How to Study Secondary E math and A Math | Math Lobby

Vivienne Kai
3 days ago
3 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

Many students in Singapore actually do not know how to study Secondary School Math effectively.

They think that by doing more and more new questions every time, they will be able to get better with the chapter and eventually their grades. But very often, they did not reflect on their old mistakes.

Math Lobby breaks down what you should do to study Math:

Editor's Notes from Ms Vivienne - Remember! it is important to find out the REAL reason behind the problem. Look closely at your child’s/ your own study habits, revision methods and mistakes to find the root cause early.

Otherwise, the same issues may continue all the way to Secondary School Math Prelims, O Level Math, or N Level Math exams.

Possible Math Problem Area/s	Common Problems in Secondary School	What students should do	Why?
Homework Habits	Students rush homework just to submit	Treat homework as practice, not just completion	Builds deeper understanding and accuracy
Before Starting Homework	Forgetting what was taught in class	Spend 5 minutes reviewing Math Lobby's notes and examples before starting	Activates memory and reduces confusion
Math Vocabulary	Don’t understand keywords like “factorise”, “expand”, “gradient”, “simultaneous equations”	Learn new math terms and symbols properly, create a MATH BOOK where all terms are written down	Helps students understand questions faster
Following Examples	Memorising blindly without understanding	Study why each step is done in examples	Improves application to unfamiliar questions
Copying Questions	Wrong numbers/signs copied from worksheet or whiteboard	Copy carefully and double check	Prevents unnecessary careless mistakes
Showing Working	Writing answers only	Show full workings clearly step by step	Teachers can award method marks
Careless Mistakes	Wrong signs, Algebra or Number copied wrongly, missing brackets	Check arithmetic, signs, brackets, units, and keywords	Saves many lost marks
Doing Homework Late	Forget instructions after class	Complete homework on the same day if possible	Concepts are still fresh
Getting Stuck	Gives up immediately :(	Refer to Math Lobby notes, textbook examples, or restart neatly	Encourages problem-solving persistence
Learning with Friends	Study alone without discussion	Discuss methods with classmates or teach someone	Teaching strengthens understanding
Using Mistakes Properly	Ignore corrections after tests	Analyse every mistake carefully	Prevents repeating the same error
Error Tracking	Repeat same careless mistakes every exam	Keep an “Errors to Avoid” page or MATH BOOK	Builds self-awareness and exam discipline
Classroom Focus	Daydreaming during explanations	Focus actively and think along with teacher	Improves understanding during lessons
Asking Questions	Afraid to ask when confused	Clarify immediately when unsure	Prevents weak foundations
Listening in Class	Ignore classmates’ answers	Think about how you would answer too	Trains mathematical thinking
Note Taking	Notes too messy or incomplete	Write organised, concise notes	Easier for revision later
Using the Textbook	Only read answers	Analyse worked examples carefully	Helps students see patterns and methods
When You Don’t Understand	Skip difficult questions	Re-read textbook explanations and Math Lobby notes	Reinforces understanding
Preparing for WA1/WA2/EOY	Last minute studying	Start revision early and spread it out	Reduces stress and improves retention
Formula Revision	Forget formulas during exams	Make formula lists and practise writing them	Builds automatic recall
Revision Practice	Only read notes passively	Redo past homework and practice papers	Math improves through active practice
Prediction Strategy	Unsure what will come out	Think like a teacher: “What topics are likely tested?” or go to Math Lobby classes where teaches will spot for you.	Helps focus revision
Sleep Before Exams	Sleep late before paper	Get proper rest	Improves concentration and memory
Exam Technique	Panic during difficult questions	Skip and return later	Prevents wasting too much time
Presentation	Messy workings	Write neatly and clearly	Easier for teachers to follow
Checking During Exams	No time left for checking	Check as you go	Reduces careless errors
Exam Mindset	Fear and anxiety	Stay calm and confident	Better performance under pressure