DRAFT 7-26-10, Irene Starr's Math 085
Holyoke Community College

Send email to is [at] starr.net . . Interesting-Useful Web Sites: Dr. Math Univ of St. Andrews History of Math - many topics About Kaleidoscopes Online Tromino Puzzles - Enjoy! Number paintings by artist Jasper Johns Images of Mathematicians on Postage Stamps Reduce math anxiety at www.mathpower.com/reduce.htm (slow to load) Helpful Math Links at www.mathpower.com/linkstu.htm Doubling Pennies for 30 days New York Times article, 9-2-2006. At 2-Year Colleges, Students Eager ... Example of simple and compound interest at www.datalife.com/mall/pages/examples/ EXMP_INT.HTM and www.learner.org/exhibits/dailymath/savings.html

Tips on Studying Math (adapted from this site)

• Frequent short study periods produce better results than "cramming". 
• Review previous sections a little each day.  Try making an index card file of concepts, procedures, strategies, steps, etc.  Try "shuffling the deck" of index cards and "dealing them out" to see whether or not you can recall the information. 
• Neatly write out every step of the problem.  If your work is a mess, so is the visual input that is provided to the brain. 
• After practicing a problem, have someone check the process. If your process is wrong, the more you practice the incorrect steps the harder it will be learn the correct method. 
• Practice as much as possible. Just watching your instructor do the problem, does not develop your ability to do the process.  Learning is not a "spectator sport". 
  
  
• Seek help when needed. Free tutoring is available in the HCC Math Center. 552-2552, DON244.
• Talk to your instructor regarding progress, concerns, goals.  Make sure that you're clear about office hours and locations.
• Find a study partner.  Some students find it easier to solve math problems and learn together.
• Label and date your notes from each class meeting.  Do the same with your homework. 
• College instructors assume each student is practicing sufficiently to learn the concepts being covered. This may mean doing more homework than is assigned. Seek help if you encounter problems.

Updated: 9-2008