How to Learn Math: For Students from edX

What's inside

Learning objectives

Strategies needed to approach math effectively
Information about your own potential to succeed in math

Correct any misconceptions about what math is

Strategies needed to approach math effectively
Information about your own potential to succeed in math
Correct any misconceptions about what math is

Syllabus

Part 1: The Brain and Math Learning.

1. Knocking Down the Myths About Math.

Everyone can learn math well. There is no such thing as a “math person”. This session give stunning new evidence on brain growth, and consider what it means for math learners.

2. Math and Mindset

When individuals change their mindset from fixed to growth their learning potential increases drastically. In this session participants will be encouraged to develop a growth mindset for math.

3. Mistakes and Speed

Recent brain evidence shows the value of students working on challenging work and even making mistakes. But many students are afraid of mistakes and think it means they are not a math person. This session will encourage students to think positively about mistakes. It will also help debunk myths about math and speed.

Part 2: Strategies for Success.

1. Number Flexibility, Mathematical Reasoning, and Connections

In this session participants will engage in a “number talk” and see different solutions of number problems to understand and learn ways to act on numbers flexibility. Number sense is critical to all levels of math and lack of number sense is the reason that many students fail courses in algebra and beyond. Participants will also learn about the value of talking, reasoning, and making connections in math.

2. Number Patterns and Representations

In this session participants will see that math is a subject that is made up of connected, big ideas. They will learn about the value of sense making, intuition, and mathematical drawing. A special section on fractions will help students learn the big ideas in fractions and the value of understanding big ideas in math more generally.

3. Math in Life, Nature and Work

In this session participants will see math as something valuable, exciting, and present throughout life. They will see mathematical patterns in nature and in different sports, exploring in depth the mathematics in dance and juggling. This session will review the key ideas from the course and help participants take the important strategies and ideas they have learned into their future.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches about potential, misconceptions, and effectiveness about math, which provides learners with a strong foundation in math learning

Examines the brain and math learning which is relevant to students taking the course to understand learning math

Provides strategies needed to approach math effectively which will aid learners in completing math more efficiently

Develops number flexibility, mathematical reasoning, and connections which are core math skills for students to learn

Teaches number patterns and representations that are highly relevant to everyday life

The course is self-paced, which helps learners learn the material at their own pace

Available indefinitely, indicating that the course material will remain current and up-to-date

Reviews summary

Learn math: techniques & mindset

According to students, this foundational course aims to help learners develop mathematical skills. One student even found it surprisingly helpful in preparing for college-level math. Encouraging, engaging, and techniques are common descriptors used by learners, who say that the course helped them improve their mindset around learning math. However, this course does not offer a certificate upon completion.

Introduces helpful math techniques.

"Surprisingly, however, I learned more of the former and even more of the latter, which I think will be very useful as I formally begin my metaphorical journey."

Promotes a positive mindset towards math.

"I believe that in doing so, I can enrich my professional career and interests."

"I can convince myself that if a kid can learn math using the learnings from this course, I can, too."

This course does not offer a certificate upon completion.

"Initial note: this course does not offer a certificate upon completion."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in How to Learn Math: For Students with these activities:

Read 'Mindset: The New Psychology of Success'

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Develop a growth mindset by reading 'Mindset: The New Psychology of Success' to understand the importance of believing in your abilities and embracing challenges.

View Mindset - Updated Edition on Amazon

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Purchase or borrow a copy of 'Mindset: The New Psychology of Success'.
Read the book, taking notes on key concepts and insights.
Reflect on how the book's principles can help you develop a growth mindset in your approach to math.

Watch Math Antics Videos

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Enhance your understanding of math concepts by watching engaging and clear video explanations on Math Antics.

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Visit the Math Antics YouTube channel or website.
Browse the video library and select topics that align with your course material.
Watch the videos and take notes on key concepts and examples.

Explore Math is Fun Website

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Supplement your learning with interactive math activities and explanations by exploring the Math is Fun website.

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Visit the Math is Fun website.
Browse the different math topics and activities.
Engage with interactive games, puzzles, and simulations to reinforce your understanding.

Four other activities

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Show all seven activities

Solve Math Problems on Khan Academy

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Challenge yourself with math problems on Khan Academy to reinforce your mathematical reasoning and problem-solving abilities.

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Create a Khan Academy account or sign in to your existing account.
Navigate to the Math section and select a skill or topic area.
Practice solving problems and review your answers to identify areas for improvement.

Complete Practice Worksheets

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巩固你的数学技能 by completing practice worksheets to reinforce your understanding of concepts and improve your problem-solving abilities.

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Search online for math worksheets that align with your course topics.
Download or print the worksheets.
Work through the problems, checking your answers to identify areas for improvement.

Join Study Groups or Math Clubs

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Enhance your learning and problem-solving skills by joining study groups or math clubs where you can collaborate with peers and engage in discussions.

Browse courses on Collaboration

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Inquire about existing study groups or math clubs at your school, university, or community center.
Attend meetings and actively participate in discussions.
Work together with peers on problem-solving and concept reinforcement.
Share your own insights and perspectives to contribute to the group's learning.

Create Math Concept Maps

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Improve your comprehension and retention of math concepts by creating visual concept maps that connect and organize key ideas.

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Identify a math concept or topic that you want to map.
Use a tool like MindMeister or Miro to create a visual mind map.
Add nodes for key concepts and draw connections between them.
Include examples, explanations, and relationships to enhance your understanding.

Career center

Learners who complete How to Learn Math: For Students will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Quantitative Analyst

As a Quantitative Analyst, you will use your math skills to develop and implement mathematical models for financial analysis and trading strategies. How to Learn Math: For Students is an excellent course for aspiring Quantitative Analysts as it provides a solid foundation in math concepts and strategies. The course's emphasis on correcting misconceptions about math and developing a growth mindset can help you overcome challenges and excel in this demanding field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quantitative Analyst

Mathematician

A Mathematician uses math to solve complex problems across various industries, including academia, finance, and technology. This course, How to Learn Math: For Students, can help you develop the essential math skills and strategies needed to pursue a career as a Mathematician. By shaping your mindset and providing effective learning techniques, this course can pave the way for a successful and fulfilling career in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mathematician

Teacher

As a Teacher, you will play a key role in shaping the mathematical understanding of future generations. The course, How to Learn Math: For Students, is highly relevant to this role as it provides effective teaching strategies and encourages a positive mindset towards learning math. By learning how to break down math concepts and motivate students, you can empower them to overcome their own misconceptions about math and achieve academic success.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Actuary

An Actuary uses math on a daily basis to assess risk and uncertainty. They build mathematical models to help insurance companies make accurate predictions about future losses, and then develop financial strategies to mitigate these risks. A deep understanding of math is key to career success as an Actuary. This course, How to Learn Math: For Students, can help you develop the math skills and strategies needed to excel in the Actuary field.

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Statistician

A Statistician collects, analyzes, and interprets data to draw meaningful conclusions and make informed decisions. How to Learn Math: For Students is a valuable resource for aspiring Statisticians as it provides a comprehensive introduction to math concepts, strategies, and mindset. The course's focus on understanding the big ideas in math and overcoming misconceptions can help you develop a strong foundation for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Statistician

Actuarial Analyst

An Actuarial Analyst uses math and statistical techniques to assess risk and uncertainty, particularly in the insurance industry. How to Learn Math: For Students can provide you with the mathematical skills and strategies needed to excel in this field. The course's focus on number flexibility, mathematical reasoning, and connections can help you develop a strong foundation in the quantitative aspects of actuarial work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Actuarial Analyst

Operations Research Analyst

An Operations Research Analyst is a problem-solver who uses mathematical and analytical methods to improve efficiency and decision-making within organizations. The course, How to Learn Math: For Students, is highly relevant to this role as it provides a strong foundation in math concepts, strategies, and mindset. By learning effective approaches to problem-solving and overcoming misconceptions about math, you can enhance your ability to succeed as an Operations Research Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Research Analyst

Data Analyst

A Data Analyst plays a crucial role in the modern job market by providing valuable insights to their employers. They collect, analyze, and interpret data in order to develop recommendations for strategic decision-making. This course, How to Learn Math: For Students, would provide a solid foundation in math skills and concepts, which are essential for success as a Data Analyst. The course's focus on strategies for success and correcting misconceptions about math can help build a strong foundation of knowledge.

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Financial Analyst

As a Financial Analyst, you will use math extensively to build financial models, analyze financial data, and advise clients on sound financial decisions. How to Learn Math: For Students can provide you with the necessary tools and techniques to succeed in this role. Its focus on correcting misconceptions about math and developing a growth mindset can give you the confidence and skills needed to tackle the mathematical challenges in this field.

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Financial Planner

A Financial Planner helps individuals and families manage their finances and plan for their financial future. How to Learn Math: For Students can be beneficial for aspiring Financial Planners as it provides a strong foundation in mathematical concepts and financial principles. The course's focus on correcting misconceptions about math and developing a growth mindset can help you gain confidence in handling financial matters and making sound financial decisions.

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Economist

An Economist uses math to analyze economic trends, forecast future economic outcomes, and develop policies to improve economic performance. How to Learn Math: For Students can be beneficial for aspiring Economists as it provides a strong foundation in mathematical concepts and problem-solving techniques. The course's focus on correcting misconceptions about math and developing a growth mindset can help you overcome challenges and make informed economic decisions.

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Operations Analyst

An Operations Analyst uses math and analytical techniques to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of business operations. How to Learn Math: For Students can provide you with the mathematical skills and strategies needed to excel in this field. The course's focus on problem-solving and decision-making can help you develop the skills needed to analyze and improve business processes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Analyst

Data Scientist

A Data Scientist uses math, statistics, and programming to extract valuable insights from data. How to Learn Math: For Students can be a helpful resource for aspiring Data Scientists as it provides a solid foundation in mathematical concepts and problem-solving techniques. The course's emphasis on understanding the big ideas in math and overcoming misconceptions can help you develop the skills needed to succeed in this field.

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Software Developer

A Software Developer relies heavily on math skills to design, develop, and maintain software systems. This course, How to Learn Math: For Students, can provide you with the necessary math foundation and strategies to succeed in this field. By correcting misconceptions about math and developing a growth mindset, you can enhance your programming abilities and build robust software solutions.

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Market Researcher

A Market Researcher uses math and statistical techniques to collect, analyze, and interpret data about consumer behavior and market trends. How to Learn Math: For Students can be beneficial for aspiring Market Researchers as it provides a solid foundation in mathematical concepts and data analysis techniques. The course's emphasis on understanding the big ideas in math and overcoming misconceptions can help you develop the skills needed to succeed in this field.

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