Why I Struggled with Math This Year Despite Being Good Last Year

Mathematics, much like a foreign language, is a skill that needs regular practice to maintain proficiency. Over the years, I've noticed that those who do not use it regularly, especially if they learned it as adults, tend to forget its nuances over time. This year, I found myself struggling with math despite excelling last year. Here, I will share my experience, the reasons behind my challenges, and some effective study techniques to help those who are facing similar struggles.

The Importance of Regular Practice in Math

Math isn't something you can 'study' in the traditional sense—simply reading or researching won't cut it. To truly understand and retain mathematical concepts, you need to practice them. After leaving a class, you should be able to perform the required operations. If you leave class uncertain about how to perform an operation, it means you need further instruction. This instruction might come from a friend, family member, or a tutor who can help you understand and practice.

Recognizing and Addressing Mistakes

If you're struggling with math, begin by identifying where you made mistakes in your previous questions. Use your answer sheet to pinpoint these areas. Once you've identified the errors, correct them. Then, solve similar problems to ensure you've truly understood the concept. Consistent practice is crucial. Remember, don't lose hope and never give up. These doubts can often be overcome with persistence and the right approach.

Personal Experiences and Observations

When it comes to math, I have also faced challenges. Despite my consistent practice, my scores hovered around 60-70. Sharing my experience might help others who are facing similar difficulties. In my ninth grade, I was preparing for the first test on the Hero's formula chapter. I had practiced extensively, but I wasn't overly concerned, expecting a score in the range of 60-70. One Sunday evening, I received a call from what seemed to be a friend, who started asking questions about the problems I had been practicing. To my surprise, I answered all the questions correctly, using the logic I had practiced. This boosted my confidence so much that I confidently informed my parents I could solve any question related to the Hero's formula. After that test, I scored 46.5/50. Had I not felt so confident, I might have performed worse. In the months that followed, my confidence and scores in math improved significantly, as did my love for the subject.

However, the struggle is not uncommon. Many students find math challenging. This is often due to a lack of engaging and abstract academic activities. Subjects like science, social studies, and English Language Arts (ELA) are generally more straightforward and don't necessarily challenge the problem-solving part of the brain as much as math does.

Effective Study Techniques

To overcome these challenges and improve in math, the following techniques can be highly effective:

Regular Practice: Regularly practice math problems to build and retain your understanding of the subject. Identify Weaknesses: Use answer sheets and practice tests to pinpoint your weaknesses and focus on improving them. Align Confidence with Preparation: Only when you feel confident, should you take on a math test. Often, feeling nervous before a test is a sign that you need more preparation.

Mathematics, like any other skill, requires patience, persistence, and regular practice. By consistently working on your areas of weakness and not losing hope, you can overcome your struggles and excel in math.

Conclusion

Mathematics is a challenging yet rewarding subject. By understanding its importance, recognizing and addressing mistakes, and using effective study techniques, you can improve in math and achieve better results. Remember, feeling confident and aligning your preparation with your tests or exams is key to success. If you follow these guidelines, you can turn your struggles into triumphs in the world of mathematics.