? Learn more about Wiingy’s tailored approach to student success: Wiingy’s Approach to Homework Help; supporting students beyond the classroom.
Looking to Learn High School Math? Book a Free Trial Lesson and match with top High School Math Tutors for Concepts, Homework Help, and Test Prep.
Frequently Asked Questions
What math is easiest in high school?
The easiest math classes in high school are typically those that are offered earlier in the sequence, such as:
Consumer Math: Covers practical math topics, such as budgeting, banking, taxes, and personal finance.
Business Math: Covers mathematical concepts and techniques used in practical business and financial applications.
These classes are generally considered easier because they focus on providing a solid foundation in math without delving too deeply into advanced concepts. They are also often more relevant to students’ real-world experiences.
Why do high school students struggle with math?
There are a number of reasons why high school students struggle with math. Some common reasons include:
Lack of foundation: The students may have a weak base or lack a basic understanding of mathematical concepts.
Difficulty with abstract thinking: Not all students are the same. While some students are more creative, some are more calculative, and some are balanced. Students having difficulty in abstract thinking might struggle with math.
Lack of interest: If the student is not naturally interested in math, they will struggle to keep up with the subject.
Teaching methods: Poor explanations from teachers might also cause struggles with math class among students.
Anxiety: Many students across the world suffer from math anxiety.
How can online tutoring be a support for high school math?
Online tutoring can provide high school math students with personalized attention from a qualified expert who can help them understand complex concepts and solve challenging problems with no or least financial and convenience constraints. The benefits of online tutoring are:
1. It connects students to expert tutors from across the world.
2. Private online tutors for high school math can also provide immediate feedback and help them target areas where they need improvement.
3. No traveling time or money is spent as classes operate online.
4. Online high school math tutoring charges typically start at $25 per hour whereas in-person charges typically start at $60 per hour.
5. Students can learn online anywhere, anytime without committing to a long-term package.
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Medha PandeyReviewed by
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