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Finding Maths (undegrad) Difficult

Really for the 1st time I am finding maths very difficult, by this I mean I sometimes feel overwhelmed, so it isnt merely challenging. Has anyone got any particularly good strategies that they might share for dealing with hard mathematical content.
Reply 1
I think the first thing to point out is that very few people find maths easy at degree level (even if they go on to get a high first). I don't know how Durham Natsci works - are you taking ancillary maths courses or do you specialise in maths? I would probably give different advice to each person...
There are some things that first class students do that others don't. From what I've observed;

Always write everything down on the board, even the small doodles that a lecturers make to explain topics. They come in handy.

Try and understand the bigger picture. Think about why you're being taught this topic, and how the intrinsic maths may link in with other modules you do.

Ask questions. All the time. Be that annoying person that asks small questions like, "What does that say?" or "How did you go from that step to that step?" Chances are that you're slipping up on the easy stuff that lecturers do, like quickly expanding and reducing expressions, that are simple and easily looked over.

Practice. Constantly.

FRESH PERSPECTIVE. Can't stress this enough. Read textbooks. Study with different people. Go see lecturers. Browse the web. Ask the bloke sitting next to you.They provide a fresh perspective into how scientists think. Eventually, you start picking up the best bits from the best people and you'll adapt and learn.

Ask TSR. This has to be like, the most valuable advice I can give. I cannot tell you how many times someone on TSR has merely said 'yes' or 'no' to a question of mine and it's cleared up about 10 other problems I had.

(edited 12 years ago)
Original post by QuantumOverlord
Has anyone got any particularly good strategies that they might share for dealing with hard mathematical content.


Work hard and be intelligent.
Original post by wanderlust.xx
There are some things that first class students do that others don't. From what I've observed;

Always write everything down on the board, even the small doodles that a lecturers make to explain topics. They come in handy.

Try and understand the bigger picture. Think about why you're being taught this topic, and how the intrinsic maths may link in with other modules you do.

Ask questions. All the time. Be that annoying person that asks small questions like, "What does that say?" or "How did you go from that step to that step?" Chances are that you're slipping up on the easy stuff that lecturers do, like quickly expanding and reducing expressions, that are simple and easily looked over.

Practice. Constantly.

FRESH PERSPECTIVE. Can't stress this enough. Read textbooks. Study with different people. Go see lecturers. Browse the web. Ask the bloke sitting next to you.They provide a fresh perspective into how scientists think. Eventually, you start picking up the best bits from the best people and you'll adapt and learn.

Ask TSR. This has to be like, the most valuable advice I can give. I cannot tell you how many times someone on TSR has merely said 'yes' or 'no' to a question of mine and it's cleared up about 10 other problems I had.



Thankyou this is really helpful, I see you are in the 3rd year, Id love to be able to get there too :P

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