Free Math Help: How to Improve Test Scores

Math Test Prep

Review Materials

Review all the notes you took during class and any quizzes or homework that was handed back. Take special note of the questions you answered incorrectly the first time around. Look for similar questions in your book or ask a parent to create a math problem that's similar to the ones you answered incorrectly.

Make Flash Cards

One of the most efficient ways to improve your speed is by doing a lot of repetitive practice. Create your own preparation guide by writing down 50 questions, each on its own note card or scrap of paper. Write the correct answer on the back. Now, either by yourself or with a friend, go through the pile and try to answer the problems as fast as you can. Eventually, your speed and accuracy should improve, leading to higher test scores.

Ask for Help

Don't be shy about asking for help when you can't figure out a math problem. Everybody struggles with math at some point. You can ask to speak to your teacher after school and explain which math units you don't understand. He or she might offer to go over those sections with you or recommend a tutor.

By asking your friends, you may find that some of them are struggling with the same things you are. You might be able to organize a study group to help each other prepare for tests. It's often tempting to talk or play games when you're with friends, but if you are setting aside time for a study group, it's important to focus and really try to improve. One way of handling the temptation could be to get together for two hours, and plan to work on math for the first hour and reserve any chatting or game-playing for the second hour.

Make a Board Game

No matter what type of math you need to review, one way to practice with friends is by creating a board game. Regardless of what game you base yours off of, the main idea is to require a math question to be answered correctly in order to advance along the board.

If you want, you can even use the original board game instead of creating one from scratch. Just write down math problems on pieces of paper and place them all along the board. Each player must solve the problem on the square that he or she lands on.