Questions tagged [self-learning]
Questions about how someone learns on their his or her own, outside of traditional classroom environments.
106
questions
5
votes
2answers
183 views
Looking for a HIERARCHY of math subjects
If you were to "map" mathematics onto a tree structure where the top is "Mathematics", and then below it the different branches, then sub-branches, etc.
What do you suggest is a good structure, for ...
1
vote
0answers
72 views
Is there a 'statistics theory' course plan for practitioners?
My job is starting to have me delve into categories that require things like regression analyses on data sets, essentially i'm being introduced to "Data Science" type material. Coming from a computer ...
5
votes
3answers
155 views
Can you ace one branch of math, while bumbling another branch? [closed]
This r/math post spurred this question. To concretize the meaning of "ace", assume
success means earning professorial tenure at a Top 100 world university.
your liked stronger branch doesn't exactly ...
20
votes
5answers
2k views
What does it take to find a good math book for self study?
I'm 20 and I never learned math properly in my highschool. I found my interest in math last year and I've been searching for books since then.
I tried Khan academy but I have difficulty paying ...
6
votes
4answers
1k views
What will my academic path look like after testing out of high school math classes?
I am currently a 15-year-old in the 9th grade, and I am studying to test out all of my high school math classes, which is something I didn't realize I could do in the 8th grade and would have if I had....
5
votes
2answers
532 views
Textbooks for an independent study in point-set topology
I am planning to sign up for an undergraduate "course" in point-set topology next semester. It is really an "independent study" in that this course will not have any lectures. It will just have two ...
-1
votes
1answer
102 views
How to start tackling a 200 page big script? [closed]
I am really not sure how to tackle a 200 page huge script with a lot of information about the topic linear algebra. Writing down the definitions would not make sense in my opinion, because if I want ...
3
votes
1answer
94 views
Mental/“Paper and Pencil” Arithmetic
Recently, I was watching this video and I began thinking about how much my arithmetic skills have declined in recent years due to over reliance of calculators in upper year (high school) math courses. ...
1
vote
0answers
49 views
Best resources for probability/statistics textbooks
I'm looking for a good textbook introduction to probability/statistics that a first/second year undergrad math student could use! I'd like a book that emphasizes theory over procedure. I'd prefer an ...
6
votes
4answers
195 views
About the effectiveness of self-studying maths (compared with other subjects)
An important feature of mathematics is that it is relatively easy (compare to many other subjects) to know whether or not one's understanding is correct. There are plenty of ways to check: one can ...
2
votes
0answers
71 views
Is There Book on Collection of Theorems? [closed]
For example, there is a book titled "Synopsis of Elementary Results in Pure and Applied Mathematics: Containing Propositions, Formulae, And Methods Of Analysis, With Abridged Demonstrations" (...
1
vote
2answers
117 views
How do I assimilate mathematical concept?
Already knowing that the famous quotation "there is no royal road to mathematics", I believe that the most efficient and best way to learn mathematics is to make it intuitive to oneself, at least to ...
1
vote
0answers
60 views
How can I make a shift to applied mathematics? [closed]
I have done dual degree with bachelors in computer science. I am currently a software developer (India).
I always have had interest in mathematics. But once was I got into college I did not work ...
5
votes
4answers
233 views
What math courses should I take in order to become a secondary math educator?
Seeing as this is the math educator site, perhaps someone can help me out:
I am looking to become a math teacher, but I am having a hard time figuring out which math courses I need to be taking. ...
16
votes
7answers
6k views
Lack of intuition, retention while self studying
I am a first year undergraduate student, currently in second semester.
So basically I learnt most of the first year stuff in high school, so I have a lot of free time in this year (currently in ...
5
votes
1answer
168 views
Misdirected, Side-Tracked, and Distorted Ramanujan: Problems in Basic Math Education?
I read that-
“The tragedy of Ramanujan was not that he died young, but that his
genius was misdirected, side-tracked, and to a certain extent :
distorted.
The years between 18 and 25 are ...
5
votes
2answers
255 views
Redesigning college math courses and curriculum to be self-paced
I imagine there must exist a fair amount of literature and discussion about the idea of somehow redesigning college math courses, and the entire college math curriculum, to be self-paced.
Question: ...
3
votes
3answers
184 views
What kind of problem do you learn most from (hard problems or easy problems)?
I am curious if you guys learn more from Hard problems, or do you learn more from easy problems.
I heard that you learn a lot more from doing harder problems, because you have to learn all of the ...
5
votes
2answers
212 views
Is there a rigrous and relatively complete book/lecture notes for selfstudying several variable calculus?
I would like to study university level mathematics on my own. I found rigorous books on single variable calculus and topology and learned those. But what would one recommend for several variable ...
2
votes
3answers
141 views
Self-Study of Calculus Two [closed]
I just finished self study of Calculus One and I am looking to begin Calculus Two. Is there a free platform that can help me with this?
5
votes
2answers
134 views
Forming a Study Model for a Self-Study Beginner
I am very new to this platform so I may have misunderstood the intent of this site, or might seem a bit off, but please bear with me because I know what I want for certain.
I always wanted to study ...
4
votes
4answers
514 views
Best Way to Learn Trigonometry
What are the best resources to learn trigometry? I recently decided to pursue a BS in mathematics at uni. I used to fail all my math classes with D's or F's until I started teaching myself, and so far ...
11
votes
2answers
319 views
How to stay interested in less-tangible math
I've graduated high school and I am joining college soon. The problem with me is that I'm not finding less tangible math interesting at all.
Some people find abstract math to be very beautiful, and I'...
8
votes
1answer
237 views
How to study for university level math olympiads and competitions?
I participated in some high-school-level math competitions, but I never invested much of my time in them at that time, something that I regret immensely.
Now that I am an engineering grad student, I ...
3
votes
2answers
214 views
Selected Exercise for Linear Algebra Done Right Edition 3 [closed]
I am self learning the book Linear Algebra Done Right. I tried to complete all exercises in each chapter. I am currently at Chapter 3 and found that it is not feasible to complete all of the exercises....
-2
votes
1answer
144 views
Could students be taught the concept of rational numbers the same way as in the Formal construction section of the Wikipedia article rational number?
Link to article cited in title, Wikipedia rational number.
According to this answer, some students 14-18 are still struggling to understand fractions. Maybe some students know how to perform the ...
7
votes
5answers
3k views
Is Linear Algebra Done Right too much for a beginner?
I have asked in Mathematics stackexchange, but I think asking here is more appropriate.
I am self studying the book Linear Algebra Done Right by Axler. That's how I started using the great Stack ...
3
votes
0answers
175 views
According to Nathan Jacobson, what is Intermediate Algebra and Advanced Algebra?
Nathan Jacobson's Basic Algebra I, II covers many topics in Algebra that is probably even beyond many pure mathematics full professor's scope of knowledge, unless the professor is specialised in ...
1
vote
1answer
151 views
When self teaching, should I learn set theory before continuing ap calculus?
I am studying ap calculus now, before I move onto differential equations etc., but the thing I am unsure of is, should I learn set theory before continuing on my ap calculus sections?
0
votes
2answers
105 views
Returning Student for STEM - Brush-Up Resources? [closed]
All,
I am hoping to wade into an Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering degree, but I have been out of college for almost 10 years. My last major exposure to math was good grades in ...
3
votes
1answer
196 views
I want to learn how things function and continue my life work of learning
I am 37 years old and I have a mild learning difficulty. I never went to a special school, but yes, I got some help and I never got held back. I left my grades on borderline. I always loved to learn ...
7
votes
1answer
1k views
Curriculum for self taught Maths degree
Someone has made this template for a self taught CS degree. I am a CS grad and found it quite good. As I don't have much idea about a proper pathway to learn degree level mathematics in my own. Please ...
3
votes
2answers
399 views
Why are proofs written in flowery language incomprehensible?
Let's take an example in Wu-Ki Tung, Group theory in physics:
Theorem 3.4: Irreducible representations of any abelian group must be of dimension one.
Proof: Let $U(G)$ be an irreducible ...
6
votes
0answers
154 views
Learning math historically
What is meant by learning math historically (NOT learning math history only, but learning math with a historical development perspective)? I've seen some sources that to learn a math topic X, you need ...
4
votes
1answer
120 views
How can students self-learn creativity in math that “demand more than just deduction”? [closed]
From: Philip Johnson-Laird BA PhD Psychology (UCL), Stuart Professor of Psychology Emeritus at Princeton. (Author isn't a logician.) How We Reason (1st edn 2008). p. 112.
You might ...
4
votes
1answer
353 views
How to become really interested in math [closed]
I'm a high school senior. What can I do to be really interested in mathematics ? I know some of my batch-mates (from meeting them at several math Olympiads) are like insanely good at math (know lots ...
2
votes
5answers
499 views
Can I succeed in university math, if I loathe physics?
I hope never to study physics. Can I still ace undergraduate and PhD math?
Or ought I major in something else?
Background
I finish high school in 2019, and I'm mulling majoring in math/statistics. ...
-2
votes
3answers
327 views
Why's math more complicated to understand than philosophy? [closed]
Why's math more abstruse, perplexing than philosophy?
This feels true, as intelligent laypeople can understand unsolved philosophy problems and competing possible solutions, but can't understand or ...
0
votes
1answer
114 views
Good Combination for Self Study for a Mathematical Novice
Hi There I am new to Mathematics Educators so please bear with me if my question is not up to mark?
I am interested in mathematics and have gotten comfortable with basic proofs with Daniel J Velleman'...
2
votes
1answer
199 views
Ordered checklist for learning Mathematics for Data Science
I want to understand and teach Mathematics for Data Science. I know for Data Science I need to understand:
Probability
Statistics
Linear Algebra
Calculus
But I want a quick refresh of everything ...
2
votes
1answer
227 views
Learning High School Geometry in Ten Days
I would like to attempt this, as I want to place out of geometry next year. It is imperative that I do it now. How should I go about doing this?
I have a copy of Elementary Geometry for College ...
2
votes
1answer
115 views
books to teach K-12 math/science via real-world approach?
I volunteered abroad in rural Ethiopia and a village in a remote mountainous area of China. I plan to return to both places and teach for as long as I can make it work. I want to focus on STEM, but ...
2
votes
0answers
107 views
Strategies for learning proofs
What are the best methods for learning proofs? I'm tasked with learning two dozen proofs about the properties of continuous functions and real numbers in a week well enough to be able to present them. ...
7
votes
2answers
237 views
“Personalized System of Instruction” (PSI) vs. “Individually Prescribed Instruction” (IPI)
This question may be a bit overly-broad for MESE, but I am hoping to find some responses that can help to fill in my understanding of two similar forms of instruction that had their heyday in the ...
14
votes
2answers
533 views
Why are hand waving arguments made in textbooks of undergraduate analysis and how should readers deal with them?
Having read several undergraduate textbooks in complex analysis (Stein-Shakarchi, Gameline, etc.), I find that some "hand-waving" arguments are frequently used. An example (the proof of the Cauchy ...
13
votes
3answers
393 views
Without a constraint of time, is self-study with math textbooks better than college courses?
This question is about mathematics only. My forethought is that courses are usually based on textbooks, but they have less content than the textbooks. There are less problem sets, and chapters are ...
8
votes
2answers
331 views
Learning Math like Euclid
I'm posting this here as it's off-topic for the Math stack exchange, and I'm hoping there will be some educators here that can point me in the right direction.
I enjoyed watching the YouTube series ...
8
votes
5answers
840 views
Electronic devices to replace pencil and paper
My question is similar to this one: https://math.stackexchange.com/questions/1833459/math-without-pencil-and-paper Except I'm not physically disabled.
Pencil and paper have been used for centuries to ...
5
votes
1answer
173 views
Are there any tips for studying an MSc Pure Mathematics online?
Course background
I am planning on studying MSc Mathematics through the UK's Open University (distance learning). The course comprises of pure mathematics (number theory, complex analysis, coding ...
6
votes
2answers
296 views
How can I improve my problem solving/critical thinking skills and learn higher math?
I'm a rising sophomore in high school. So far, I've taken Algebra One, Two, and Geometry in school. I want to learn higher math such as precalculus/trigonometry, calculus, linear algebra, and more, so ...
