Methods 3/4 2012! Summer holiday preparation

[hello_kitty]

hey guys,
i was just wondering what preparation i should be doing for methods 3/4 next year?
as in transitions no holiday homework was given..

should i go through the first 2-3 chapters of the textbook? and do some exercises?

any suggestions would be great!
Thanks

[aes_999]

If you do want to get high results (40+), I'd advise you to study as much methods possible during the year, meaning go through all the chapters and exercises if you can. AN has a whole lot of tips and tricks regarding to tackle methods. There's always past methods exams to practice for at the VCAA website. I suggest you to buy the Derrick Ha Methods Coaching book, you won't be disappointed with that. If you think you are struggling at methods, it might be wise to get some tutoring.

A good example is some MHS kids who finish their whole maths book on the holidays. On top of that, they were already smart to begin with, and naturally, these are the ones who get 50 in methods.
Consequently, being naturally smart in methods will help you part way if you are somewhat less diligent in your studies, but if you want to get top marks, studying hard is the only option.

[malekv]

They do their WHOLE TEXTBOOK?
Holy...wow.

[Phy124]

hey guys,
i was just wondering what preparation i should be doing for methods 3/4 next year?
as in transitions no holiday homework was given..

should i go through the first 2-3 chapters of the textbook? and do some exercises?

any suggestions would be great!
Thanks

I'm surprised you weren't set holiday homework, so yes it probably is best to work ahead by yourself.

Have a read through the textbook and get a general idea of what you'll be learning.

Do the first couple of chapters and the questions within them. It isn't always necessary to do all the questions once you get the hang of it, maybe do LHS (or if questions are a-z, do a, c, e, x, y, z) or pick out questions you think are hard.

It's up to you how much work you want to put in. Some of the top students will complete the whole textbook in the holidays but that is because they have a very strong foundation and are extremely diligent in the subject. This isn't for everyone and can lead to overworking and becoming stressed and whether you call it a myth or not, burning out.

Best of luck in your endeavours, hello_kitty!

[hello_kitty]

Thanks Guys!!
But is there a specific order that schools teach which topics for methods?
or should i just start from chapter 1 of the textbook regardless? then do the exercises? and work my way through?
will doing this be enough preparation for methods 3/4??

thanks for the luck! ill need it!

[Stick]

Compared to Further Maths, I'd assume working ahead for Methods would be far more difficult. Try and skim through as many of the easier chapters as you can - that way you're ahead and you've prepared yourself for something that will come up during the year.

[Special At Specialist]

Because of the way the methods textbook is set out, it is best to start from chapter 1 and work your way in order. That is the order your SAC's will be on, too.

[nacho]

I agree with aes_999
also, make sure you do chapter reviews and extended response = really good practice and preparation and strengthens your understanding.
don't need to do every single question, just do enough until you get the concept of something and are comfortable with it

do as much as you can, as it will lighten the work load

[Charmz]

How do people find time to finish all the book and study for all their other subjects? It sounds insane and not to mention impossible.

[Shenz0r]

MHS used Maths Quest, it's not very hard to finish it because the questions are pretty easy, I've done around 2/5 of the book already.
If it were Essentials I'd imagine it take a lot longer.

[Charmz]

That makes sense. We use essentials and the book is huge plus if your doing spesh with essentials, the chapters are as insanely thick!

[Special At Specialist]

My school also uses mathsquest for methods and essential for specialist.
Do you get given a planning document by your teacher which tells you which exercises to complete, or do you just do whatever?

[Charmz]

We get a checklist for every chapter (we get them when we are up to the chapter), but usually the checklist says you have to do all the questions, I guess it's just to keep track of what you have done and what you have skipped, etc.