Whilst many believe that the secret to success is hard work, this is not always the case! Contrary to popular belief, working smarter – especially in STEM subjects – can improve your Maths grades whilst even saving precious time in the meantime and reducing stress.
Why Maths is Different
Many subjects including English Literature, Languages and Humanities are full of facts to be memorised, making tedious rote-learning difficult to avoid. These subjects are content-heavy, and for many, spending lots of time revising using flashcards to cement knowledge is effective and converts into exam performance. However, in STEM subjects, and Maths in particular, this is not always the case.
Although there are many methods to use and formulae to recall, the main thing which separates pupils is understanding and engaging with the methods, not simply reciting them. This skill not only makes harder maths questions accessible, but is an absolute must to achieve highly in the subject.
Where students get it wrong
If your strengths lie in English, Humanities or the Creative Arts, this may seem daunting. Understanding is much harder to measure than memorisation, and progress can be hard to spot. Surprisingly, however, focusing on this can actually save you time and improve your grades at once!
The reason is that many students approach Maths like a content-based subject. They read through a question, and either answer it or check the solution and try to memorise the method. Whilst this eventually works, understanding the underlying logic is a shortcut I urge you to take.
What can I do to improve?
You know what to do, all that’s left is how to do it. My process is simple and it comes in three parts.
1. Approach in Lessons
When content is discussed in lesson, make it your aim to understand it, at least by the end of the day. If the topic was circle theorems, as yourself, do you know why they true? When you can use each of them and why?
The answers to these questions are not just rote-learnt facts. They give you the framework to understand exam questions and ultimately, to improve your Maths grades.
2. Independent work
When going over content at home, try to remember and consolidate the understanding you gained in lesson. Approach practise questions with this in mind, and when you’re stuck, try to use your understanding to your advantage to dissect the question – this is what sets you apart.
If you are struggling to understand a particularly difficult topic, ask your teachers or tutor to explain it – this is their job and they will be happy to help! If you need a quick explanation, also don’t be afraid to ask AI.
3. Never stop micro-revising
Most people think revision just means textbooks, flashcards and practise questions, but this is not true. A large part of my revision actually doesn’t involve pens, paper or books at all. All you have to do is think.
I like to call this micro-revision. A few times a day, whether you’re queuing for lunch or walking to a lesson, just take 30 seconds to remind yourself of anything new you learnt today – especially if you have that feeling that you are about to forget it. This is a form of spaced repetition which helps learn whilst killing dead time, hitting two birds with one stone!
What if it isn’t working?
Like any new technique, it will take time for this to take effect. Don’t be put off if it doesn’t work right away – give yourself some time to get used to it.
If you feel that your effort still isn’t helping to improve your maths grades, however, why not try tutoring? It is one of the fastest ways to boost your confidence and exam performance, and with me, your first lesson is always free to make sure we are a good fit.
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