Alright, so it’s that dreaded time of the year again when studying becomes our full-time job, whether we like it or not. Our mothers, in their usual way, constantly remind us that we are not spending enough time studying. Every time we pick up our phone or, God forbid, watch TV, they are there with that horrible look in their eyes — which is too scary to describe and only a miserable student can understand!

And then I hear her say, “You’re wasting your precious time!” It means when I’m doing literally anything else but ‘maths’.

I’ve tried to explain to her a thousand times that studying isn’t the issue — honestly, I’ve got that down. But maths? Oh, maths is different, it is a ‘beast’ I must call. I feel like fighting a monster that’s respawn every time I knock it down. If I could throw every maths book into a giant pit and never see it again, I would do it without wasting a second. The world would be at peace and most kids would wish me a long life!

But no, it’s not that simple. Maths isn’t like a passing storm, it’s like a persistent fly that you can’t zap away, no matter how many times you try. So, I’m stuck with it. Every. Single. Day. It’s like the universe is trying to teach me a lesson and I’m just not getting.

Since it’s not going anywhere and I have no way to run away from it, I have learned to put a rein on this beast’s neck. And I would like to share with you all the secrets to controlling it that I have mastered.

Create a math storyboard

Math storyboard isn’t just for kids — it’s a technique used by professionals, educators and even mathematicians to understand and teach complex ideas in everyday practical ways. For example, choose a math topic that you find challenging, like algebra, geometry or calculus. Write down the key elements of the topic, formulas, rules, theorems or concepts.

For example, if you’re working on the Pythagorean Theorem, you’ll need to focus on the right triangle, the sides and how they relate to each other. Imagine that each key element in the math topic is a character or an event in the story. Or you can even make the storyboard more relatable, by connecting the math topic to a real-life scenario. Imagine you are building a ramp, and the sides of the right triangle represent the height and the base of the ramp. The hypotenuse is the actual length of the ramp. Visualising math in this way helps to see its practical application.

Use real-world connections

Math is everywhere, and connecting concepts to real-world, everyday situations can make them easier to understand. If you’re studying statistics, look at real data, like sports stats, music charts or even social media trends. I observed math in situations around me and it helped me understand more easily than through the typical bookish knowledge.

Study with movement

Every topic that we approach unconventionally is better remembered and understood than through conventional methods. So, when studying math, take your study sessions outside or go for a walk. Recite formulas, explain concepts to yourself or quiz yourself while walking.

Studies show that physical activity can boost cognitive function, so a little movement might help you concentrate better and think more clearly.

Group study with a challenge

Creating study groups is a normal thing, let’s bring some change this time. Assign each member a topic, a concept or a chapter to teach the group.

This way you won’t be burdened with the whole course, but just selected topics to study. And when you are assigned to teach, you will have less material to focus and more time to work on it, whether it’s through visual diagrams, mini-presentations, or even skits. Teaching a concept helps solidify your understanding and gives you a new perspective on how to approach problems.

Reverse engineering

For problems that feel impossible to solve, start by looking at the answer first. Then work backward to figure out how the solution was reached. This method helps you understand the logic behind the solution and teaches you how to approach similar problems.

So I leave you with these few tips to ponder over, and maybe, just maybe, you’ll figure out how to tame this math beast and not let it take over your sanity. Somehow, we all make it through. Trust yourself!

Published in Dawn, Young World, November 30th, 2024