Evidence-Based Math Study Strategies

Struggling with math? You're not alone! These research-backed strategies can help you build confidence, improve retention, and develop problem-solving skills.

Productive Struggle (Trust yourself! Don’t give up too soon!)

Why it works: Working your way through you mistakes = learning! Struggle activates deeper thinking.

• Instead of looking up answers right away, try different approaches first.
• Reference: How to overcome your mistakes (TED-ed) 

Practice Retrieval (Self-Testing)

Why it works: Retrieval strengthens memory & ensures you retain concepts longer. 

• Actively recall concepts instead of just re-reading notes.
• Use flashcards, practice problems, or write down steps from memory before checking your work.
• Reference: Exam Series: Retrieval Practice (StudySmarter UWA)

Metacognition (Think about thinking)

Why it works: Self-reflection strengthens problem-solving skills.

• Don't just think the WHAT of learning, also think about the HOW.
• After solving a problem, ask yourself:
  • What are you trying to learn? What do you know?
  • What strategy did I use? How am I trying to learn it?
  • Did I make mistakes? Is my strategy working?
  • How could I do this differently next time that might help?
• Reference: Metacognition: The skill that promotes advanced learning (Peterson's Test Prep)

Concrete Examples (Connect math to real life)

Why it works: Context makes math more meaningful & easier to understand.

• Use real-world examples: fractions in cooking, probability in games, budgeting with algebra.
• Reference: Best study techniques: Concrete examples (Dr. Yu-Ling Lee) 

Inspiring and Helpful

Revising for your Math Exam

Start Early & Space It Out

• Begin revising before the course ends
• Space out your review—revisit material multiple times
• Don’t just focus on the hard parts—review everything

Practice > Reading

• Do lots of exam-style problems, not just read notes
• Time yourself on past exams if possible
• Link course theory directly to problems as you revise

Use Read-Aloud Tools

• Use browser tools or apps, such as the Read Aloud browser extension, that read text aloud (more options reviewed in this article)
• Hearing and seeing math terms can boost comprehension

Learn the Application, Not Just the Theory

• Don’t rely only on memorizing definitions or proofs
• Practice applying concepts to unfamiliar question types

Build a Realistic Plan

• Use a simple revision schedule to cover all material
• Repeat past papers—helps recognize patterns in questions

Ask for Help

• Talk to instructors if you’re stuck—they want to help!

(Adapted from a student blog by Kaden, University of Edinburgh, 2024)

Tips for Digital Reading

Even in math, you may need to read digital articles, textbooks, or examples. Try these strategies to stay focused and absorb what you read:

Before Reading

• Download materials to access offline
• Use apps or settings to block distractions
• Set a time limit (e.g., 25–30 mins) and plan short breaks

While Reading

• Use tools like Adobe Reader or Word to change font size or background
• Highlight key points or annotate as you go (consider color-coding!)
• Take notes to help with review—back them up or write by hand

After Reading

• Reflect: What were the key ideas? How does it connect to what you know?
• Write a quick summary in your own words
• Need help reading math? Try text-to-speech tools or review example problems aloud.

(Adapted from University of Edinburgh Study Hub, 2024)

Open Textbooks and Textbook Libraries

Resources from LibrarySearch - MRU's Library Catalogue