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Has the International Baccalaureate (IB) Math exams got your child’s head (and yours!) in a spin?
We know the exam looms like a huge mountain, but we have some effective tips and strategies to help your child fulfil their potential and conquer the mountain. Remember that these IB exams aim to test mathematical prowess, problem-solving skills, and the ability to think critically under pressure.
So settle down and read ahead as we give some pointers and tips on crossing the finish line and achieving a personal best.
Get the Syllabus Down Packed
Review the syllabus and subject guide thoroughly. Make sure you know what you’re dealing with.
It is also advised to familiarise yourself with the actual exam structure—the number of sections, question types, and time given for each—and understand the marking scheme.
The exam is divided into two sections:
- An external assessment exam, which is 80% of your final grade and
- An internal assessment (IA), which is 20% of your grade.
Bearing this in mind, a good strategy is to use the IA part of the course as an easy way to score marks. It consists of an extended essay, an independent investigation of a mathematical topic of your choice—so you can choose almost anything, as long as you can relate it to maths.
There is no exam pressure as it is not an exam, and you can submit it early and get it out of the way. The fact that it is marked by your school teacher is a bonus!
As for the external assessment part, your child can figure out their weaknesses and problem areas early on, by reviewing the syllabus core areas. Ideally this should be done as early as possible, rather than leaving it til later. It may be useful to rank each topic and subtopic according to confidence. The traffic light system is a good option.
- Red for ‘please help!’,
- Yellow for ‘needs work’,
- Green for ‘good to go’
Once you have identified where you need help, move on to the next step.
Exam Strategy
Now it’s time to seek help for the ‘red’ areas. So many resources and different options are available, so you can easily find the one that best suits your child and their needs. Online tutorials, tutors, teachers, and revision guides are all great options. Along with seeking help, ensure you are using the right resources for studying.
Make sure your study notes are comprehensive, covering all topics in detail with examples. For practice, make sure you have as many question papers as you can get hold of.
Have formula sheets handy for recall, and familiarise yourself with your GDC. YouTube is your best friend for this purpose.
Prepare a Study Schedule
Based on your traffic light system of confidence in topics, divide the syllabus into easier, more manageable sections. Prioritise the red sections, allocating more time, followed by the yellow sections.
Come up with a realistic plan and achievable goals to incorporate a healthy amount of studying into daily and weekly targets. Ideally, use a planner or app to help you keep track, manage all your other subjects and commitments, and remember to schedule breaks to avoid burnout.
Practice Makes Perfect!
Once you have revised the topics and grasped the theory, the next step is to hit the question banks. Keep at it, correcting yourself as you go along, learning from your mistakes, and doing the papers under timed exam-simulated conditions.
While doing numerous papers, look for patterns, themes, and recurring concepts. Eventually, you will find they get easier, and the red will turn yellow and, hopefully, green.
Effective Revision Techniques
Several techniques can be used for revision. Not everyone learns in the same manner—some are visual learners, some are auditory learners, and others are kinaesthetic learners. They do best with hands-on learning and practical application.
The key is to find the technique(s) that works best for you, aided by your learning style.
When getting down to revision, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Familiarise yourself with the formula sheets and calculator so that at the exam you will know where to find what you need, under timed conditions.
- Teaching others can also be a great way to reinforce what you’ve learnt. This is good for learners who fall into the kinesthetic category.
- Joining a study group to clarify and discuss topics, helping each other.
- Put pen to paper and actually get down to it, to find out where you stand.
A Note on Exam Stress Management
With the rigours of studying and preparing for the IB Maths exam, managing the raging stress levels is essential! For all concerned, try to practise relaxation techniques, like deep breathing yoga or meditation. Heading to the gym or running or cycling are great ways to fight stress and provide a well-needed break!
Ensure you are getting enough shut-eye to be well rested for the actual paper and at your optimum to absorb and recall your information. Fuel your brain with the right nutritious foods and stay well hydrated. Snacking on berries and nuts, especially walnuts, has been proven to help improve brain function.
Remember, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, reach out and talk to someone—a friend, family member, or counsellor—because though IB Maths is a big deal, it isn’t the end of the world!
Have a positive mindset, believe in your abilities, stick to the plan, and stay focused on your goals. You’ve got this! Good luck with everything, and we’re here if you need a helping hand!
References:
https://www.apa.org/gradpsych/2011/11/study-smart
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/z8wmvj6
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/z73kdp3#zkpbr2p
https://www.revisiondojo.com/blog/how-to-study-for-ib-math-sl-exam-effectively
https://lanterna.com/blog/avoiding-revision-burnout-during-study-leave/