Ten study tips to boost your maths grade - Part 1 of 2

Have you ever been subjected to the beep test, also known as the Multi-Stage Fitness Test? That notorious assessment of aerobic capacity where participants run back and forth between two markers 20 meters apart, with the pace set by a series of beeps. As the test progresses, the beeps get faster, pushing runners to sprint harder and harder until they can no longer keep up. It’s a gruelling challenge that leaves even the fittest gasping for air, which, if I’m being honest, I found out the hard way during my school days. I still vividly remember the humiliation of dropping out feeling like a fish out of water while my classmates zipped past me as if they were training for the Olympics!

As I reflect on that chaotic sprint, it strikes me how different it is from mastering mathematics. The beep test is a frantic dash, while mastering maths is more like a marathon. Join me in this blog post as we delve into this analogy and uncover five essential tips for conquering the true endurance challenge of mastering maths.

The value of starting early

Cramming might seem like a shortcut, but without steady groundwork, it is about as effective as embarking on a start to run program the week before running a marathon. Studying maths from day one isn’t just good advice; it’s essential.

Think of maths as a complex, multi-layered puzzle. Each lesson adds a new piece, making the big picture clearer. But if you wait until the night before the exam, suddenly you’re facing a mountain of disconnected pieces with no idea how they fit. So start early, work steadily, and give yourself the time to truly understand the material. Your future self (and your stress levels) will thank you!

Don’t skip the basics

Just as a marathon runner builds a solid base by strengthening key muscle groups, proper nutrition, and mental preparation, a maths student should strengthen their foundation with basics like arithmetic and algebra which are frequently reappearing in exams and forming the backbone for more advanced topics. Investing time to build strong algebra skills now will pay off when tackling complex challenges like word problems down the road.

As your maths journey unfolds, calculus will become the new ‘basic’ — a core part of the language shared across fields like engineering, physics, economics, IT, and countless others. So, make it a habit to review and strengthen these fundamentals whenever needed.

The long game in maths

Mastering mathematics is much like preparing for a marathon run. It’s not only about getting an early start; it’s about maintaining steady, consistent progress along the way. Mathematics builds on itself — each concept you learn becomes the foundation for the next. This cumulative nature means that any gaps in understanding, if left unaddressed, can grow and create obstacles later on — check out this post for more details.

Success isn’t achieved overnight but through bridging those gaps in understanding as soon as they appear and a steady approach which promotes deeper understanding.

Practise, practise, practise

Just as a runner builds endurance and strength through regular workouts, maths students need to engage in frequent problem-solving to reinforce their understanding. With limited options for incorporating maths into daily life (find out more in this post), establishing a consistent study routine outside of class becomes essential — it’s the equivalent of a runner’s daily training schedule.

To build real confidence and skills, start with the basics and gradually increase the difficulty level as you progress. Just as a runner slowly extends their distance, maths students should expand their skills by tackling more challenging questions.

Equally important is practising a diverse range of problems within each topic. This approach not only builds a strong foundation but also prepares you for different scenarios you might encounter. With regular practice, a variety of exercises, and a steady increase in difficulty, you’ll gain the endurance needed to truly master mathematics.

Rehearse, review, repeat

Regular rehearsal is essential when studying mathematics. Just as marathon training involves revisiting earlier exercises to build strength and endurance, effective maths study includes a steady review of previous concepts and exercises. Reinforcing past material while tackling new topics strengthens your understanding and helps build the stamina and skill needed to excel in maths.

Stay tuned for an upcoming post where I’ll share practical tips and techniques for revising and retaining maths concepts!

Marathon runners have coaches to guide their training, improve their technique, and build endurance, helping them stay motivated and avoid injuries as they work toward their goals. Similarly, maths students benefit from maths coaches to help them strengthen foundational skills, develop effective problem-solving techniques, build confidence, and more.

Interested in exploring a partnership? Schedule a free consultation to see if we’re a good match and discuss how I can support your journey toward success in mathematics.

Continue reading: Ten study tips to boost your maths grade - Part 2 of 2