If you’ve been struggling with math and science, don’t be discouraged. Just like any other skill, learning how to do well in these subjects takes time and practice. The good news is that plenty of hacks are out there to help you succeed.
This post will share our best tips for strengthening your foundation in math and science.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Practice, practice, practice. It’s the best way to get better at anything. And when it comes to math and science, this rule is especially important. The more you do it, and the more often you do it, the better your foundation will be as a student who can think critically and solve problems in new ways every time they come up.
The more confidence you have in yourself as someone who knows their stuff when it comes to numbers or science concepts. The easier time you will have in understanding what’s going on around you.
Get Help When Needed
You’re not alone in your struggles with math and science. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and it’s the best way to get past those tough problems. You can find help in many places:
- Ask your teacher during class or after class if you don’t understand something that was covered.
- Go right up to another student who looks like they might know what’s going on and ask them about a problem you’re having trouble with (this can also be great networking).
- Talk with family members who may have had similar experiences as yours when they were learning these subjects at school or home.
Take Help from Online Study Guides and Videos
If you’re looking for help in math and science, there’s no shortage of resources online. You can find study guides and videos on the internet that will give you greater insight into the topics. For example, Proprep STEM videos have many tutorials on specific topics in math and science that are ideal for students who need extra support in those areas.
Proprep also offers a variety of other resources that can help you improve your understanding of math and science. For instance, you will find several videos on chemistry and biology topics that are designed for students who need extra support in those areas.
Participate in Class
Participate in class. If you’re not paying attention, there’s no way you’ll be able to follow along or learn anything new. You need to be engaged with the material and ask questions when something doesn’t make sense.
Your teacher will appreciate your participation because it shows them that their teaching methods are working for students who want to learn.
Use Real-World Examples
A lot of math and science classes focus on abstract concepts, which can be difficult to understand. But there are ways you can make these topics more relatable.
One way is by using real-world examples, like the effect of gravity on an object or how electricity travels through wires. Real-world examples help you visualize abstract concepts and make them easier for your brain to grasp.
According to Shoshone News-Press, STEM education has a variety of learning opportunities for real-world applications. It creates opportunities for students to use creativity, innovation, experimentation, and problem-solving. Many careers utilize skills obtained in STEM education. And the earlier students learn to use that part of their brain, the more confidence they have in their abilities.
Practice Critical Thinking
Critical thinking is a skill that you can learn. It’s a way of thinking that helps you make better decisions, solve problems and make your life easier.
If you want to be successful in math and science-related fields, developing critical thinking skills will help you succeed in your classes. You’ll need these skills not only for college but also when preparing for graduate studies or entering the workforce after graduation and beyond.
Join Study Groups
Study groups can help you learn by discussing and debating the material, which will help keep everyone focused on the task at hand. They also help you remember the material better because it’s easier for people to recall information when they’ve discussed it with others.
Finally, study groups allow students to see different perspectives on a topic that may not have been apparent before. A great thing for anyone who wants their brain to grow.
Engage in STEM Activities Outside of Class
You can also gain hands-on experience by participating in STEM activities outside of class. Science fairs and engineering projects are great ways to learn more about science, technology, engineering, and math.
If you want to be an engineer or architect someday, consider joining your school’s robotics team or creating your projects.
Be Persistent and Never Stop Learning
According to a Forbes report, a new study suggests persistence is the most important skill a student can possess to help him/her get better grades. The study was part of a research that recognizes the role emotional and social skills play in academic outcomes. It highlights that students who are determined get better grades in reading and math than those classmates who fall at the first hurdle.
Learning is also a lifelong process, so you should never stop learning. You can learn from others, but only you can put in the time to make it happen.
Conclusion
According to Thomas B Fordham Institute’s report, career income of people who major in STEM is 26 to 40% higher than comparable peers in other fields. This has been consistent with other research, including that of Raj Chetty, a Harvard economist.
The report also suggests that high levels of STEM proficiency during early years are strongly related to STEM knowledge production and doctoral degree completion. It is, therefore, important to have a strong foundation in math and science. The more you know about these subjects, the more opportunities are available to you.
If you’re not sure where to begin your STEM studies, start with what is most easily accessible to you.
