Learning Learning Strategies for Strategies for

Math and ScienceMath and Science

Northeast Center Office of Academic Support Spring 2011 Workshop Series

NECAcademicSupport.pbworks.com/workshops

AgendaAgenda

• MATH & SCIENCE LEARNING– Understanding How You Learn Math & Science Topics– How to Read Math & Science Texts– Problem Solving Protocol

• RESOURCES– Live• Smarthinking – http://www.esc.edu/smarthinking

– Textbased Internet– Video• Khan Academy - http://www.khanacademy.org/

Course Philosophy: Course Philosophy: Bloom’s TaxonomyBloom’s Taxonomy

KNOWLEDGEKNOWLEDGE - Student recalls or recognizes information, ideas, and principles in the approximate form in which theywere learned.

COMPREHENSIONCOMPREHENSION - Student translates, comprehends, or interprets information based on prior learning.

APPLICATIONAPPLICATION - Student selects, transfers, and uses data and principles to complete a problem or task with a minimum of direction.

ANALYSISANALYSIS - Student distinguishes, classifies, and relates the assumptions, hypotheses, evidence, or structure of a statement or question.

SYNTHESISSYNTHESIS - Student originates, integrates, and combines ideas into a product, plan or proposal that is new to him or her.

EVALUATIONEVALUATION - Student appraises, assesses, or critiqueson a basis of specific standards and criteria.

Six Steps to Understanding How to Read a Math/ScienceTextbookSix Steps to Understanding How to Read a Math/ScienceTextbook

Step 1 - Skim the assigned reading material to get the general idea about the major topics. You do not want to learn the material at this time; you simply want to get an over- view of the assignment. Then think about similar math topics that you already know.

Step 2 - As you skim the chapter, make sure you have read the problems/assignments you need to complete that compliment the textbook pages you are reading. Mark the areas that relate to the concepts in these problems.

Step 3 - Put all your concentration into reading. Circle the new concepts and words that you do not understand and be sure to seek help/use the textbook/online resources. See Step 5 for more advice.

Step 4 - When you get to the examples, go through each step. This will help you when you solve your assigned problems.

Step 5 - If you do not understand the material, follow these eight points, one after the other, until you do understand the material

Point 1- Go back to the previous page and reread the information to maintain a train of thought.Point 2 - Read ahead to the next page to discover if any additional information better explains the misunderstood material.Point 3 - Locate and review any diagrams, examples or rules that explain the misunderstood material.Point 4 - Read the misunderstood paragraph(s) several times aloud to better understand their meaning.Point 5 - Refer to your math notes for a better explanation of the misunderstood material.Point 6 - Refer to another math textbook, computer software program or video tape that expands the explanation of the misunderstood material.Point 7 - Define exactly what you do not understand and call your study buddy for help. Point 8 - Contact your math tutor or math instructor for help in understanding the material.

Step 6 - Reflect on what you have read. Combine what you already know with the new information that you just read.

Adapted from:Paul D. Nolting, Ph.D., Winning at Math, 1997

Asking QuestionsAsking QuestionsDon't be afraid to ask questions. Any question is better than no question at all (at least your Instructor/ tutor will know you are confused).

But a good question/comment will allow your helper to quickly identify exactly what you don't understand.

Not too helpful comment: "I don't understand this section." The best you can expect in reply to such a remark is a brief review of the section, and this will likely overlook the particular thing(s) which you don't understand. Better to say:

"I don't understand why f(x + h) doesn't equal f(x) + f(h)." This is a very specific remark that will get a very specific response and hopefully clear up your difficulty.

OR "How can you tell the difference between the equation of a circle and the equation of a line?"

Okay question: "How do you do #17?" Better question: "Can you show me how to set up #17?" (the Instructor can let you try to finish the problem on your own), or "This is how I tried to do #17. What went wrong?" The focus of attention is on your thought process.

Right after you get help with a problem, work another similar problem by yourself.

Pólya's Problem Solving Process

• Understand the problem/assignment See the big picture first – what are you being asked to find or solve

& identify your “givens”

• Devise a plan to solve the problem/complete the assignment

Understand what skills and strategies you need to solve - think about the steps you need to take.

• Implement your plan Communicate your understanding

• Evaluate your effectiveness in solving the problem/ completing the assignment

ASK YOURSELF - “Does my answer to the problem seem reasonable?” “Can I do this more efficiently in the future?”

Two women apply for jobs. They look exactly alike. On their applications, they list the same last name, address and phone number. They were born to the same parents, on the same day, same month, same year. Everything is identical. The receptionist says, “You must be twins.” They say, “No.”

How is it possible?!

How is it possible?!

They are two from a set of triplets!

If the answer wasn’t obvious, it is time to start thinking critically.

FREEContent Area Support

• 24/7 Internet resource text based sites

• 24/7 Internet resource video based sites

• Live Tutoring (appointment and drop in) via the Internet

Resources and Assessment ToolsResources and Assessment Tools

http://bit.ly/MathStudyingAssessment

http://bit.ly/PurpleMathAssessment

FREEContent Area Support

• 24/7 Internet resource text based sites• http://www4.esc.edu/smart/ • http://bit.ly/ESCMathLinks

• http://www.quickmath.com/ • http://www.purplemath.com/index.htm • http://www.mathpower.com

• 24/7 Internet resource video based sites• Live Tutoring via the Internet– Smarthinking

What is Smarthinking?

Smarthinking is an online tutorial service that is available to students 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

www.esc.edu/smarthinking

http://bit.ly/KhanAcademyVideoPlaylists

Questions?Questions?

ContactContactNortheast Center Office of Academic SupportNortheast Center Office of Academic Support

     E-mail     NECAcademicSupport@esc.edu     Phone     518-783-6203 ext 5939     Mail        Office of Academic Support                    SUNY Empire State College – Northeast Center                    21 British American Blvd.                    Latham, NY 12110

http://www.necacademicsupport.pbworks.comhttp://www.necacademicsupport.pbworks.com

Helping You Connect the Pieces Helping You Connect the Pieces for Academic Successfor Academic Success