Improving Math Study Habits: Tips for Acing Calculus 2

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around improving study habits for Calculus 2, focusing on strategies for better understanding the material and achieving higher exam scores. Participants share personal experiences, challenges faced during exams, and suggestions for effective learning approaches.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses frustration over not achieving a perfect score despite regular practice and sufficient sleep, questioning their performance during exams.
  • Another participant suggests that focusing on understanding the material rather than solely aiming for an A could lead to better outcomes.
  • A similar viewpoint is reiterated by another participant, emphasizing that understanding will naturally lead to better grades.
  • Some participants seek clarification on the advice given, indicating a need for deeper explanation regarding the difference between memorization and understanding.
  • One participant encourages viewing lower grades as opportunities for improvement, highlighting a positive mindset in response to challenges.
  • Another participant elaborates on the importance of understanding the underlying concepts in mathematics, advocating for a balance between problem-solving and comprehension of theory.
  • The original poster expresses relief and excitement after achieving an A on their second exam, attributing their success to additional resources like educational videos.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of understanding over memorization, though some express differing levels of frustration regarding their grades and performance. The discussion reflects a mix of personal experiences and varying interpretations of effective study strategies.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention specific study habits and resources, but there is no consensus on the best approach to learning calculus effectively. The discussion includes personal anecdotes that may not apply universally.

Who May Find This Useful

Students in calculus courses, educators seeking to understand student challenges, and individuals interested in effective study strategies for mathematics.

sarah2529
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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?
 
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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.
 
Klockan3 said:
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.
 
Can you please explain it more? I don't get what you are saying. Sorry.
 
At least you still have room for improvement. That's what I tell myself when I receive a grade I'm not happy with.
 
sarah2529 said:
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.
 
Maybe you're right. I'll try to read again. But... really... B+... is... killing me... arrggghh... :'(
 
Hello again guys! I got an A on my second exam! Woooohoooo! Thanks to MIT for the videos. haha!
 

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