Improving Math Study Habits: Tips for Acing Calculus 2

[sarah2529]

I'm currently taking Calculus 2 class and really enjoyed it. I changed my study habits in math because I want to get an A+ on it. I practice indefinite and definite integrations problems everyday for my first exam. I answered most of the questions on my book and some problems I found on the internet, but still didn't get an almost or much better a perfect score on my first exam.

The problem is that when I'm already taking the exam already. I don't have any problem when I'm practicing. Last exam, I feel so weird... it looks like everything is moving fastl. Then after few minutes solving all the questions on the exam, I noticed that I finished it for only 25minutes. So I checked again my answer then I found few errors with signs and fractions. So I changed everything then pass the paper already. Then the next meeting, I only got a B+. :'(

I don't know what's the problem, I sleep 8 hours a day which is the right amount, practice very well and didn't find any problem with me. Can you tell me what's the problem with me?

 

[Klockan3]

Instead of trying to learn for an A, try to learn for the understanding. Then the A will come naturally when you understand. This will save you time in the long run.

 

[physicsnoob93]

Instead of trying to learn for an A, try to learn for the understanding. Then the A will come naturally when you understand. This will save you time in the long run.

I second this.

 

[sarah2529]

Can you please explain it more? I don't get what you are saying. Sorry.

 

[General_Sax]

At least you still have room for improvement. That's what I tell myself when I receive a grade I'm not happy with.

 

[Klockan3]

Can you please explain it more? I don't get what you are saying. Sorry.

Well, what I mean is that you should learn so that everything you do feel natural. If there is any rule or so that you are unsure on why it works then learn why. When you come to the point where you feel that it is absurd that you could do anything else than what the maths allows you to then you are at home.

Basically what it comes down to is memorization vs understanding. As it looks in your post you try to go heavily on memorization, I therefore advice you to spend a bit more time on understanding. Read through the book, if at any point you do not understand every step then read that part again and again and think it through every time. Don't stop doing problems completely though, they are good as examples of the theory.

 

[sarah2529]

Maybe you're right. I'll try to read again. But... really... B+... is... killing me... arrggghh... :'(

 

[sarah2529]

Hello again guys! I got an A on my second exam! Woooohoooo! Thanks to MIT for the videos. haha!