If you want to achieve consistent and predictable Mathematics distinctions, then read this…
I have eight pointers for any student looking to achieve Mathematics success. Follow these eight sequentially and your chance for consistent Mathematics distinctions will increase dramatically.
Seeing others succeed in Mathematics and wanting to compete with them is a short-sighted aim that will fade away with time. What got me started was seeing my classmate constantly topping the class for Maths and learning from him. Success stories should be used as inspiration for you to get started and not as a continuous source of drive. Ultimate purpose is for us to become a better version of ourselves each day. It doesn’t pay to be lazy. Maths is about developing good habits, as much as it is about formulas and quick thinking.
“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” Never truer words have been said about success and this applies to Mathematics too ! No one is going to believe in you more than yourself.
I am a football lover and just like scoring a goal, I started visualising myself performing for Mathematics. Imagine first and then make it your mission to turn the image stuck in your mind into a reality.
3. Plan of Attack and Targets
Set mini milestones and check progress. First, I targeted to do well in a class test. I still remember that test on Simultaneous Equation. And then in a term exam and then in the finals.
Warning: Do not set unrealistic targets. If it’s too big for the moment, it may just scare you too much to take any meaningful action.
4. Daily Action and Sense of Urgency
Nothing moves without effort. It is scientifically proven that grit, which means the power of persevering with effort is more important than talent when it comes to Maths achievements.
There were some days that I just couldn’t put in the time needed for Maths. In those days, I ensure investing at least 15 minutes of reflection time for the concepts covered in school.
A sense of urgency to complete our tasks is also important. Develop a timetable and get the tasks completed. Setting aside time gives us that extra push to achieve targets by the end time. It’s like a race. We try our best to reach the finish line in the fastest way possible. If there’s no time limit, it’s like there’s no finish line.
5. Review and Correct Gaps
As a student, I used to work on the “comfortable” topics only. Those that I am good at. This is not good enough. Focus on those you are uncomfortable with. This is where you are losing marks. Seek to correct the gaps from teachers, guidebooks, YouTube etc.
Have a topic that you’re good at? Attempt to do the questions faster. This leaves more time for challenging problems and for checking your work in the exams. Doing it with speed builds confidence too.
7. Test and Re-test
Prepare to the maximum of your ability and your final preparation for a Mathematics exam can be done by testing yourself. Simulating the exam environment allows you to manage anxiety and have more control over your thoughts. Testing also allows us to find gaps in our concepts before the actual exam.
8. A good sleep and nutrition
Burning midnight oil for some last-minute revision? Not a good idea especially since brain cells need to re-generate, recharge and refresh. Avoid all nighters. Instead, work on a regular sleeping pattern. Mathematics is a subject that requires high levels of focus and the ability to think critically.