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Learning Strategies

Math Vocabulary Lists and Associations

Math Vocabulary Lists

Studying math can be similar to learning a new language with new terms and rules. Understanding and remembering math terms will help you continue to understand material as you learn increasingly complex concepts. Creating a math vocabulary list can help you keep track of new terms you are learning and can be a useful tool to help you practice recalling information. Reviewing this list before tests/exams may help relieve test anxiety by helping ensure you will understand the questions.

  1. Create a table with 2 columns.

  1. The left side is for new vocabulary words/terms. 

  1. The right side is for the definitions.

Example 

Vocabulary 

Definition 

Momentum

 

The amount of motion an object has.

 

Associations 

Linking new concepts to concepts you already understand well can help you understand and remember new material better. Reflect on how new concepts may relate to something you already know well. It is best if this association is silly or invokes a strong visual memory.  

Example 

When learning linear momentum, remember that momentum means the amount of motion an object has. The two important features of an object are the mass and speed/velocity of the object.