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Getting through the IB mathematics coursework can be challenging for many students. There’s no shortage of people scouring the internet looking for tips, tricks, and shortcuts to succeeding in IB mathematics. We get it–it’s meant to push you to develop strong mathematics skills. The thing is that there are no shortcuts. If you’re looking for a magic pill solution, you won’t find it here. But you will find a good bit of practical advice that will help you succeed along the way.
Know What You’re Getting Into
Perhaps you’ve heard people talk about how much revision is required in the IB maths program and now you’re feeling a little nervous. It’s true, you’ll spend a lot of time outside of class practicing problems and working on your efficiency. But before you get lost in the workload, take a good look at the syllabus and expectations for the exams so that you can see what you’re really signing up for.
Develop Good Study Habits
You won’t get through the coursework or pass the exams without developing good study habits. Your success in IB mathematics hinges on your work ethic, organization, and time management skills. Learn what works for you and commit to doing the work.
- Set aside time for revision daily.
- Begin revising early and keep it up all year long.
- Structure your time to focus on what you need to learn.
- Get good at assessing your strengths and weakness.
- Learn to seek out help when you feel uncomfortable.
Don’t Underestimate the Exams
Understanding the formulas and theoretical knowledge is only half the battle. You’ll also need to understand how the exams are structured and get familiar with terminology and formatting so that you know what is being asked on each question. Most exam questions contain multiple parts and it is possible to get partial points. So even if you’re not a rockstar in a particular theory or model, you can usually pick up some points by understanding how to take the exam.
Focus on Total Competence Not Working Knowledge
It’s not enough to be familiar with the concepts covered in the syllabus. You need to be so competent with them that you can easily teach them to others. This is where peer study groups become an invaluable tool. When you get to the exam it’s easy to get tripped up by questions asked in different contexts. It can feel like new material but the exam will never include material outside of the syllabus so if your revision habits were on par then you are only limited by your breadth of knowledge and level of mastery.
Don’t Be Afraid to Get Help
Tutors aren’t just for students who are falling behind. They serve an important purpose in helping support learners in mastering complex concepts. There is only so much that a teacher can provide during a class full of dozens of students. One-on-one interaction with a tutor can be really valuable in assessing strengths and weaknesses and maximizing your revision time.
The Bottom Line
There are no shortcuts to succeeding in IB maths. However, students that are well-prepared for the work ahead of them can master the content in the course and do well on the exams, reaching high scores all the way up to a 7 if they wish.
