Having trouble remembering that formula?
You’re not alone. A lot of my students have trouble remembering their formulas.
What have I found? Sometimes, the weirdest ways work best!
Check out these 7 weird but effective tricks, which will help you master your formulas and ace your next test!
1. Write it in the air.
Writing your formula in the air as big as you can, get those muscles moving, and the big movement can help you to remember what the formula is.
2. Clap each letter of the formula and say it out loud.
As you read the formula out loud and clap, the sound of the clap will also trigger a recall of the letters in the formula. How many letters are there? That will help you to remember to include each part of the formula. No missing variables here!
3. Make an acronym or mnemonic device.
An acronym is when you take each letter and give it a word to help you remember. A mnemonic is when you take each letter and pick a word for it and all together the words make a sentence or phrase.
4. Make a song for the math formulas.
One of my favorite formulas to sing is the Quadratic Formula. I learned it back when I was teaching middle school, and it goes to the tune of “Pop, Goes the Weasel.” And, I’ve never had a problem with the Quadratic formula since. (*wink*)
5. Quiz someone else on the formulas.
Instead of putting pressure on ourselves, turn the tables and put pressure on a friend or family member. LOL. Yes, do it! And see if they know the formula. Correcting them (and checking them) will help you remember them, too!
6. Imagine that the formula is written in HUGE letters and fills up the entire room.
Bonus: If you think of a funny animal that is holding your formula, I’ll add the name to this page. I got this from a memorization book (I will look for it and add the name when I find it!).
7. Turn it into a game.
Write the formula on note cards. Then, play a game of match!
Any time you can turn your “work” into a game – I think it’s a win! So try turning your study items into match games will help you to remember formulas. Or jump rope games or any type of game to help you remember!
I know I said 7, but I just thought of one more.
8. Write it in your mirror and then look at it every morning until you have memorized it!
Lip balm, chapstick, or lipstick will do!
Happy studying!
