HOW TO STUDY MATHEMATICS:
Effective Study Strategies for College
and University Students

Peter Schiavone Ph.D.

Prentice-Hall Canada, 1998, ISBN 0-13-906108-8

Why do students seem to have so much trouble in mathematics courses? The answer to this question is that they needn't. There is a proven recipe for success in mathematics courses and it works for all mathematics courses. This book presents a collection of the most effective techniques for maximizing performance in any mathematics course. The techniques themselves are sufficiently general to be applicable to all mathematics courses, in particular, Calculus, Linear Algebra and Differential Equations.

The book is based on the author's many experiences as a mathematics student, a college and university mathematics instructor and as director (and originator) of the University of Alberta's Mathematics Resource Centre - a unit created specifically to help students make the transition to college/university-level mathematics.

The presentation is divided into six main parts and follows the natural progression through a typical mathematics course. Topics covered include:

• The study habits of successful students: the established key learning strategies as practised by the most effective students
• Effective preparation for a mathematics course: how to identify and practice the necessary prerequisite skills for a particular mathematics course - before the course begins
• Making the most of lectures and class time
• Making effective use of the textbook
• Maximizing performance in assignments
• Effective problem-solving
• Dealing with word problems
• Maximizing performance in mathematics examinations: a comprehensive discussion of all aspects of the examination experience. In particular, how to maximize performance in examinations from preparing for and writing an examination to dealing with exam-anxiety

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This book is truly unique among study guides and books dealing with the general area of study skills. This is attributed to the fact that the material is aimed specifically at students enrolled in mathematics courses. Consequently, the presentation makes use of actual mathematics to illustrate ideas and concepts. As such, this book is strongly recommended to college and university-bound high school students, traditional college and university students and non-traditional students returning to college or university after perhaps an alternative career or occupation. Whatever the chosen field of study, if it requires a mathematics course, this book will maximize performance.

Here's what the experts have to say:

"One of the BEST books I've read on how to study mathematics! Includes an abundance of excellent learning strategies! For students in mathematics courses, this is a must!"

"An intelligent and readable assessment of how to maximize performance in any mathematics course. Read it and benefit immediately."

" Peter Schiavone has written a simple, entertaining and easy-to-use recipe for studying the often intimidating subject of mathematics. Whatever your chosen field of study, if it requires a mathematics course, maximize your performance and your enjoyment by reading this book from cover to cover !"

" Schiavone's book offers welcome relief from the often intimidating prospect of taking a mathematics course. This well-written book has much to tell you about a mathematics course that you haven't heard elsewhere."

"This easy-to-read, practical resource has an abundance of worthwhile tips for both students and educators involved in mathematics courses.