Math Methods is often a hot topic for many VCE students, and for good reason too!
“Beloved and hated, the world of Math is here to stay”
Maths Methods is more than just Maths alone. Maths Methods invites students to be intricate problem-solvers, careful thinkers and committed challengers.
● Maths Methods may be challenging, but the gratification of solving that one difficult equation or bragging to your many high-school friends about how much more capable you is alone in many ways far more dopamine inducing than you think!
In this short blog, we’ll provide a little sampler into whatMaths Methods is really all about (And hopefully get you interested too!):
● What is maths methods
● How scaling affects VCE
● Why it’s so popular among students
● Some general learning tips
Introduction to Maths Methods (Mathematical Methods)
Mathematical Methods is a VCE subject that reflects on many advanced mathematical concepts, deprived from many study fields such as physics, engineering, and mathematics. VCAA is however generous in the sense that they do condense certain expectations to a minimum as a mean of fitting the needs/expectations of the VCE standards leading to higher educations.
Some key topics include:
● Understanding the formalities of mathematics
● Graphing and calculating mathematical equations
● Altering mathematical equations to suit different meanings (Differentiation & Integration)
● An understanding of how higher probabilities work
There are indefinitely more to this, search up the 2023 Methods Study Design for more answers!
Maths Methods Scaling in VCE
Scaling occurs across any subjects selections, which generally refers to the process of adjusting students’ raw scores in each subject’s cohort to ensure that they are comparable. Scaling is not dependent on how hard a subject is, but more of a guarantee factor to ensure the level of performance is standardised across it. In essence, it’s a balancing factor to equate to the competition performance results in each subjects (how difficult it is to achieve well). To ensure students are not disadvantaged by taking a more difficult subject, and rewards the best students with greater results.
Why Maths Methods is the most popular subject among VCE students
The reasons are quite simple!
1. It is a prerequisite for many university courses (like seriously), particularly those in science, engineering, commerce, IT and mathematics fields
2. Sets the basis of essential skills and knowledge that are transferable to a range of academic and professional pursuits. (notably, engineering and mathematical courses)
3. Expectation – Maths Methods is a challenging subject that rewards hard work and dedication, and many students enjoy the sense of achievement with accomplishing it! (Reality – The scaling looked too nice to skip)
Melbourne University Pre-requisites for Bachelor of Commerce
● Bachelor of Commerce : Entry requirements – The University of Melbourne
Monash University Pre-requisites for Bachelor of Commerce
Whether you like it or not,maths methods is quite essential (only for 2 years, and more if you study subjects that require maths methods in Uni). So here’s a couple tips and tricks that’ll do you good especially when things really start going down!
Learning tips for Mathematical Methods
● Understand the basics – Mathsl Methods is all about recognizing the knowledge and skills you develop in classes in different formats, if your foundation is weak… you’re gonna find out that many questions that applies on the same concept can somehow be also very different!
● Practice, practice, practice – Expanding on the basics, one way you can become more competent in recognizing different scenarios is by doing practice questions/tests Making use of past past test/exam papers to hone your skills will not only improve your confidence, but early clarify some evident traps VCAA examiners like to set out, or the standards VCAA of response/working out to provide when getting tested.
● Read, and re-read the question – Maths Methods requires a high level of focus and attention to detail. Keeping track of important formulas and concepts is one thing, but ensuring that you are familiar with the marking layout and structure of the exam is cruical to ensure you’re not skipping out on easy marks!
● Seek help when needed (or collaborate) – Maths Methods can be challenging, and if you’re desperate. Please don’t be afraid to ask your teacher for clarification or to seek assistance from a friends/tutor if you are struggling. You’re only gonna fall further if you’re not be persistent with your needs.
Maths Methods can be hard, we get it! But it can be rewarding, only if you’re committed to it.
● Its high scaling and many university pre-requisite makes a often a need more than a want in most cases. But with dedication, hard work, and the right approach, any student can succeed in Maths Methods.
Question is, how much do you want it?
