If you are scoring well on tests (80-90%) and are trying to get to the next level...
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).
Spend all your study time on exam-style questions!
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
I've run out of exam-style questions...
So you've done all the previous exams in your state, you've done every exam question your teacher has given you, you've asked your teacher for every company exam they have (the school purchases a ton of exams but they usually only give it out at the end of the year, get them early if you can!), you've done all the free exam questions above and you've done all the previous SACs (School Assess Coursework)...
Yeah you probably need more exam questions.
Google it.
So many people have made exam questions, there is no shortage. I've even made a Google Search on your behalf. Click below.
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.
