Tips for passing maths and physics
LikeMaths and physics classes can be the number one enemy for many students. It would be great if there were a magic formula to be able to pass them, and above all, to understand them, but the only secret is hard work and effort.
Online physics tutor, Jithin Thazhe Puthiyotti believes that maths classes can help to complement performance in physics classes. Watch below to see our full interview with him.
There is undoubtedly a problem when it comes to these classes. Maths and physics are among the subjects that demand the most tutoring and the one that most students fail in both primary and secondary school. That is why there are so many methods for studying them, and so many options to find a maths and physics tutor.
Brush up on your maths and physics with a private tutor
It’s normal that in a class with many other students, some students can’t keep up. This is why it’s normal to need maths and physics revision classes.
But there are several ways to receive these classes:
- Maths and physics tuition groups: for those students who need time to practice and study. There are usually more students, which means you won't receive as much personalised attention, but the classes will be more exclusive than regular school classes.
- Private maths and physics tutors: for those who need in-depth understanding and reinforcement. You will find the full dedication of an educational professional to learn maths and physics from the foundations up.
- Occasional tutors: some students only need to reinforce specific topics or prepare for an exam. For this, you don't need to hire a tutor for the whole course; a one-off maths or physics tutor is enough. Perhaps you could consider online maths tuition.
Whichever way it is, finding a maths and physics tutor is the best option to pass the subjects if you really want to have a solid grasp of the subjects.
Motivation
This is one of the fundamental keys to how to pass a maths or physics exam. It’s very common to see students in a frustration loop from which it is difficult to escape, because they convince themselves they’re not good at maths. This thinking is sadly reinforced by some maths tutors and teachers. This is why it’s important to find a good maths and physics tutor.
Although it is true that some people will naturally find maths and physics easier than others, the level required in primary and secondary school is not so high that this is something to be taken into account. The key to studying maths and physics is hard work and perseverance.
And just as we cannot run a race if we are not motivated, we cannot pass maths and physics if we don’t believe we can do it. If, for various reasons, these subjects are a stumbling block in your way, don't worry, they’re not impossible to pass. Everyone can be good at both subjects if they find the right science and maths tutor.
Understanding maths and physics classes
Understanding a formula is just as important as memorising them. In order to be able to solve problems, we need to be able to memorise the formulas we will need, but it is just as important to understand where they come from.
All formulas have a history and a process behind them. Normally, a lot of calculations and reasoning have had to be done to arrive there. Many teachers explain them in class, but they focus more on memorising than understanding.
We cannot apply a formula correctly if we do not understand its context. In the same way, this is the difference between studying to learn and studying to pass. With the former, we are guaranteed to get good marks every time. This is where maths tutoring will be able to help you.
Practice maths
Maths is just another language. It is a form of abstract communication and understanding, but it has no other purpose than to solve problems and find out how things work. For example, an algorithm, although it may seem complex, is nothing more than a succession of instructions or steps to solve a problem. In order to pass maths, you have to apply it. The key to understanding maths is what we apply it to. If we apply it to things we don't understand or have no relation to, it will be difficult to understand.
However, if we take maths to the terrain we understand and translate it, it will be much easier. Some people apply it to their daily lives, others to subjects like physics. The important thing is that we look for the examples we like the most, and never accept 'that's just the way it is' as an answer.
Exercises and drills
Maths and physics are subjects in which you improve by practising. In addition to reading and understanding, if we don't do exercises, solve problems and put theory into practice we will never be able to pass.
In the same way that you train your body, you have to train your mind. Dedicate one hour a day to maths, just to do exercises, start with the easiest ones and work your way up.
It is very important to pay attention to the process when doing exercises to pass maths. Go little by little, understanding each step and don't run too fast. If you fail, find out why you are doing it, understand it well and repeat the exercise after a few days, you will see how you improve.
Respect the curriculum
One of the worst things that can happen in both maths and physics is to move on to the next topic without having understood the previous one well. Unfortunately, when you are in a class this can be unavoidable, which is why sometimes it is so necessary to have a tutor who allows you to go at your own pace.
Ask your maths and physics tutor
In order to pass the exam, you need to answer all the questions you have. No question is stupid, sometimes even the smartest people have doubts about the most obvious things. It is also normal not to understand things at the first time, the important thing is to be on the safe side before you go into any exam. Learning how to study for a maths or physics exam is much easier if there is good communication with the tutor.