The idea of studying for a math test can seem like a daunting task for you and your student. Even the word “test” can elicit emotions of fear and doubt. This doesn’t have to be the case. The first step in preparing and studying for a test in the Math-U-See curriculum is making sure you and your student both understand the purpose behind the test. It’s not to see how many questions your student can get right; it’s to confirm student mastery. Once this is understood, studying for a Math-U-See math test will become a much more straightforward process.

Built Around Mastery

The Math-U-See curriculum is built around mastery. This is integral to understanding how to study for our math tests. What is mastery, and how do you know if your student has mastered the lessons? Simply put, mastery is when your student both understands and becomes proficient in a concept. The Math-U-See curriculum uses lessons that focus on a singular topic, allowing the student to fully comprehend what they’re learning before moving on to the next lesson. If you’d like more information on how to tell if your student has achieved mastery, check out our Student Mastery Guide. If mastery has been accomplished, then taking a test becomes a chance for your student to show the progress they’ve made instead of it being a challenge. The studying process becomes a simple process of review to make sure that mastery of that lesson has taken place.

Multiple Types of Tests

The Math-U-See program includes multiple types of tests including lesson tests, unit tests, and final exams. The lesson tests vary in style depending on the level your student is in (open answer or multiple choice). Studying for the different test types takes the same process. This is because the Math-U-See curriculum is built sequentially. This means that concepts build upon one another, so your student has a solid foundation before moving on to new material. The unit tests and final tests take the information your student has learned so far in the level and tests their mastery of that material. As students’ progress through the levels, some lesson tests even take on this approach. For example, in Algebra 2, the last few questions of the test pertain to information from previous lessons or even previous levels. If your student is mastering each lesson before moving on to the next, their strong foundation will support them through the tests. Preparing for these tests might take going back further in the level to rework previous concepts, but the approach is the same. Nevertheless, even with sequential learning and mastery there are still ways that test preparation can benefit your student.

Prepare With the Student Workbook

The good news is you have a customized preparation resource right at your fingertips: your student’s workbook. The first step you should take with your student is going back over their lesson worksheets. Locate areas where your student struggled. Are there any patterns that you notice? This can help you identify areas your student may need a little more review. Try not to just repeat back the formula or instructions to your student. Ask them questions, “Can you walk me through how you tried solving this problem?” or “Is there a different way you could have solved this?” These kinds of questions will give your student a chance to engage with the concept. It will also give you a chance to see where your student has mastered a concept and where they might need more time. If they need more practice, have your student go through another worksheet with you. Also, analyze the problems your student answered correctly, and ask them similar questions. This kind of dynamic will give your student a deeper understanding of the material so they can be ready for the test.

What Should You Do Next?

You’ve tried all this, and your student is still struggling with their tests. What should you do next? Maybe it’s time to evaluate if you are setting reasonable expectations for your student. How are you talking about the tests to your student? Are you getting upset with your student when they struggle with tests but do fine with the worksheets? Maybe you’ve developed a more fixed mindset instead of a positive growth mindset. If this is the case, try to adjust your thoughts and language toward tests. Ask your students questions and engage with the material. Realize that mastery is an ongoing process, and some students might take longer than others to achieve it. The point of the test is not to get all the answers correct, but to evaluate your student’s needs so that you can guide them in the right direction. Keep positive, and remember that studying doesn’t just begin right before the test but every time your student engages with math.