If you understand normal English and have Internet access, thenYou can definitely learn math on your own..
After implementing everything in this guide, you will realize that there is no one who can teach you faster and better than you (especially if youwe anki!)
But just a little disclaimer: while I saidsomebodyI can, I'm 100% surenot everybodyWille.
It's actually a bit awkward, especially if you're doing this for the first time. (But super satisfying.)
In this post, you'll learn exactly the 9-step approach I used to learn math on my own without relying on anyone else to teach me.
- The #1 Mindset Many Ignore When Learning Math On Their Own
- The best resources for math self-study
- How to take your math skills to the next level
Let's start.
He canIn realitySelf-taught math?
Firstly, if you think you're not a "math person" (what the heck a math person looks like), you might think you need someone else to teach you math in a classroom.
But let me tell you something...
With all the free online content (lectures, syllabi, eBooks and MOOCS) you can easily learn math like you are in college.
the best part isYou do it at your own pace..
No rigid schedules, just commitment.
However, you need to think differently if you want to reap the rewards.
That is, recognizethat the mental effort you put into practicing a math subject is the price you pay for facilitating future math skills.
Or rather, it's the price you pay for not making it harder for your future self to learn.
math is aboutaccumulated knowledge, Saber.
Unlike school, you'll feel like shit because you don't change the subject based on time; now you change matter as a function of time.how quickly you master a skill.
So here is a guide on how to do it.
9 steps to independent math study
I'll interrupt briefly to clarify one thing: I created this guide to help people who feel like they're falling behind in their math skills and want to check it out, or people who just want to learn math on their own for some basic knowledge. reason.
Each example I give is just that: a mere example to help you understand what I'm trying to show.It's still up to you to apply these steps to your own situation.
Step 1. First, determine where you want to land
Mathematics constructs itself, so if you want to learn a subject, say calculus, always ask:
What are the subjects required for this course?
In my own study, I often ask myself a "competence-based" question rather than an actual question.
"EracapabilitiesDo I have to learn to get better at it?”
After all, problem solving is a skill. You can't solve problems better if you don't have the tools; individual mastery of presupposed themes.
Which brings me to my next point.
Step 2. Of course, determine where to start
Once you've established your final theme, it's time to decide what general theme you want to start with.
For example, Calculus and its applications are easier if you have some knowledge of Analytical Geometry and Trigonometry.
But Analytical Geometry contains some elements of trigonometry.
Then you might decide to start with trigonometry.
However, if you don't know "what are the prerequisites", I recommend looking for an online study program.
Here it isa good agendafor someone studying math for data science.
Step 3. Find a syllabus to avoid unnecessary depth
If you get lost, go to Google Maps.
So what do you do when you don't have a script or order to learn math?
Use an already prepared resume. They are the roadmap to your self-study success.
As I mentioned, these can easily be found online.
I mean, a single Google search will give you what you're looking for.
Or you could just look into your university's resources and review the math program.
Step 4. Gather your references, troubleshooting guides, and Problem Solved books.
Traditional math learning requires you to go to school, attend classes, do your homework and wait to be checked before completing the feedback loop.
I say this is highly inefficient.
If troubleshooting guides or Problem Solved books are available, it is best to use them in conjunction with your own troubleshooting routine.
For this,I like the book series "Schaum Sketches".
The problems are quite difficult, the discussions are concise and to the point, but you will definitely get better at problem solving SIMPLY.
Just to be clear, I'm not saying you should look at solutions every time you solve a problem.Whenever you get stuck, you can easily get out and learn the solutions faster.
This tight feedback loop allows us to learn math FAST and at our OWN pace.
"What if I don't understand the material?"
Either you don't have the prerequisites (or none at all), or you're using a book that's too complicated.
Finally, common sense dictates that this guide is not the be-all and end-all of self-study mathematics. You can always consult others if you're really stuck, even if you have a step-by-step guide (maybe you have a typo or something).
Step 5. Prioritize concept-based deep learning
This is illustrated by the point mentioned above, which is to use solution guides to learn math and create a quick feedback loop.
However, this is misunderstood by some students.
They feel it's good when they can remember how to solve a difficult problem.
It's a BIG mistake to memorize something you don't understand.
Consequently, it is also a BIG mistake to understand something without practicing it.
Learn WHY steps work because when you do,You learn once and solve many.
Step 6. Link to Resources in One Place
As you'll learn on your own with digital resources, it's helpful to have them all in one place.
Maybe make it your browser's homepage.
Take a shortcut or something.
The goal is to make accessing your resources MUCH easier so that you don't feel any friction when trying to study on your own.
This makes it easier to learn habits, which is always better in the long run.
Step 7. Take time to learn and problem solve
As I mentioned earlier, just understanding is not enough.
You must practice what you have learned.
Just as a beginner can't play a piano masterpiece immediately after being taught by someone good, learning new things in math doesn't happen with your "aha" moments.
Learning happens when you get information out of your head, not when you try to get things in there.
So in addition to "recording" time, take time to practice.
Step 8. Cultivate Deep Work
when practicingIt's important that you do this without distractions.
Working without internal and external distractions and staying consciously focused on the task at hand, also known as deep work, improves the way your neurons fire together when activated.
This happens because a pod is calledmyelinit forms every time you remember information or practice a skill.
When your attention is focused on practicing problem solving, you are telling your brain that ONLY the neurons that fire during problem solving should be myelinated.
However, when you are distracted, this phenomenon occurs poorly and study fragments do not form very well.
Step 9. Avoid “practice, practice, practice”, do this instead
This is probably the most common piece of advice given to students who ask, "How can I get better at math?"
we do not needadvancetime to practice.we just have to practiceto improve.
Practice is certainly essential, but there are two types of practice:Unproductive and productive practice.
If you do everything for a long period of time, rarely during the week, and repeat the same problem over and over again until it "gets it" before moving on to the next one, then this is a non-productive practice.
Productive practice is smart practice.
Here's how to do it. Two easy steps.
- Spread your practice throughout the day and week.
- Once you get the gist of a concept, don't answer multiple problems with the same solution. answer several timesindependentNumbers not organized by theme. (callednested practice)
By doing this, you will save A LOT of time and energy learning math.
An easy way to automate this iscom Anky, but you need to get a little creative with your deck and setting construction.
More precisely, as I shared in thebest solution course, you can create a "Main Deck" and a "Practice Deck/Master Problem Set" using specific deck configurations based on your confidence. (More confidence = higher ranges)
Who said learning math has to be tedious and time consuming? It can be efficient, but like I said... you have to demand more mentally.
More resources on self-taught math
Tired of asking hundreds of endless practice questions and getting bad grades?
Not sure what to do when faced with a completely new problem?
Perhaps you are practicing wrong.
Know the difference between the right and wrong way to exerciseBetter resolution with Anki: Get awesome grades for troubleshooting threads (no endless grinding). (Full disclosure: this is my own course.)
Outro Metalearning
- How to learn math alonepor Scott Young. When I started my meta-learning journey, it was my go-to resource. After all, he completed a 4-year computer science degree at MIT in just 12 months. I really respect people who share techniques based on their experience.
Tutorials:
- academia Khan
- patrician
- Pauls Online-Mathematiknotizen
- better explained
- 3azul1marrom
- Black pencil Red pencil
MOOC:
How to Learn More Advanced Math (FREE Resources)
If you want to take your math knowledge to the next level, here are some helpful links.
I can't teach it myself, so here are the best resources on the subject:
- How to Learn Advanced Math Without Going to College
- Quora - What's the best way to study advanced math on your own?
- How to learn physics and math by yourself
- Basic math for data science
Next step: Learn to remember formulas (by learning them better and using Anki)
Link to the following article:How to memorize formulas (learn them better)