## Math: Pen vs Pencil

Should students use pencil or pen when doing math work?

## 11 Ways To Do Better In Math

Eleven things a student can do to improve their mathematics experience.

## Studying to Understand vs Studying to Memorize

“Memorizing” is less effective than “understanding”. Ways to study which improve understanding while reducing the need for memorization.

## Ten Skills Every Student Should Learn

A recent eSchool News article by Meris Stansbury lists ten skills cited by its readers as being most important for today’s students to acquire: Read Type Write Communicate effectively, and with respect Question Be resourceful Be accountable Know how to learn Think critically Be happy The list is interesting to ponder. I would not argue that any…… Continue reading Ten Skills Every Student Should Learn

## Uncover the Hidden Game

The title of this posting is the title of a chapter in “Making Learning Whole”, by David Perkins (2009), which I mentioned in my previous posting.  I recommend it highly. What is the “hidden game” in High School mathematics? What mindsets, approaches, techniques, etc. do those comfortable with the work asked of them rely upon, yet…… Continue reading Uncover the Hidden Game

## Learn the Game of Learning

The title of this posting is the title of a chapter in “Making Learning Whole”, by David Perkins (2009). Of the books on education I have read to date, this is the first that resonated completely with me.  He describes the way I try to teach, and more – thus giving me much to reflect…… Continue reading Learn the Game of Learning

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## Equivalence Deserves More Attention

Most students taking courses in Algebra or higher seem quite comfortable with the idea of “equivalent fractions”: improper or unsimplified fractions all of which evaluate to the same decimal value. An example would be $latex \dfrac{2}{3}=\dfrac{4}{6}=\dfrac{12}{18}=\dfrac{60}{90}=0.\overline{666}&s=2&bg=ffffff&fg=000000$ To create such fractions, multiply whatever fraction you wish to start with by 1 (the multiplicative identity) in the…… Continue reading Equivalence Deserves More Attention

## On the origin of algebra problems

As you are solving a math problem, have you ever wondered how textbook authors come up with algebra problems that have simple answers? Just as you use inverse functions to solve an algebra problem, problem authors reverse the solution process to create a problem: they start with the answer. From there they use the same…… Continue reading On the origin of algebra problems

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## Problems fall into four categories

Description of a useful way of categorizing math problems: easy, medium, ugly, and hard. When studying for quizzes or tests, make sure to seek out “ugly” problems if you have not solved many yet.

## Lost points on a problem? What to do…

People don’t like losing points for errors in their solution of a problem.  So, what can you do to insure you won’t lose points again the next time you are given a similar problem?  Most folks seem to look through the corrections, then perhaps ask the teacher to solve the problem for the entire class,…… Continue reading Lost points on a problem? What to do…

## Getting the most out of standardized test (SAT, ACT) practice books

How to get the most out of your time studying for standardized tests like the SAT or ACT.

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