How to Study Maths | 5 Scientifically Researched Tips to Score 100% in Maths Exam | ChetChat

ChetChat
9 Aug 201910:58
EducationalLearning
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TLDRThe video script discusses the common fear of math, known as 'motto phobia,' and counters it with scientific evidence that anyone can excel in math. Host Chetna introduces five scientifically-backed techniques to master math and achieve high scores in exams. These include utilizing 'flashlight modes' for focused and diffused thinking, visualizing problems to enhance understanding, engaging in 'deep practice' by embracing struggle and learning from mistakes, employing strategic exam techniques, and applying math to real-world scenarios. Additionally, Chetna offers bonus tips, such as using online resources for step-by-step problem-solving, revising past mistakes, and marking difficult problems for focused revision. The video aims to motivate viewers to overcome their math anxiety and to provide them with practical tools to improve their mathematical skills.

Takeaways
  • πŸ“š There is no 'math gene' or 'math brain'; anyone can learn and excel in math with the right techniques and practice.
  • 🧠 Utilize both focused and diffused modes of thinking to study math effectively. Focused mode is for concentration, while diffused mode allows for broader insights and problem-solving.
  • πŸ’€ Include sleep as a crucial part of your study routine to enhance your brain's power and reinforce learning.
  • πŸ“ˆ Visualization is a powerful tool in math; using visual and spatial pathways can help solidify understanding and problem-solving.
  • πŸ€” Deep practice involves making mistakes, evaluating them, and trying again, which is essential for truly understanding and mastering math concepts.
  • πŸ“ During exams, read the most difficult problem first to allow your subconscious to work on it while solving easier problems.
  • πŸ” Read exam questions twice and write down all given information to avoid missing any details and to gain partial credit even if the full solution is not known.
  • πŸ”„ Change the order in which you attempt exam questions to catch careless mistakes and ensure a more thorough review.
  • 🌐 Apply math to real-world scenarios to understand its relevance and make abstract concepts more tangible.
  • 🌟 Use online resources and apps for step-by-step problem-solving, but only after attempting the problems yourself to foster deep understanding.
  • βœ… Review all questions you got wrong before an exam to reinforce learning and avoid repeating mistakes.
  • πŸ”„ Circle difficult questions in your study materials for easy reference during revision to ensure you revisit and understand them fully.
Q & A
  • What is the term 'motto phobia' mentioned in the transcript?

    -Motto phobia refers to the fear, stress, and anxiety that individuals experience when studying math.

  • What did scientists discover when they looked at MRI scans of students solving math problems?

    -Scientists found that the students' brains reacted to numbers as if they were encountering snakes or spiders, indicating a strong emotional response.

  • What does the research suggest about the existence of a 'math gene'?

    -Research has shown that there is no specific 'math gene' or 'math brain', meaning that anyone can learn and become proficient in math.

  • What are the two modes of a 'flashlight' as described by Barbara Oakley?

    -The two modes are the focused mode, which is for concentrated attention on specific information, and the diffused mode, which allows the mind to relax and wander, aiding in gaining new insights.

  • How does visualization help in learning math, according to Joe Boaler?

    -Visualization engages visual pathways in the brain, which are crucial for understanding mathematical concepts and solving problems more effectively.

  • What is the concept of 'deep practice' in math?

    -Deep practice involves struggling with problems, trying different methods, making mistakes, evaluating those mistakes, and then trying again to gain a deeper understanding of the subject.

  • What is the first exam strategy suggested for tackling difficult problems?

    -The first strategy is to read the most difficult problem first, then work on easier problems, allowing the subconscious mind to work on the tough problem in the background.

  • What is the importance of applying math to real-world scenarios?

    -Applying math to real-world scenarios helps students understand the practical applications of mathematical concepts, making the subject more relatable and easier to grasp.

  • What are the three bonus tips provided for math exam preparation?

    -The three bonus tips are: 1) Use websites or apps for step-by-step problem-solving, 2) Revise all questions that were answered incorrectly, and 3) Circle difficult questions in the book for focused revision before the exam.

  • What is the significance of sleep in the process of learning math, as mentioned by Barbara Oakley?

    -Sleep is crucial as it allows the brain to process and consolidate information, thereby increasing its power and aiding in the learning of math.

  • What is the advice given for using online resources for math problem-solving?

    -It is advised to struggle with the problem independently first, then use online resources to check the solution. This approach encourages problem-solving skills and deeper learning.

  • What is the final message from the video regarding overcoming difficulties in life?

    -The final message is a quote from Stephen Hawking, encouraging viewers to believe that no matter how difficult life may seem, there is always something they can succeed at.

Outlines
00:00
πŸ“š Overcoming Math Anxiety with Scientific Techniques

The video begins by addressing 'motto phobia,' the fear and anxiety associated with studying math. It reassures viewers that there's no inherent 'math gene' and anyone can excel in math with the right approach. The host, Chetna, introduces five scientifically backed techniques to master math and achieve high scores in exams. She also acknowledges a viewer's success with previous techniques shared and encourages engagement for a shout-out. The first technique discussed is the 'flashlight mode,' emphasizing the importance of both focused and diffused modes of thinking for effective problem-solving and concept reinforcement.

05:00
🎨 Visualization: A Key to Mathematical Understanding

The second technique highlighted is visualization, which leverages visual pathways to enhance math comprehension. It is supported by research from Stanford's Joe Bowler, who found that visual and finger perception pathways are engaged during math problem-solving. The video suggests using diagrams, tables, or charts to solidify understanding and improve problem-solving, even if they are not explicitly requested by the examiner.

10:02
πŸ§— Deep Practice: Embracing Mistakes for Growth

The concept of deep practice is introduced as the third technique, which involves making mistakes, evaluating them, and trying again. This approach is contrasted with the common belief that speed and accuracy are the keys to math proficiency. The video emphasizes the importance of struggling with problems and persisting until a deeper understanding is achieved. It also features insights from Aria, the founder of Scalar Learning, who discusses the critical role of deep practice in the learning process, especially in math.

πŸ“ Exam Strategies: Tackle the Tough First

The fourth technique focuses on exam strategies, offering three specific tips. The first is to read the most difficult problem first, allowing the subconscious mind to work on it while solving easier problems. The second tip is to read each question twice, noting all given information, and attempting as many steps as possible, even if the solution is not known. The third tip suggests revising the paper in a different sequence to spot careless mistakes. The video encourages viewers not to rush and to apply these strategies to feel less afraid and more motivated to study math.

🌐 Applying Math to Real World and Bonus Tips

The fifth technique involves applying math to real-world scenarios to make abstract concepts more tangible and understandable. An example given is the regression effect, which explains phenomena like the varying success of an author's novels or the height of children based on their parents. The video concludes with three bonus tips: using websites or apps for step-by-step problem-solving, revising previously incorrect questions, and circling difficult questions in textbooks for focused revision. It also shares a motivational quote from Stephen Hawking and encourages viewers to share their strategies in the comments section for a chance to be featured.

Mindmap
Keywords
πŸ’‘Motto Phobia
Motto phobia is a term that describes the fear, stress, and anxiety experienced when studying math. It is highlighted in the video as a common issue that students face, but the video also emphasizes that there is no 'math gene' and anyone can learn math with the right approach. The term is used to introduce the topic and to reassure viewers that they can overcome this fear.
πŸ’‘MRI Scans
MRI scans are used in the video to illustrate the intense reactions that students have when presented with math problems, comparing these reactions to those experienced when encountering snakes or spiders. This concept is used to emphasize the psychological barriers that must be overcome to succeed in math.
πŸ’‘Flashlight Modes
This concept, derived from Barbara Oakley's book 'A Mind for Numbers,' refers to two modes of thinking: focused and diffused. The focused mode is for concentrated work on math problems, while the diffused mode is for gaining new insights and relaxing the mind. The video explains that balancing these modes is crucial for effective math learning.
πŸ’‘Visualization
Visualization is a technique that involves creating mental images or diagrams to understand and solve math problems. The video mentions that visual pathways are engaged during math problem-solving, as discovered by Stanford researcher Joe Bower. It is suggested that drawing diagrams or charts can solidify understanding and improve problem-solving.
πŸ’‘Deep Practice
Deep practice is a method of learning that involves making mistakes, evaluating them, and trying again. It is contrasted with the idea of simply doing many problems for the sake of practice. The video emphasizes that deep practice is critical for true understanding and mastery in math, as it involves grappling with problems and finding solutions.
πŸ’‘Exam Strategies
The video presents several exam strategies to help students perform better on math exams. These include reading the most difficult problem first, reading each question twice, and writing down all given information before attempting to solve it. These strategies are designed to help students approach exams more effectively and to reduce the likelihood of careless mistakes.
πŸ’‘Apply Math to the Real World
This concept involves understanding the practical applications of mathematical concepts, which can make learning math more relevant and engaging. The video uses the example of the regression effect to show how math can explain real-world phenomena, thereby making it easier for students to grasp abstract concepts.
πŸ’‘Regression Effect
The regression effect is a statistical phenomenon that is used in the video to demonstrate a real-world application of math. It explains why outcomes that are extreme in one instance are likely to be closer to average in subsequent instances, such as the varying success of an author's novels or the heights of children relative to their parents.
πŸ’‘Scalar Learning
Scalar Learning is mentioned in the context of deep practice, as it is founded by Aria, a math specialist who shares his insights on the topic. Scalar Learning is likely an educational platform or resource that focuses on deep practice techniques to improve math skills.
πŸ’‘Bonus Tips
The video concludes with bonus tips for students, which include using useful websites or apps for step-by-step problem-solving, revising all questions that were answered incorrectly, and circling difficult questions in textbooks for focused revision. These tips are practical advice aimed at improving study habits and exam performance.
πŸ’‘Stephen Hawking Quote
A quote from Stephen Hawking is shared in the video to inspire viewers and reinforce the message of perseverance and success in the face of difficulty. The quote suggests that everyone has the potential to succeed at something, which aligns with the video's overarching theme of overcoming challenges in math.
Highlights

Motto phobia is the fear, stress, and anxiety experienced when studying math.

Scientists found that the brain reacts to numbers as if they were snakes or spiders in MRI scans.

Research has proven that there is no math gene or specific math brain, and anyone can excel in math.

Flashlight modes in learning involve a balance between focused, diffused, and sleep modes for effective math study.

Visualization is a key technique in math, with visual pathways being engaged during problem-solving.

Deep practice involves making mistakes, evaluating them, and trying again for a deeper understanding.

Exam strategies include reading the most difficult problem first, reading each question twice, and revising with a different sequence.

Applying math to real-world scenarios can enhance understanding and make complex concepts more relatable.

Useful websites and apps like Balram and Simba Lab can aid in step-by-step problem-solving.

Revising questions that you got wrong is a valuable bonus tip for exam preparation.

Identifying and circling difficult questions in your study materials can help focus revision efforts.

Chetna provides a master class on studying math and achieving high scores in math exams.

A shout out to a viewer who used the techniques to learn English with mind-blowing results.

The importance of balancing practice, relaxation, and sleep for effective learning.

The role of finger perception and visual support in learning math as seen through student MRI scans.

The concept of deep practice as described by Daniel Coyle in 'The Talent Code'.

Three specific exam strategies are provided to help students perform better on math exams.

The importance of understanding the real-world applications of mathematical concepts.

Invitation for viewers to share their successful math study strategies in the comment section.

A quote from Stephen Hawking is shared to inspire viewers to succeed in math.

Transcripts
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