5 Easy Ways You Can Turn a Failing Geometry Grade Into an A

Math anxiety is a common experience for many students, often beginning in middle school and continuing through college. As mathematic courses become more challenging, some students pull back, feeling overwhelmed and concerned that they cannot adapt to new math formulas and concepts. Certain college majors require specific math course credits in order for students to continue in that track. If you are struggling with geometry, afraid that you are going to fail the course, don’t worry. There are several things you can do to become comfortable with the course and even earn an A grade.

Engage in Active Learning

In the conventional academic sense, active learning means to engage with your learning materials. For example, instead of just reading a textbook assignment, you should take notes in the chapter margins or in a notebook and make notations. These could include questions, challenges, affirmations, connections to previous readings, and definitions. You might also write a brief summary of your understanding, along with specific questions you need help with. This approach helps you to dig deeper into the material as well as identify areas of concern.

Talk to the Professor

Sometimes a chat with the instructor can quickly clear up apprehensions and misunderstandings about course learning. Be specific about which aspects of the course or an assignment you’re not sure of. In geometry, for example, you may need help with the differences between an acute angle versus an obtuse angle or clarification on the Pythagorean theory. Although the textbook or other materials may cover this information in detail, sometimes talking about it with a knowledgeable person like the professor can help to clear things up.

Join a Study Group

Working with a group of students, which is called peer learning, has been shown to be strongly effective in helping all the involved students to perform better in their courses. If your class doesn’t already have a group that meets to discuss readings and work on problems, which may be led by a graduate assistant or a more advanced student, organize one in your dorm or among your classmates, meeting in person or online as everyone prefers.

Work on Practice Problems

You can find numerous websites dedicated to geometry practice and learning. Find sample problems with the answers provided and try to understand the process or steps involved. Then do more problems on your own and check the answers that are given. As your confidence and experience improve, you can tackle your college geometry assignments with more preparedness and earn higher grades.

Meet with a Math Tutor

Campus learning centers typically offer tutors for all subject areas, but especially in writing and math. Schedule a meeting with a math tutor who can help with your geometry course. The learning center may also have video tutorials and worksheets along with other geometry resources that can help in addition to working with a tutor.

While it’s natural to feel uneasy about a college-level geometry course if math is not your forte. But with applied study skills, instructor support, and learning resources on campus and online, you should be able to ace the course. You might have to work harder than usual on your geometry course, but the end result will be worth it.