Based on a detailed study released by a local NGO last year, it was reported that out of the 373,974 candidates who sat for the SPM in 2022, a total of 89,752 candidates (24.3%) failed Mathematics.
When you put these figures into perspective, it does speak volumes, right?
Like it or loathe it, SPM Mathematics is a compulsory subject for public schools in Malaysia. As a result, many students are overwhelmed by the thought of mastering Maths (maths anxiety) because they think the subject is too complex, and they won't enjoy and even use it in the future.
If you are currently preparing for your SPM, we are here to tell you that you can excel and enjoy Mathematics with the right mindset and learning techniques.
In this article, we will look at five important tips that you can apply to ace your SPM Mathematics papers.
Tip 1: Always Attempt Topical Exercises After Each Chapter
Most of us know the drill regarding textbook learning for any subject.
After going through the core topics of each chapter, you either come out with some personal notes or go straight to the exercises. Having said that, attempting topical exercises serves as an effective way to reinforce your understanding of each chapter as you can directly apply what you have acquired earlier as you solve various Mathematical problems.
Seeing how the theoretical concepts unfold in real-life scenarios can offer you a deeper retention of what you have studied too. For instance, when you solve relevant problems about the concept of insurance (Consumer Mathematics) during the third chapter of your Form 5 Maths syllabus, you will most likely remember it in the long run.
Furthermore, topical exercises enable you to identify your strengths and weaknesses instantly. Whether it's certain parts that you need further clarification on, you can either go through the concepts again with your Maths teacher or your classmates until you can answer all the topical exercises correctly.
Doing lots of topical exercises with different difficulty levels can also enhance your familiarity with the type of questions that will be asked on your actual exams. Given that the SPM exam is both a technical and mental hurdle, you are sure to build your confidence and competence throughout this preparation period.
In other words, topical exercises act as an objective way of tracking your progress — how much you can remember and how well you can apply them over time.
To attempt more sample questions and exercises, you can also find out where to access the latest SPM Maths past year papers and sample questions.
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Tip 2: Pay Attention To Labelling and Units For Each Question
One common and perhaps careless mistake that candidates tend to make for their SPM Mathematics papers is this: Wrong/lack of labels and units.
First and foremost, it is important to indicate the correct labelling and units from the start to help you understand what the question is looking for. It sets the tone for your subsequent answers in terms of interpreting the question (meaning of the quantities) and how to follow suit with the right Mathematical operations.
Secondly, not only will the wrong labels or units result in the loss of marks here and there, but it could also cause you to make more mistakes in your workings and eventually lead to a wrong final answer.
So here are two important keys to help you remember the significance of this tip — accuracy and consistency.
Proper labelling and units will guide you to have a clear and precise solution for each question. Furthermore, they make your workings easy to read, and more convenient for the examiner to review your workings and final answers.
Another point to add is standardisation of labels and units goes a long way. There is clarity and order right from the beginning instead of confusion. Hence, you don't have to worry about misalignment of numerical values (variables) when you are performing different Mathematical operations or applying different formulas to solve the same question until you arrive at your final answers.
For instance, you can identify the variables according to the scenario given in the question such as indicating RM for any price-related workings, kilometre (km) when it comes to measuring distance and so forth.
Just remember, whenever in doubt, be sure to double-check. In the meantime, you can go through the entire SPM Maths syllabus to know what to expect for your upper secondary Maths lessons.
Tip 3: Study and Review Your Final Answers Alongside The Marking Scheme
At times, you'll notice that getting the correct final answer for every Maths question does not guarantee maximum marks as you attempt various exercises or past year questions.
That's where the marking scheme needs to come into the picture. It's only by understanding what the examiners are looking for, that you'll gain insights on the right method to present your answers. For example, you might notice that marks are awarded for certain operations and substitution of formulas.
As you review your final answers and the marking scheme side by side, you will recognise what is lacking in your working, or what misconceptions you have about a particular concept, and improve on that the next round.
The more you review the marking scheme, the more exposure you will have towards various strategies and answering techniques to solve different Mathematical questions. Every now and then, you could be so fixated on a conventional method to solve a particular question and it may take you down a longer and complicated route. Most of the time, the marking scheme will offer a different and simpler variation of working and method to get to the same final answer.
Take your time to learn from different answering methods and analyse them accordingly. In the long run, this practice will not only expand your answering repertoire but empower you to even come out with different answering adaptations for similar questions in the future.
Soon, you'll be a master of the exam format and marking scheme for the SPM Maths papers.
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Tip 4: Discuss Your Questions and Uncertainties With An Experienced Maths Tutor
There's nothing like an effective and personalised learning experience with a Maths tutor.
Think about it. You get to receive immediate feedback on your overall comprehension of a specific topic or answering method instead of going around in circles, all by yourself.
While there are different types of tutoring, we highly recommend you to connect with a private Maths tutor. That way, you get to experience one-to-one learning and undivided attention throughout your lessons.
Whether it is to break down complex concepts into simpler ones, address the gaps in your understanding of all the chapters or provide you with additional exercises to enhance your answering techniques, an experienced Maths tutor can help you to excel in your Maths learning journey.
At Superprof, you can find an experienced Maths tutor regardless of your location in Malaysia. Superprof is a tutoring platform that strongly advocates for flexible and dynamic learning, which means students get to choose to learn face-to-face or online.
Finding a Maths tutor is sure to be a breeze because you get to browse through a wide selection of Maths tutors that are available on the Superprof Malaysia homepage. Once you have indicated your current location, preferred subject and learning mode, the system will continue to refine your search according to your current learning level (in this case, SPM) and even your maximum budget for the hourly lesson (for instance, RM50 an hour).
Once you have gone through the basic information of the tutor, you can proceed to contact the desired tutor via the messaging feature on their profile. Most Superprof tutors will reply within two days and some even offer their first lesson for free.
So make sure you don't miss out on this opportunity to reinforce your skills to ace your SPM Maths subject with a Sueprprof tutor! Don't forget to also include these SPM Maths learning resources for your revision regime.
Tip 5: Adhere To A Consistent & Comprehensive Revision Schedule
The final tip that we are about to share is certainly the icing on the cake.
All four tips that we have mentioned earlier can only offer you the best result if you implement them in one consistent revision schedule.
Many of us dread the thought of going through revision because it seems singular, boring and endless. Well, it doesn't have to be that way. It's best to have variations when you create a revision schedule.
For instance, you can opt for learning certain concepts via YouTube tutorials within a designated time on Fridays. When you set a fixed time for revision, you will undeniably have more focus and avoid procrastination because you want to make the most out of the time.
Photo by John Schnobrich on Unsplash
Having a comprehensive schedule for your SPM Mathematics subject will significantly reduce your stress level and anxiety because you already know what has been covered and whether you're on track. Furthermore, it allows you to have sufficient time to improve your weaker topics without ignoring the rest of the topics because you get to revise different topics every day and every week.
There's no need to worry that you will forget previous topics too because repetition helps to build reinforcement.
There you have it. Five tips that you can apply to score well for your SPM Mathematics papers. Each of them plays a significant role in taking your Maths competency to the next level.
American mathematician, William Thurston once said, “Mathematics is not about numbers, equations, computations, or algorithms: it is about understanding.”
Allow yourself to understand the beauty of Mathematics. It could change your life forever.
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