How to Study Maths Online Using Matrix+

We know that these are challenging and anxious times. However, that doesn’t mean that your Maths learning should stop! Matrix is dedicated to continuity of learning, with our Matrix+ Online Courses. In this article, we explain how to study Maths online using Matrix+.

In this article, we’ll discuss:

• What is Matrix+?
• Studying Maths with the Matrix+ Online Learning Method

What is Matrix+?

Matrix+ is our Online Learning Courses, tried and tested online resources to help you get exam ready. Matrix+ will help you get ahead with clear, structured online classes taught by subject matter experts so you can learn from the best at home.

It is the same Matrix, just online!

Matrix+ is a structured online course taught by subject matter experts and consists of the following features:

1. Matrix Theory Book and Work Book
2. Clear, structured Online Theory Lesson Videos
3. Online Q&A Discussion Board for individual help
4. Online Quizzes and Homework Assessment tasks
5. Topic Test

Let’s take a look at what Matrix+ students get to assist their learning:

1. Matrix Maths Theory Book and Workbook

Matrix Theory Books are carefully designed resources, written by academics and education researchers. Each Theory Book covers the appropriate aspects of the new NSW Mathematics syllabus, so you don’t need to worry about their quality.

Each Matrix+ student has their Theory Book and Work Book mailed directly to them.

Each lesson explains how the content relates to the NSW Mathematics syllabus or NESA Mathematics Module. To ensure that students understand the material, lessons have regular Focus Questions and Reflection Questions so students can test their knowledge of theories and concepts, and identify their strengths and weaknesses.

This guided approach means students have a structured learning environment to develop their writing and critical thinking skills, even if they are outside the classroom.

2. Clear, structured Online Theory Lesson Videos

You shouldn’t need to worry about poorly structured and produced video lessons about Maths theories and concepts.

Learn from subject matter experts, instead.

Matrix+ Mathematics presenters deliver lesson content in clear, understandable terms. They ensure that all concepts about Maths theories and models are unpacked step-by-step so you understand the theory, and how to solve the problems.

Each lesson is structured around the Theory Book and Homework in the Work Book so that students are guided through Maths concepts and not left to fend for themselves.

The Maths teachers will outline possible solutions and methods, so students can learn from expert examples. Timestamps connected to Theory Book content means that students can easily navigate the lesson to get the most out of them and find solutions when they need them.

Matrix+ students can learn at their own pace with easy to follow explanations of key concepts and step-by-step methods shared by teachers.

3. Online Q&A discussion board for individual help

Students feel disconnected when they study from home. But students don’t need to learn on their own.

Matrix+ Online Discussion Boards for each online Maths class provide students with the opportunity to get the help they need for difficult concepts.

Providing students with an online environment where they can seek help means that they will always feel supported and guided. Students can ask questions to their Maths teachers and work with their peers on difficult concepts and share their insights.

Matrix Maths Teachers and Tutors monitor the boards and respond within 1 working day.

4. Weekly Online Quizzes and Homework Tasks

Matrix+ Maths students submit homework and sit online quizzes weekly. Weekly feedback and instant quiz results mean that students feel supported with practical feedback.

Now that school has largely moved online, students are saying they struggle more than ever to get meaningful feedback. But Matrix+ is there to guide students, that’s why we care about providing actionable feedback on your Maths knowledge and skills.

Perfect your methods and critical thinking with insightful feedback from your teacher for continuous improvement.

Matrix+ Maths Homework tasks are assigned to develop mastery and confidence in the content from the  Theory Book lessons. Experienced Matrix teachers will mark Maths homework submissions with online step-by-step solutions for your mistakes, so you can learn from your errors.

5. Topic Test

The Topic Test at the end of each Matrix+ Course allows you to assess your knowledge and skills. This means you don’t have to question or guess where you stand with your knowledge and problem-solving skills when you study at home.

Do you feel unsure of whether your application of methods or knowledge of equations has improved or if you really understand the concepts in your Module? Many students around the world currently feel like this.

Topic tests are a great opportunity to learn what weaknesses you have to work on and what strengths you can consolidate before your school assessments.

Do you need help studying Maths at home?

Studying at home can be difficult and studying Maths can be confusing at the best of times. Not everyone understands the best methods for studying an online course, either.

Remember, Matrix+ online Maths courses provide you with the structure and motivation you need with:

• Clear, structured Theory Lesson Videos that guide you through the Theory Book lessons.
• Discussion boards where you can ask the questions to get back on track and stay on track.
• Ongoing assessment through quizzes, homework assessments, and topic tests will give you the task deadlines you need to stay motivated.

Learn more about Matrix+ here.

How to Study Maths Online using Matrix+

Do you struggle with studying for Maths? Do you find it harder still to get your head around difficult concepts now that learning is online? Don’t worry, Matrix+ is here to support you.

Matrix+ was developed in conjunction with a learning process so students will get the most out of their time and receive the learning and support they need, online.

The Matrix+ online learning Method for Maths requires students to:

1. Watch the Theory Lesson Video with your Theory Book
2. Complete your Homework with the Matrix Work Book and check against the solutions
3. Ask questions on the Online Q&A Discussion Board to fill knowledge gaps
4. Test your knowledge with Quizzes and the end of course Topic Test

While this process may look overwhelming, it isn’t. It is just methodical. At Matrix, we know you can’t learn Maths skills effectively without a clear process to follow.

Let’s look at how this process will make learning from home efficient and focused instead of aimless and frustrating. We’ll explain how this process works and why it will support your learning.

Step 1: Watch the Theory Lesson Video with your Theory Book

Why?
Students often find that other online educational videos don’t clearly present information. Nor do they structure the information for an online Maths lesson in a logical or accessible manner. The Matrix Theory Lesson Videos are produced around the content from the Theory Book lessons.

You need to actively engage with your Online Theory Lesson to make the most out of it.

Benefits?
The Matrix Theory Book allows students to have structured lessons in their home. The detailed, academic content guides students through concepts and enables them to develop their knowledge with focus questions and reflection questions.

The Matrix+ Process:
Make sure you have your Theory Book and your highlighter, pens, calculator and other tools to hand.

As you watch the Theory Lesson Video, you must:

1. Log in to LMS and go to the resource tab.
   
2. Watch your Theory Lesson Video and watch or read any relevant resources.
   
3. Follow the content in your Theory Book.
4. Answer the questions in your Theory Book when prompted by your teacher.
5. Write notes of key ideas and concepts (not everything your teacher says!).
6. List down confusing or difficult areas and things you don’t understand.
7. Make notes and summarise the lesson content.
8. Don’t forget to write down questions to ask your teacher for clarification too! Note down the timestamp of the parts you are struggling with.

The benefit of online videos is that you can pause and play the video whenever you need.

Rewatch areas that are confusing, or pause them if you need more time to write your answers and notes.

Students can also play the video at twice the speed when they encounter familiar concepts or find concepts to easy.

Pro Tips for making Maths notes

At the end of each lesson, we have designed challenging questions to stretch your limit and stamina. Most challenging questions require a deep understanding of fundamentals – so try to apply even the simplest concept to adapt to what’s in front of you! Aim to:

• Use these challenging questions to clarify what you know and don’t
• Develop a book of mistakes and common problems.
• Recor the problems you struggled with, their correct worked solutions, and where you went wrong.

Doing this will ensure that your Maths notes will be an invaluable tool come assessment time!

It’s essential that you can read through your notes in a couple of months and easily refresh yourself as to what you’ve learned.

Step 2: Complete your Homework in your Work Book

Why?
Learning from home often leaves students feeling like they are on their own to improve their Maths skills and knowledge. Online learning should be smarter than this.

Matrix+ homework tasks are designed to guide and challenge students as they learn!

Your Maths teachers are trained to provide feedback that is frank but encouraging to help you develop and learn.

Benefits?
The exam-style Work Book prepares you for exams and assessments to reinforce your knowledge of Mathematical concepts and formulas. We understand that you may work ahead, so workbook solutions to all lessons are available for your reference from day one. Be sure to try the questions in the workbook first before referring to worked solutions.

The Matrix+ Process:
To make the most of your Matrix+ experience, follow the following steps: 

1. Complete the homework tasks in your Work Book.
2. Be sure to try the questions in the workbook first before referring to worked solution.
3. You should mark your Work Book responses using the solutions in LMS
   
4. Review the worked solutions.
5. For problems where you can’t understand the worked solution or see where you went wrong. Or for types of problems that you just struggle with, make notes to ask in the Q&A discussion board for the lesson.

Pro Tip for making the most out of your homework

It’s okay to make mistakes!

It is okay if there is a new concept you don’t understand or struggle with.

However, it is important that you get a sense of what you are trying to learn. Where you identify mistakes or holes in your knowledge, take note. Then make sure you raise these issues in the Q&A Discussion Board for the lesson!

Step 3: Ask Questions on the Online Q&A Discussion Board

Why?
Students studying online at home often feel unsupported and unable to ask questions about parts of the Maths theories they don’t understand.

In addition, students often miss the peer support and collegial environment provided by group discussions. The ability for students to work through tricky maths concepts together is very important.

Benefits?
You can ask those pressing Maths problems that you’re stuck on the Online Q&A Discussion Board.

A forum environment allows your teachers to respond quickly (within 1-working day) and your peers are also able to provide insights and advice.

Just because you’re not in a classroom doesn’t mean that you should lose the support of your peers.

The Matrix+ Process:
As you’ve worked through the first 2 steps, you’ll have produced a list of questions, concerns, and challenges that you’re struggling with. Now is the time to reach out to your teachers, tours, and peers. Remember, your Matrix teachers are just a click away!

1. Click discussions and select which discussion you want to participate in.
   
2. Read the other question and responses in the forum. If somebody has asked one of your questions, read the responses to that and see if it resolves your issue.
3. Identify the issues from your notes and Theory Book that you need help with. You can ask for clarification, methods, tips on your working, or tips to improve your Maths problem-solving skills!
4. When asking questions provide as much context as possible (page of Theory Book, page of text, timestamp of video, number of question or problem)
5. If asking multiple questions, make sure that you list them clearly and number each one. This will make it easy for your teacher, and peers, to respond.
   
6. While you await answers, take the time to read other questions and participate in discussions!

Step 4: Test your knowledge with Quizzes and the end of course Topic Test

Why?
Students put in the work consistently, but are unable to see any progress. Often, school assessment time is too late to find out that there are huge holes in your Maths game!

Benefits?
Regular assessment tasks done under exam conditions give students an opportunity to honestly appraise where they are really at.

Even if the feedback is critical and shows significant weaknesses, it is positive because students learn to fix these weaknesses before their important assessments or exams!

The Matrix+ process?

To use the Quizzes and Topic Test to assess and reinforce your learning.

Follow these steps for Quizzes:

1. Log onto the LMS and proceed to the course homepage.
2. Under the Lesson tab, you’ll find the quiz you should attempt. We recommend that students attempt the previous lesson’s quiz before you take the next lesson.

   

3. Set a 10-minute timer and sit the quiz.
4. Check your quiz answers against the solutions provided.
5. Make note of any errors you’ve made and questions you’ve struggled with and raise these issues in the Discussion Board for that lesson.

Follow these steps for Topic Tests:

1. When attempting the end of course Topic Test, you will find the Science Topic Test as a PDF you can open. But don’t read the questions, yet!
   
2. When you’re ready, start your reading time timer and then open the Science Topic test. Read the questions.
3. Sit the Topic test and answer the questions.
4. Once you have completed the test, mark your responses against the solutions published in LMS.
5. Read through the worked solutions and compare your answers to see where you need to improve.
6. Write a list of the problems and theoretical concepts you struggle with.
7. Focus on these areas in your revision!

Sit Topic Tests and Quizzes under exam conditions!

You want your Topic test to simulate real exam circumstances. To do this:

• Set up in a space where you can be undisturbed for the allotted time.
• Get your pens, pencils, paper, ruler, calculator ready.
• Set yourself a timer for the allotted time – reading time + writing time!

It is important that you are honest with yourself about sticking to the time limit.

Cheating yourself here robs you of valuable experience doing exams and tests.

This is something you need lots of for your half-yearly and end of year exams and also the HSC!

Oak’s Pro Tips for Topic Tests

Maths Academic coordinator, Oak Ukrit, recommends that students do the following to make the most of their assessments at Matrix:

1. Matrix topic tests cover the littlest detail of the content. Make sure to review your theory content properly before attempting the Topic Test.
2. I keep repeating myself over and over again but a book of summary and mistakes really help you to accelerate your Maths learning process. It works so well because it is personalised to your learning style.
3. Timing is the most important aspect of any examination. Make sure to leave at least 25-30 minutes for the last question in each sitting as it usually contains the hardest question in the test

Want to study Maths more effectively while at home?

Matrix+ will make sure your Maths learning doesn’t stop when everything else has. Learn more.