If you feel fine with content and textbook questions but struggle on tests and exams, there are two things to consider...
This was originally written regarding VCE Maths Methods Tutors (in Victoria) but is applicable for every state in Australia (Including TCE Maths Methods Tutors, WACE Maths Methods Tutors, SACE Maths Methods Tutors and TCE Maths Methods Tutors).
1. How well do you really know the content?
Textbook questions are easy, and because you can answer them without trouble doesn't necessarily mean you understand the content. This is because the questions don't consult your understanding, they simply check whether you are able to follow the simple steps in the example questions. So how can you make sure you really understand the material? Read on.
2. How often do you practise doing tests?
If your answer isn't "every single time I do any study for Maths Methods," I have great news! The mystery has been solved. Doing questions under test conditions with exam-style questions needs to be practised regularly, or you will not perform well in the real thing. Sadly, this is probably a more important than understanding! Read on to learn more.
1. How well do you know the content?
Everything is class makes sense, the textbook questions are easy but you get to tougher exam questions and you don't know that to do. What gives?
It's true that exam questions are a completely different beast to textbook questions but part of the reason is that they demand that you really understand the content.
And you don't know what you don't know.
So what's the solution?
You need a resource that cover the concepts in a way that is not superficial and has the purpose of helping you apply what you learn, rather than do a certain type of question.
There are numerous raving reviews from teachers, students and parents on a series of online videos called the Maths Methods Video Tutorials. This package contains better explanations than most tutors will give you and you can use them anytime.
You can also cover all the content in just a few hours or a few minutes every week, either after class as revision or before class so that you pick up more tricks from your teacher.
You can learn more about them here
What to do if you lack the motivation to watch the videos?
One way to boost your motivation are Maths Methods Workshops.
Since these are booked at a certain time, the student is very likely to come along and then it's the duty of the presenter to help the students see that Methods can be more tolerable.
There are a certain series of workshops that explain the entire term in just one day, in a way that even a struggling student will understand. Students say that these workshops have boosted their motivation and helped them realise they can understand the content.
There is some more information below.
Maths Methods Workshops
2. How often do you practise doing tests?
The difference between textbook questions and exam style questions (under timed conditions) is the difference of a football player going to gym or practising football. Sure, it helps to lift weights but if they don't practise playing the game, they are not going to get a good score.
Textbook questions are a good start and solidify basic understanding, but the tests and exams have a COMPLETELY different style of questions, so the textbook won't prepare you for any test that counts towards your ATAR.
You also need to do these questions under timed conditions, because the skill of doing tests is completely different skill from answering the same questions without timed conditions.
So kill two birds with one stone and do them at the same time.
Just in case I haven't made myself clear...
1. You should do exam-style questions. Every. Single. Time. You. Study.
2. Under. Timed. Conditions.
If you don't have time to do exam-style questions, perhaps you are doing too many textbook questions.
Here's how to figure that out, ask yourself, "Am I getting any benefit from doing this many textbook questions?" If the answer is no, then cut down on textbook questions and fill the gap with exam questions.
The ideal situation is that you spend all of your study time doing practise exam questions under timed conditions. This is your long-term goal for your study.
For more study and exam advice, check out MathsMethods.com.au. There's a button below...
So yeah. Chances are you don't need a tutor.
All you need to do is spend a few minutes reviewing the concepts so that you really have them and work out how to do more exam-style question under timed conditions.
If you have a ton of questions which are too much for your friends or teacher, or you would like the extra help, then sure a tutor is a good option. But try the above first. It'll be more effective, take less time and save your parents a pretty penny.
Those video tutorials and workshops mentioned above have plenty of exam-style questions too and you are free to ask any questions you like.
There's a bunch of free exam questions and practise tests too. You can access them below.
Free Maths Methods Practise Tests
That's it! I hope this helps. If you have any questions, you can send me an email.
Written by Alex Bell.
Alex is the creator of MathsMethodsTutor.com.au and MathsMethods.com.au, the most popular Maths Methods website in Australia. He's helped over 10,000 Maths Methods students, parents and teachers every year and has created hundreds of free resources.
