Math giving you a hard time? This page is dedicated to providing you with various study tips to add to your tool box as you conquer your math class!
Click on a study tip below to learn more!
Study Tips
Tutoring Support
The Math Learning Center offers free math tutoring for all First-Year Math courses, as well as some calculus courses.
Fall and Spring Semester
In-Person: Drop-in only
Monday – Friday: 9 am – 5 pm
Sunday: 2 pm – 7 pm
Virtual: Appointment only
Monday – Friday: 4 pm – 7 pm
Pomodoro Technique
The pomodoro technique is a popular time-management method that boosts focus and productivity by breaking work into 25-minute intervals called pomodoros, separated by a short 5-minute break.
If you are ever feeling unmotivated to work on your homework, using a pomodoro timer is a great way to chunk up your work and still allow yourself time to relax!
Timely Math Tutor
Timely Math Tutor provides clear, concise math explanations tailored to your curriculum or learning platform. Each video is designed to feel like having a personal tutor guiding you step-by-step through the type of problem you want to master.
Lessons are presented without faces or distractions, focusing purely on understanding. Every explanation aims to teach the “why” behind each step, not just the “how”, helping you build real problem-solving intuition.
Peer Academic Coaching (PACs)
Peer Academic Coaches (PACs) are peers who provide one-on-one consultations that focus on developing successful academic skills and habits. Consultation topics include:
- Time management
- Study skills and test preparation
- Note taking and reading strategies
- Academic goal-setting
- Organizing your college life
Avoid Multitasking
Avoid multitasking while studying. The human brain isn’t built to focus on two complex tasks simultaneously. When you try to multitask, your brain rapidly switches back and forth between tasks ultimately draining your mental energy, increasing mistakes, and making it harder to retain information.
It’s also helpful to study in an environment that mirrors your exam setup. Look for a quiet spot on campus or in your dorm free from distractions. Training in a realistic environment will help both your mind and body feel calm and prepared on exam day.
Taking Active Notes
Taking active notes forces your brain to process mathematical concepts in real time rather than passively reading through formulas and examples. Writing down steps in your own words, annotating key procedures, and working out sample problems by hand helps solidify abstract ideas into long-term memory.
Additionally, creating clear, personalized notes provides a organized study guide to review before exams, making it easier to pinpoint areas where you need further practice.
Quiz Yourself
Consistent self-testing is one of the most effective ways to retain math concepts. Beyond the automated Knowledge Checks in ALEKS, practice quizzing yourself regularly using these tools:
- ALEKS Review Mode: Revisit and practice previously learned topics.
- Custom Worksheets: Generate individualized practice sets directly inside ALEKS.
- AI Quizzing: Ask an AI assistant to generate practice questions tailored to your current module.
Canvas Calendar
Your Canvas calendar is your central hub for tracking upcoming assignments and exams across all your courses. You can easily access it by clicking Calendar on the left navigation bar in Canvas.
Keeping track of due dates and test schedules is key to a smooth semester. Plus, if you rely heavily on an external calendar app, you can subscribe to or feed your Canvas calendar directly into your personal calendar so you never miss a deadline!