Common Problems Faced In O Level Math & How To Overcome Them

As students move towards the final years of secondary school, they often encounter a whole host of new problems and concepts with intermediate levels of Math. O Level Math can be a hard nut to crack and many students tend to find themselves stuck on certain topics or experiencing problems in some areas, making it difficult for them to reach their full potential. This can be very frustrating if you're one of these students, but it's normal to get stuck once in a while. Here are some common stumbling blocks and how you can work through them.

Overload of information

It can be overwhelming when you're studying for a test and it seems like there's just so much information to take in and assimilate. For many, the onslaught is too much to handle and they end up putting off studying until the last minute, only to find themselves unable to cope when it comes to it. At the same time, students often think that the only way to get through it all is to work harder and not stop until you've memorised every concept. The problem with this method, however, is that it leaves you frazzled and creates a sense of nervousness and panic as the exam date approaches.

Fortunately, there are better strategies for learning Math that can help you overcome this challenge. Each student has a different way of absorbing information best, but by studying more efficiently, the amount you have to memorise will seem much more manageable. If you keep your cool and take one thing at a time, you can certainly tackle the material more successfully and ultimately perform better during tests.

Not grasping the basics before moving on

Making progress in Math can be difficult if you're not doing well on problems that are already within your comfort zone. As such, it's important to go back and review the basics just as much as you move forward to tackle more difficult problems. Just like a house has a foundation before you can build higher up, so does Math. If you find yourself struggling with a specific topic, make sure that you do whatever is necessary to ensure that this topic is fully understood before moving onto another topic. Once you have mastered the basics, it becomes easier to learn more advanced concepts later on.

Go back over your past notes and highlight anything that might not be clear. This could mean seeking extra help if the topic is proving too difficult for you, and preventing any confusion further down the line. The key is not to stress out if you don't understand every concept from the start. Sometimes, with enough repetition, even things we've had trouble with seem to click. And if not, maybe we'll figure out a way to rephrase it in our own words and at least internalise the basics. 

Time management

Time management is another huge challenge for many students. The pressure of the looming exam date, combined with the endless amount of information presented in the course materials, can make staying on top of your studies seem impossible. If you find yourself constantly running out of time, it's important to ask yourself what's causing the problem and what you can do to change it. Many make the mistake of trying to learn everything at once, which causes them to be overwhelmed and discouraged. Others spend too much time on one question or forget to estimate how long a particular question will take them. 

If you're spending too much time on one question, try taking a break and doing something else for a while, this will give you a fresh perspective on the problem, so that when you come back, you'll be able to apply new methods to solve it more efficiently. You could also try breaking the problem down into smaller chunks or writing out your thoughts in an organised manner. Be honest about your habits and try to figure out how to work more efficiently so that the time limit doesn't become a barrier between you and success.

Conclusion

O Level Math is a subject that many students find intimidating, but in reality it's not that difficult to conquer. With the right study tips and tricks, anyone can master it. If you're struggling with Math topics, Glenn Lee centre can help. Whether its remembering math formulas or digesting complex concepts, our E Math tuition and O Level A Math tuition in Singapore has all the tools necessary for you to better understand the material and feel confident while tackling your exams. Look no further, come visit us today!