We’ve compiled the following general advice from the Curriculum Night videos of all our math teachers:

• Math can be hard because it isn’t just about knowledge. You can’t walk in class knowing the rules and expect to do well. Everyone needs practice. It’s like learning any game (video, athletic, board or card). You can know the rules, but until you play, you won’t win except by chance.
• To succeed, students need a Growth Mindset. No one is good at math. No one lacks a math brain. Anyone can improve. Everyone grows into math with hard work. There’s a great passage in the Upside of Stress by Kelly McGonigal, PhD, about overcoming fear of math.
• Use the many support tools that every teacher has provided in OneNote. When you struggle with an assignment, look to those and keep trying to work through the homework. Keep all your attempts so your teacher can help you see where you went wrong.
• Check answers against the answer keys.
• Fair warning, it is hard work, but the rewards are immense. Not just in overcoming a tough assignment. Teen brains get development and learning bump-ups from difficult work. The challenge of the problem will make the concept stick to memory.
• Ask for help:
  • Form study groups with other students.
  • Come to Tutorial to learn from other students as well as to ask the teacher questions.
• Tutorial is empty. The teachers all said that few students are taking advantage of Tutorial. It’s a myth that it’s always too busy.
• Many teachers take questions from students via email and Teams. Check their video for the best way to reach each teacher.

There’s lots more to learn from our talented and experienced mathematicians and teachers. Watch their videos.