Algebra Strategies for Struggling Students
Algebra Strategies for Struggling Students
Struggling Algebra students may find themselves overwhelmed by a plethora of new information. For many students, Algebra can feel like a dramatic leap from elementary math classes. In many ways the jump into Algebra is indeed a stirring change.
But the transition into Algebra does not have to feel overwhelming.
Personal tutors can greatly aid despairing students in a variety of ways. The transition into more advanced math courses can be made easier via several key strategies.
Algebra Memorization Strategies
Compared with earlier mathematics courses, Algebra introduces a plethora of new concepts and formulas. Slope, midpoints, the quadratic formula, and numerous other new but necessary formulas can prove intimidating in Algebra.
Algebra presents much information to digest, but students and tutors who commit to memorizing these new concepts and formulas will have greater success.
As an Algebra tutor for years, I heartily recommend flash cards or formula pages. Students use pieces of paper containing all critical forms and formulas as quick reference or “cheat sheets.”
Reviewing these cards or pages daily, if only for a few minutes before bed, can make a huge difference over the course of the Algebra class. The more students familiarize themselves with key formulas, the more naturally these once impossible bits of information will stick.
Algebra Test-Taking Strategies
Once Algebra formulas are memorized, I recommend students writing them down immediately upon receiving their Algebra test. This strategy instantly eliminates the stressful thought of forgetting an important formula later in the Algebra test.
Beyond writing down all Algebra formulas on tests, another key strategy requires the student’s ability to remember when exactly to utilize said formulas.
If an Algebra student sees a triangle with a missing side length, he should instantly remember the Pythagorean Theorem. Or if she sees two points on a graph separated by an unknown distance, she should remember the distance formula in Algebra.
Familiarizing oneself with the various types of Algebra problems is critical. Once the problem is recognized and the Algebra formula is down on the page, the student can more effectively proceed with the Algebra problem and obtain the correct answer.
Algebra Tutors in Buena Park
Buena Park presents a great location for tutoring, bridging the gap between Los Angeles and Orange counties. Some Algebra tutors in the Buena Park area may be graduate students at one of many surrounding colleges and universities, or perhaps certified teachers as well.