I have to ace a 70 question test for my college algebra course… If I fail again I’m out for good.

I slept throughout most of the homework assignments (I have my reasons, work related issues) and I’m already on my second attempt at this course. This test is my last chance.

I’m looking for your best advice on how to focus and actually assimilate the information.

Each one topic is really easy on its own, but when confronted with 70 questions, each topic with its own caveats… I struggle to remember procedures, “side effects” or common tricks, e.g. I forgot how to factorize (x^3 +1) in the middle of resolving a fraction division and lost an invaluable half hour finding out how mad easy it was… I need to internalize such trivialities at my core on top of learning all the mayor topics.

And advice, tips and tricks to study? I have a good month to get ready.

  • daannii@lemmy.worldEnglish
    1·
    1 day ago

    When I have to focus on something I don’t want to do , I find manipulating myself works pretty well.

    You just have to find out the best ways to coerce yourself.

    I give myself rewards for doing the work. Ice cream, mostly. A promise myself something I want like a blizzard or milkshake if I get the weeks work finished on schedule. Then when I have it , it’s reinforcements that my work was worth it.

    I also like competition with myself. so I set reasonable goals and then I will keep at it until I meet the goal. I also really like it when I exceed the goal. So it’s one way to help motivate myself.

    I also find that I have to be like a strict parent with myself sometimes.

    I don’t even let myself try to come up with an excuse not to do something.

    I have to. No ifs and or buts. Once you start making an argument in your head about why you can do it later. Or why it’s not that important, you have fallen. Don’t listen!

    Honestly it often feels like I’m forcing a child to clean their room. But it gets easier to push yourself the more you do it. .I also try hard to find something interesting about the work. Even if going in, I was 100 % uninterested in the topic. I try my best to find something to latch to.

    Being genuinely interested really helps with motivation.

    And as many others pointed out. Math is just practice.

    Your speed is based on fluency. Which is based on experience.