Math Study Skills Inventory

Read each statement and determine how frequently each applies to you. Give yourself 2 points for "usually", 1 points for "sometimes", 0 point for "rarely.

1. I attend all my classes.

2. I select a study buddy to help me in math.

3. I read my math assignment before attending class.

4. In class, I mentally follow all explanations, trying to understand concepts and principles.

5. In class, I write down main points, steps in explanations, definitions, examples, solutions, and proofs.

6. In class, I use an abbreviation system when taking notes.

7. When I take notes in class, I copy all the steps to a problem.

8. When I become confused in class, I keep taking notes.

9. I ask questions in class.

10. I review my class notes as soon after class as possible and supplement the notes from memory.

11. I review my class notes again six to eight hours later, or definitely the same day.

12. I do weekly and monthly reviews of all my class and textbook notes.

13. In reviewing, I use all methods, such as reciting aloud, writing, picturing the material, etc.

14. I study math before other subjects, and when I'm most alert.

15. I read the chapter before coming to class and again after class.

16. I take small breaks every 20 to 40 minutes when I study math.

17. I work to complete my difficult math assignments in several small blocks of time.

18. I reward myself for having studied and concentrated.

19. I survey my assigned math readings before I tackle them in depth.

20. I keep reading the textbook when I am stuck.

21. When I read, I say aloud and write out important points.

22. I underline, outline, or label the key procedures, concepts, and formulas in my text.

23. I take notes on my text and review them often.

24. I complete all assignments and keep up with my math class.

25. I reread the chapter before doing the homework assignments.

26. I study math two hours per day, at least five days a week.

27. When I am stuck, I go to the instructor or tutor.

28. I work on at least ten new problems and five review problems during each study session.

29. I work to "overlearn" and thoroughly master my material.

30. I retest myself often to fix ideas in memory.

31. I work to understand all formulas, terms, rules, and principles before I memorize them.

32. I develop memory techniques to remember all math concepts.

33. I use a variety of checking procedures when solving math problems.

34. I study with two or more different math books.

35. I go to tests completely relaxed and do as well on tests as on my homework.

36. Taking a math test, I first write down all formulas I might need.

37. Taking math test, I first work the problems which are easy to me, not necessarily in the order of the test.

38. When taking a math test, I check over my test answers.

39. When the math test is returned, I rework the problems I got wrong until I understand them.

40. When the math test is returned, I analyze my test errors to avoid them in the future.

To find your total score, add up the total points:

MY GRAND TOTAL IS: ___________

If your score is above 70 points, you have excellent math study skills.

If your score is between 50 and 70 points, you have fair study skills, but you need to improve.

If your score is below 50 points, you have poor math study skills and you need to work on improving them fast!