6 Ways to Help Your Child Prepare for a Maths Test

by Christine Chadwick

Approach maths tests as a continuous and long term process for the best and most lasting results for your student rather than concentrating efforts immediately before each test. Because mastery of mathematical concepts usually has an orderly progression, with more advanced functions relying upon a clear understanding of underlying processes, a child's maths progress can be thought of as a spiral, lending itself to a steady series of understandings.

Connect With Teacher Early

Conference with your child's maths teacher at the beginning of the year to gain a perspective on how the teacher structures the class and what expectations your child needs to meet. Discuss the role of in-class discussion and participation, homework, quizzes and tests in the teacher's plan both to foster mastery of the year's mathematical concepts and to award students grades for their efforts. Discover where and how your student can get help if needed, including study sessions, online resources, Maths Tutoring or other options. Ask if the teacher has suggestions on how to best support your student with similar resources for parents.

Keep Up With Daily Work

The key to doing well in a maths test is to attend. listen and take notes daily in class and to complete any homework or practice very soon after having the concepts presented. Encourage your student to work on assignments the same day assigned and to review notes and rework problems the teacher has shared if no homework is due. If your child is struggling with a topic or not doing well on assignments seek help immediately from the teacher or the resources suggested by the teacher.

Review Quizzes And Homework

As a test date nears, use the homework assignments or planned quizzes to expand on the daily review. Graded homework and quizzes are a great resource to ensure your student knows what the teacher is seeking in both the problem solving process and the ultimate answers. Mine these resources and then combine with the book, handouts and notes your student took during class to be sure all items are covered in review.

Flashcards For Facts And Formulas

Reduce key facts and formulas to lists and then transfer these to flashcards. Drill your student with the flashcards over the last few days before the test. The goal should be to have the formulas become second nature when a particular type of problem is presented. Work with your student to develop a process to use for each type of problem so that the essential variables and formulas would be quickly discerned. Practice makes proficient, so use resources available to practice each kind of problem likely to be in the test.

Review And Rest

The night before a maths test should be a review of formulas and concepts learned earlier in the study plan followed by a good night's sleep. Attempting to cram the night before any test is counterproductive as your child will perform best if well rested. The morning of the test be sure your child is well fed and on the way to school calmly and on time.

Wrap Up And Rewind If Indicated

After each test be sure to sit down with your child to review the results. If the scores shows gaps in knowledge be sure to circle back to connect with the teacher to clarify and remedy misunderstandings. This is essential because as your student continues through this year's maths course the concepts build upon each other making mastery of each crucial for future understanding and assessments.

Once this test is completed and reviewed resume the process described above to prepare for the next. The rhythm of learning, understanding, memorizing, applying and assessing will continue all year. Your child's command of this year's maths offerings forms the foundation of ever advancing math classes through primary, middle, senior schools and into college and beyond.

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Tags: Tests Exams Revision
Categories: Maths Exams