Math Study Skills Inventory


Rate your achievement of the following statements by placing a 3 for almost always, 2 for sometimes, and 1 for almost never. If you have never even thought about doing what the statement says, put a 0.

Selecting a math class

_______ 1. I schedule my math class at a time when I am mentally sharp.
_______ 2. When I register for a math class, I choose the best instructor for me.
_______ 3. If I have a choice, I select a math class that meets three or four days a week instead of one or two.
_______ 4. I schedule the next math class as soon as possible after I have completed the current course.
_______ 5. I am sure that I have signed up for the correct level math course.

Time and place for studying math

_______ 6. I study math every day.
_______ 7. I try to get my math homework immediately after math class.
_______ 8. I have a specific time to study math.
_______ 9. I have a specific place with few distractions to study math
______ 10. I get my math homework in the lab where I can get help.
______ 11. I am careful to keep up to date with math homework.
______ 12. I study math at least 8 to 10 hours a week.<

Study strategies for math class

______ 13. I read my textbook before I come to class.
______ 14. If I have trouble understanding the text, I find an alternate text.
______ 15. I take notes in math class.
______ 16. I am careful to copy all the steps of math problems in my notes.
______ 17. I ask questions when I am confused.
______ 18. I go to the instructor or lab when I am confused.
______ 19. I try to determine exactly when I got confused and exactly what confused me.
______ 20. I review my notes and text before beginning homework.
______ 21. I work problems until I understand them, not just until I get the right answer for homework.
______ 22. I use flashcards for formulas and vocabulary.
______ 23. I develop memory techniques to remember math concepts.

Math tests

______ 24. I preview the test before I begin.
______ 25. Before I begin the test, I make notes on things such as formulas that I might need.
______ 26. I begin with the easy questions first.
______ 27. I take the full amount of time allotted for the test.
______ 28. I carefully check or rework as many problems that I have time to before I turn in my test.
______ 29. When tests are returned, I keep alog of the types of mistakes I make on tests: concept errors, application errors, or careless errrors.
______ 30. I keep up to date so that I don't have to cram the night before a test.

Anxiety

______ 31. I believe that I can succeed in math class.
______ 32. I have study partners in my math class.
______ 33. I take practice tests.
______ 34. I know several good relaxation techniques.

______ TOTAL SCORE

Scoring:

Total the scores from all 34 statements.

If your score is 90 - 103, give yourself an A. You are using the study skill you need in order to be successful in math.

If your score is 80 - 89, give yourself a B. You are using good math study skills. Choose a few strategies to work on each day, and you are well on your way to an A.

If your score is 70 - 79, give yourself a C. Your study skills are average. If you want an A, choose one or two strategies in each category to work on until you are using most of the strategies described above.

If you score is below 70, you are probably having a difficult time in math class. Math may not be your trouble! More than likely, your main problem is the study strategies you are using (or not using). Make yourself do the things on the list above.

This information can be found on page 117 of The Study Skills Workbook, third edition, by Dr. Carolyn H. Hopper.

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