10 Tips for Increasing Your Math Scores: Strategies for Conquering Math Test Stress

We get it. Math tests can be incredibly stressful. And as a parent watching your child struggle with math tests, it can add even more. The pressure your child may feel to perform well on his or her math tests can cause a great deal of anxiety, which then can domino into negatively impacting their score.

There are, however, some strategies that can help them conquer the dreaded “Math Test Stress” and improve their scores.

1. Jump To

   Understand The Material
   

   This is sometimes easier said than done. However, it is still a crucial first step to improving your test scores. If you are able to help your child with certain concepts, then all the better! However, if they are still not grasping and mastering the material, getting additional help may be needed, especially if their teacher is also at a loss at how to best help them. Fortunately, gt.school has personalized programs like MathAssess and MathBuilder to bridge those gaps.

2. Practice
   

   Regardless of how they learn and master the concepts, it is important to help your child understand the importance of practice. Practice is key to improving any skill, not just math. Practice problems will help them understand the concepts and develop problem-solving skills. Do as many practice problems as possible, and if they get stuck, be sure they know they can ask for help.

3. Review Mistakes
   

   When they make a mistake on a practice problem, take the time to review it and help them understand where they went wrong. This can help them avoid making the same mistake on the actual test.

4. Learn Problem-Solving Strategies
   

   Learning problem-solving strategies can help your child approach math problems with more confidence. There are many problem-solving strategies to choose from, such as the guess-and-check method, the process of elimination, the draw-a-picture method and so much more. Choose the strategy that works best for them and have them practice it.

5. Learn Time Management
   

   Time management is crucial when it comes to math tests. Make sure your child has enough time to read each question and solve it correctly. If they’re struggling with a particular problem, have them move on to the next one and come back to it later.

6. Learn Test-Taking Strategies
   

   Test-taking strategies can help your child approach math tests more effectively and can help beat math test stress. Some common test-taking strategies include reading the instructions carefully, underlining important information, and checking their work. Have them practice these strategies before the test, so they can feel more confident when it’s time to take the actual test.

7. Get Enough Sleep
   

   One of the things that can trigger anxiety and stress is a lack of sleep. Getting enough sleep is essential for optimal brain function. Make sure your child gets enough sleep the night before the test so they can feel well rested and alert, making it easier for them to recall information. Make this a priority and they might see a difference in how they perform.

8. Eat a Healthy Breakfast
   

   Not only does sleep recharge the batteries, so to speak, but a proper breakfast can make it so it doesn’t last as long as a 10-year-old smart phone. Choose food that is high in protein and complex carbs like eggs, oatmeal, and fruit.

9. Learn Calming Exercises
   

   Stress and anxiety can negatively impact your child’s performance on a math test. Help them stay calm and focused by taking deep breaths and focusing on the present moment. Help them learn to not let negative thoughts take over, and remember that they’ve prepared for this test. Learning other meditation techniques can help clear their mind and make it easier to concentrate on the material.

10. Build Self-Confidence
    

    Helping them believe in themselves is key to conquering math test stress and improving their math scores. You know your child’s potential – you’ve seen it. Help them see it in themselves so they believe that they can do well on the test, and trust in the hard work they’ve put in to prepare for it. Confidence can go a long way in helping them perform well on a math test.

All-in-all

Conquering math test stress may not be an easy task. It requires a combination of strategies, far more than what we can give here. By incorporating the strategies into their study routine, they can be better prepared to perform well on their tests and overcome math test stress.

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