Why Science & Math Feel So Hard: Here's How to Study Better

Fort Worth, TX — In response to ongoing academic challenges in STEM subjects, Fort Worth-based tutoring company Math Around the Corner has shared a practical guide on how to study better for students in math and science. The recommended techniques are designed to help learners from kindergarten through college strengthen academic skills through consistent, personalized strategies.

Top Study Habits for Math and Science Success

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), only 26% of U.S. eighth‑graders performed at or above the NAEP "Proficient" level in math in 2022. In science, 36% of fourth‑graders reached proficiency in 2019, with similar trends persisting into later years. (Source: https://www.nationsreportcard.gov/science/nation/achievement/?grade=8) These figures reflect a growing need for effective math and science tutoring help and long-term learning strategies. In line with these trends, Math Around the Corner is promoting structured habits designed to support students both in tutoring sessions and during independent study.

Daily Practice Is a Foundational Study Tip for Math Mastery

Regular exposure to math and science concepts has been linked to greater retention and skill development. According to experts, students who engage in daily math practice retain information more effectively and develop stronger problem-solving habits. (Source: https://www.edutopia.org/article/how-decreased-practice-time-plays-into-historic-math-declines/)

Tutors at Math Around the Corner recommend 20 to 30 minutes of daily review, structured by topic and skill level. Short practice intervals have been shown to reduce overwhelm and improve long-term understanding, especially for younger students working through core operations or algebraic reasoning. These methods represent key study tips for math success across all grade levels.

STEM Learning Strategies Include Active Recall and Spaced Repetition

Research-based strategies such as active recall and spaced repetition have been incorporated into tutoring sessions to boost comprehension and memory. Flashcards, self-quizzing, and staggered review schedules are routinely applied by students working on biology, physics, or calculus topics.

Studies from The Learning Scientists show that spaced practice can considerably improve test scores and long-term memory formation. These methods are widely supported as effective STEM learning strategies, particularly for subjects that involve layered concepts and technical vocabulary.

Mistake Review Has Been Built into Science Tutoring Help

Reviewing and analyzing mistakes has been encouraged during both math and science tutoring. Rather than focusing solely on correct answers, tutors have guided students through structured error analysis, helping them identify patterns and correct misconceptions. This form of science tutoring help is often applied after tests, quizzes, or problem sets and forms a core part of student improvement plans.

How to Study Better with Visual Tools and Real-World Examples

Concepts in math and science are often difficult to grasp when presented only in abstract form. To address this, tutors at Math Around the Corner have introduced the use of visual learning tools—such as charts, annotated diagrams, and color-coded notes—to simplify complex ideas.

Research from Johns Hopkins University supports the effectiveness of visual aids in STEM instruction. (Source:https://education.jhu.edu/news/singing-for-science-how-the-arts-can-help-students-who-struggle-most/) In addition, students are encouraged to connect classroom concepts to real-world examples, such as using geometry in architecture or applying chemistry concepts to everyday cooking. These practices are central to modern strategies on how to study better for STEM subjects.

Personal Goal Setting Supports Long-Term Study Habits

Students are also guided to set and track their own academic goals. Weekly progress targets, reflection checklists, and time-based milestones are integrated into tutoring sessions as part of a broader plan for independent learning.

When taught consistently, goal-setting habits encourage student accountability and motivation, both of which are essential for mastering cumulative math and science content.

Science Tutoring Help and Math Coaching Reinforce

Whether provided in-person or virtually, tutoring has served as a structured framework through which strong study habits are developed. Sessions at Math Around the Corner are not limited to homework review; instead, they are built to include memory techniques, visual tools, error reflection, and concept reinforcement.

Tutoring has also been shown to improve academic outcomes when structured and individualized. The gains have been particularly evident in math and science subjects, where consistency and guided practice are essential. These results highlight the value of targeted support for STEM subjects—something Math Around the Corner offers through personalized tutoring programs.

To learn more about STEM learning strategies or to enroll with Math Around the Corner, call (817) 720-6284 or email hello@matharoundthecorner.com.

About Math Around the Corner

Math Around the Corner is a Fort Worth–based tutoring company offering one-on-one academic support for students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Founded in 2006 by Carol Bearden, the center helps students build confidence, improve grades, and boost test scores in subjects like math, science, English, foreign languages, and more.

Located at Mira Vista Commons, the center includes 14 private tutoring rooms with interactive whiteboards and college-themed decor to inspire learning. Services are available both in-person and online.

Each session focuses on building independent study habits, reinforcing subject understanding, and helping students reach their academic goals through personalized instruction in a supportive environment.

Contact Information:

Math Around The Corner

6134 Southwest Blvd
Fort Worth, TX 76109
United States

Carol Bearden
https://matharoundthecorner.com/