Ways for Students to Get Support When Working in MATHia

As you work through problems in MATHia, there may be times you need help. MATHia workspaces offer multiple support tools for students.

Tool	When should I use this tool?
Glossary	Use the Glossary when a workspace has vocabulary that is new to you.
Step–by-Step Example	Complete the Step-by-Step Example when you begin a workspace. Completing the Step-by-Step Example before you attempt any problems will help you understand the expectations of the workspace and provide you with a completed example you can reference throughout the workspace.
Hints	Hints are available throughout the software. If you have completed the Step-by-Step Example and analyzed the Sample Problem but still don’t know what to do, use the Hints to help you complete the problem.

Using the Glossary

The Glossary is available throughout the software. It contains a list of definitions and examples for key mathematical terms used throughout the curriculum and is located in the Tools Menu at the bottom of the screen.

The Glossary is automatically opened when you click on any of the blue key terms. For example, choosing the link Paralleograms opens the Glossary entrys related to parallelograms.

On the search tab of the Glossary, use the Search Glossary box on the top left to search for a topic or term. You should enter complete words, but do not be too detailed, as the search is based on exact matching of the words entered. Any topic or term in the Glossary that has text matching your search will be displayed in the left window in alphabetical order. Click on the term in the left window that you wish to view. A definition and example for the term will appear in the right window.

The Glossary is available in Spanish and English. You can toggle between languages using the EN and ES buttons at the top.

Using the Step-by-Step Example

The Step-by-Step Example demonstrates how to use the tools in a lesson by guiding you step-by-step through a sample math problem.

When you open a workspace, you will be prompted to Go to Step-By-Step. You can start a Step-by-Step Example at any time by clicking on Step-By-Step Example in the Tools menu at the bottom of your screen. You can toggle between your problem and the example as needed.

As You Work Through the Step-by-Step Example:

Read the scenario.
Read the hint in the little window and try to answer the question. If you don’t know the answer, you can guess. This will not affect your skill level.
If you enter the wrong answer twice, the system will correctly complete the step for you. Take some time to think about why the suggested answer is the correct one.
Continue answering the questions until you complete the problem. Once complete,
Click Start to go to the required math problems.

Using Hints

Hints are available throughout the software in two forms: Just-in-Time Hints and On-Demand Hints.

JUST-IN-TIME HINTS

ON-DEMAND HINTS

Access On-Demand Hints at any time using the Hints button in the bottom left corner of your screen.

Visit The Power of MATHia Hints for Students for more information about when and how to use hints.