Scottish inventor and scientist, Alexander Graham Bell once said, "Before anything else, preparation is the key to success"
This practice is greatly reflected among many students before they face any form of examination. Having said that, there is simply no one-size-fits-all revision method as different strategies and revision methods are needed for different subjects.
In this article, we will review 5 important tips that you can apply to master your STPM Maths T papers throughout all three semesters.
Tip 1: Master the Fundamental Basics and Create a Systematic Topical Note Guide (Build Comprehension and track Progress)
Under the latest STPM Mathematics T syllabus, you will learn a total of 18 topics throughout the three semesters.
For the first semester, you will study 6 topics under the theme of Algebra and Geometry.
For the second semester, you will study 6 topics under the theme of Calculus.
For the final semester, you will study another 6 topics under the theme of Statistics.
We highly recommend you break down the topics and sub-topics into a systematic note system to have an overview of the important Mathematical symbols, operations, notations and formulas for each topic.
That way, you can dive deep into each topic to master all the learning outcomes of the STPM Maths T syllabus without missing out on anything.
For instance, when you study the topic of differentiation during the second semester, you can list down the important operations of the derivatives. On the other hand, when you are studying the topic of probability during the third semester, you can note down the formulas for combinations and permutations in simple cases as follows:
- P (A U B) = P (A) + P (B) – P (A ∩ B)
- P (A ∩ B) = P (A) . P (B)
That way, it not only enables you to memorise the important formulas and operations effectively, but you also get to deepen your understanding towards the topic — applying the right formula in the right situation which in turn leads to the right calculation and final answer when solving a problem.
Furthermore, having a clear depiction of the learning outcomes alongside the keynotes of each topic helps you to keep track of your actual comprehension and progress for each topic.
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Take for instance, the topic of Vector during your first semester.
Under the sub-topic of vectors in two and three dimensions, you'll need to master the usage of unit vectors and position vectors; perform scalar multiplication, addition and subtraction of vectors; find the scalar product of two vectors, and determine the angle between two vectors; as well as find the vector product of two vectors, and determine the area a parallelogram and of a triangle.
We assure you that if you do this for each semester, you'll have little to worry about when you sit for the written test at the end of each semester.
Take a look at these benefits of sitting for STPM Maths T during your Form Six studies.
Tip 2: Maximise Online Learning Resources to Diversify Problem-solving Methods
After you have solidified your fundamental knowledge of each chapter, it's time to expand your horizon to multiple ways of looking at each problem for different topics.
While it's understandable to feel comfortable with what you have learnt from your usual STPM Mathematics T textbooks, we also suggest you integrate some online learning resources to enrich your revision journey.
Don't be surprised to find many engaging online learning resources out there that can take your Mathematics skill to the next level.
There are many YouTube channels that specialise in explanatory tutorials and problem-solving methods for your STPM Mathematics T subject. With these videos, you can pause and replay the content whenever and wherever you want until you completely understand what is taught.
If you are an audiovisual learner, you should make the best out of this opportunity to explore a wide range of Maths topics in the form of visualise concepts, practice problems and even online notes. You can even enrol in some online Mathematics courses that come with instructional videos, topical modules and even certificates.
Who knows, you might gain some new insights into some mathematical concepts and even find a simpler way to work out on a complex problem that you were previously stuck with.
It's really a game of opportunity (or rather probability) because the more resources you are exposed to, the more new insights you'll gain with time.
Having said that, make sure you familiarise yourself with the grading criteria for all the assessments for your STPM Maths T subject.
Tip 3: Practice with Past Year Papers and Trial Specimen Papers From Other States
This third tip is a universal revision tip that all teachers and learners swear by.
What better way to improve than to put what you have been taught into an actual test?
Get your hand on as many past year papers and also the trial specimen papers from other states and just practice.
Be sure to time yourself according to the actual test duration ( 1 hour and 30 minutes) once you are more confident with your answering pace. This helps to create an actual exam simulation process, where you are primed to perform under the same conditions as the actual exam day. You're building mental prowess to face the actual exam stress.
Your confidence will increase as you continue to do lots of practice.
Not only that, the more you practice with past year papers the more well-versed you will be with the questioning style and patterns for each section. It allows you to quickly identify your strengths and weaknesses, especially your common mistakes and which part causes you to spend more time answering.
The more questions you attempt, the more exposed you will be to the variation of questions too. You get to apply different formulas, and different operation working methods, further enhancing your problem-solving skills.
As you practice these exercises and questions consistently, you'll automatically master all the topics that are covered in the syllabus as well as the latest exam format for your STPM Maths T papers.
When you complete the past year's paper questions, be sure to seek guidance and feedback from your subject teacher or Maths tutor.
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Tip 4: Learn and Teach (Group Study)
We mentioned earlier about the importance of receiving feedback.
If you are currently still looking for a reliable Maths tutor, we've got the perfect solution for you!
Head to Superprof to find an experienced tutor who specialises in STPM Maths T!
You can personalise your preferences and hire a home tutor or online tutor from different parts of Malaysia.
We're certain that having a Maths tutor can help you to have a clearer direction in terms of your revision journey throughout all three semesters. You will not only get a comprehensive learning experience according to each topic but you will also be guided in terms of your coursework assessments and also revision strategies for your written test.
Take your time to review and browse through the tutors' profiles at Superprof. Once you have finalised your decision, you can proceed to connect with him or her to discuss the lesson details.
Remember, your revision journey does not stop once you have a Superprof tutor. You can further enhance your revision journey by having a group study with your fellow Form Six friends. Whether in groups of three or four, each one of you can take turns to explain the core concepts of each chapter and help one another to fill in the gaps.
You'll be surprised that you can learn and remember better as you teach others. In fact, psychologist calls it the protégé effect where the act of teaching someone (and even the preparation to teach) will enable one to learn better.
As you prepare to teach, your brain will be primed to absorb information more intentionally and influence you to learn better.
Perhaps, you should try this tip out and see if it works! It definitely makes revision a little more fun and fulfilling when you are doing it together with your peers.
Don't forget to explore these revision resources for your STPM Maths T papers.
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Tip 5: Double Check Your Working And Answer Accuracy With Marking Scheme
The last tip is something you ought to practice on a daily basis. It's a habit that will ensure your ultimate victory for your actual STPM Maths papers.
Always make sure to double-check the formulas, the symbols (negative or positive signs) and the operations that you apply from the very beginning as you solve any problem for each section.
As you complete all the sample questions, it's important to compare your answers with the marking scheme. That way, you'll know where you're likely to lose marks and how to gain the maximum marks for your workings and final answers.
Try to follow a systematic structure of presenting your final answers from the beginning to the end when you come across a question with a higher mark allocation. Be careful and always review your final answers. Press that calculator multiple times to verify if you're unsure of the final answer.
Then, take a deep breath and repeat the checking steps until it's time to submit your papers.
We hope these five tips will be useful for your learning and revision journey for your STPM Maths T subject. You got this!
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