E-Maths is a fundamental subject that plays a critical role in every O-level student curriculum.
However, for some students, maths can be a challenging subject that requires extra effort and dedication to master. For these students, the good news is that with the right strategies and techniques, it is possible to improve their maths skills and achieve an A1 level.
In this article, we'll explore eight effective strategies that can help you take your e-maths to the next level and achieve an A1 grade.
From making a study plan to seeking help from a tutor, these strategies will provide you with the tools and resources you need to succeed in maths.
Many math levels are present in Singapore, such as E-Maths and A-Maths. The former is used for referring to elementary mathematics. You will be learning the basics of math during the elementary type.
Meanwhile, A-Maths mainly refers to additional mathematics high-school and above level students can get this subject. Remember not to confuse A-Maths with A1 maths. The one with the digit is mainly a grade that you can achieve at any level in this subject.
The complexity of elementary is different from additional mathematics because E-math helps you build your foundations. So the concepts you will learn will be simpler. It will allow you to improve your reasoning skills and connect different topics with one another.
Meanwhile, additional math requires you to go into deeper concepts. You will also require high analyzing skills to acing the subject. In both E-Math and A-Math, you can get different grades.
The highest grade you can get in the subject is A1. Some people refer to it as A1 maths. This level means that you will have up to a percentage of 95% in the subject. Besides that, A1 also refer to the highest grade points.
Remember that achieving an A1 level in math is relatively difficult and requires you to have exceptional skills. This is why you must use different strategies to improve your E-Math concepts to achieve an A1 score.
Here are some very important strategies that can help you improve your E-Maths to A1.
Time Management
If you want to improve at anything in life, then you have to learn to manage time more effectively. The same is true when you are looking to improve your maths level. To achieve an A1 level in mathematics, it's important to manage your time in the best way possible. Create a schedule that includes dedicated time for studying mathematics, practicing problems, and reviewing notes from class.
Make sure to also allocate time for breaks and other activities to avoid burnout. Many people make a schedule, but they don't stick to it. Once you commit to a schedule, you have to make sure that you stick to it; otherwise, you wouldn't be able to enjoy the best outcome.
Find A Study Partner
Another thing that will help you improve your E-Math score to A1 is finding a study partner. You may form a good relationship with your bright classmates to practice with them during your free time. The best part is that the partner can help you understand concepts that you didn't get in class.
A study partner of your age may also make you more comfortable about asking questions that you couldn't ask your teacher due to confidence and other issues. Of course, it is necessary to find a partner that has healthy studying habits.
You should avoid forming study groups with students who have non-serious studying habits. This is because you will end up wasting time with them instead of being productive. Math is a difficult subject that requires your full attention and good studying practice.
If you cannot find a studying partner at your educational institute, you may take help from other family members. You may also find a studying buddy at a library if you visit one often. If you go to a tuition center, you may also form good friendships with the smartest students there.
Some institutes also of extracurricular studying groups where seniors teach their juniors. You may benefit from such a program if your school offers one to avoid paying significant money to tutors. All these things will surely help you improve your E-Math grade to A1.
Practice More
Each and everything in this world requires practice to perfect. Whether it's education, sports or any other thing, if you don't practice, you will never get better at it. Practice is crucial in improving your math skills. Regularly work on practice problems, either alone or with a study group. Use textbooks, online resources, and past exams to access a variety of problems to solve.
It's also a good idea to review your solutions and understand why a certain approach works. Try to look at past exams and see how you perform. You can also ask a friend or your tutor to create some practice problems for you so that you can be sure that your concepts about the subject are clear.
Pay Attention in Class
There are some concepts that can be learnt better when you are in a class setting. Many students don't realize the importance of attending classes. Some miss the class and then take notes from their classmates. This does not cover for the experience you would have gotten in the class. Make sure to attend all classes and pay close attention during math classes and actively participate in class discussions.
Take good notes, ask questions, and clarify any concepts you're having trouble with. Engaging with the material in class will help you better understand and retain the information, making it easier to apply to practice problems later on.
Get Good Sleep
Getting good sleep is important for your physical and mental health. In this fast-moving world, it might be difficult to get a lot of sleep, but once you start following a routine, it will become easy for you to get a reasonable amount of sleep every day. Lack of sleep can cause impairment of senses which can have a drastic effect on your learning capabilities.
Good sleep is important for retaining information and staying focused during the day. Adequate sleep can help improve your memory and cognitive function, making it easier to learn and understand new math concepts. Try to establish a consistent sleep schedule and aim for at least 7-9 hours of sleep each night.
Try to Stay Healthy
We have all faced a time when we were sick and did not want to do anything. When you are not healthy, you feel lazy and unproductive. This can have a really bad effect on your studies as well. So when you are looking to improve your maths level, it is important to try and keep yourself healthy.
Taking care of your physical and mental health can have a positive impact on your ability to learn and perform in mathematics. Engage in physical activity, eat a balanced diet, and try to reduce stress through activities like meditation or yoga. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help improve your focus, energy, and overall well-being. Incorporate a 30-minute exercise session into your daily routine. It can be anything from taking a short walk or just doing different exercises.
Many students don't link healthy diet to education, but having a balanced diet can keep you healthy and fit, which can have a direct effect on your studies. Once you start eating healthy, you will see a change in your academic performance.
Get a Tutor
Consider getting a Math tutor if you're struggling with a specific concept or problem. A tutor can provide one-on-one guidance and support, answer questions, and offer alternative explanations. A tutor can also help you identify areas of weakness and develop a personalized study plan to improve your math skills. Sometimes you need that extra coaching to improve on the topics you are weak at. You can also strengthen the topics you are already good at.
Tutors are knowledgeable about the syllabus and format of the examination, and they are also familiar with the type of questions that you might get in the examination. So tutors can create a range of different questions for you to practice.
Know the Syllabus and Format of the Exams
Familiarizing yourself with the syllabus and format of the exams can give you a clear understanding of what to expect and what areas to focus on. This can help you to study more efficiently and effectively and to avoid any surprises on exam day. Be sure to review the exam format and structure, including the types of questions you can expect, the allotted time, and the grading system. Knowing the syllabus and format of the exams can help you prepare and increase your confidence heading into the exam.
There are two sections in the O Level Maths paper in Singapore. Both of these sections hold a weightage of 50%. One section has 25 questions, while the second section has around 10 questions.
Practice In A Quiet Place
Practicing in a quiet place is necessary for improving your E-math skills. This is because you must focus on the questions at hand. If you can't concentrate, you may not be able to understand the reasoning behind the problems. A quiet place will allow your mind to only focus on E-Math.
You can find a good spot without many external noises in your home. However, visiting a library is a good alternative if you can't find a quiet place at home. This may be because of children at home or other family members.
Besides that, you should practice regularly and as often as you can to improve your concepts. This is an excellent way to achieve an A1 level in E-math. After all, problems of different levels can come in the exam.
If you cannot afford to manage a membership at a private library or go to a public one, you can take steps to achieve a quiet atmosphere at home. For instance, studying during the night may be helpful because most of the household will be asleep. You may also plan study sessions with another friend who is serious about improving their math skills. Such study partners can also help you if you get stuck on a question while practicing.
Wearing noise-cancelling headphones at home can also help you reduce the background noises at home.
Only Focus On A Single Concept At A Time
It can be very easy to get overwhelmed with all the concepts, especially if you are really motivated to improve your maths level. Use your motivation correctly and try to focus on a single concept at a time. Don't try to learn multiple concepts in a single day. Some concepts will need more time than others, and when you try to cram all the complex concepts in a short amount of time, you wouldn't be able to master any single one of them.
Try to come up with a schedule where you practice a single concept for a couple of days and then move to the next step. Try to test yourself after you are done with one concept. Once you have mastered multiple concepts, you can start testing yourself with lengthy tests with a range of different questions. This will give you an idea of what the real examination is going to look like.
Conclusion
If you are looking to improve your e-maths level to A1, then these strategies can be very useful for you. Just be sure to take your preparations seriously and work hard, and you will get your desired results. Try to set realistic goals for your practice sessions and start practicing months before the examination day. Improving your maths level can be very beneficial for you both academically and professionally.