Your name and previous mathematics experience (IGCSE, MYP, FIB, any other course)

Wing. IGCSE

What might be some of the feelings that you associate with mathematics?

How do you feel about starting this course and why?

I usually associate math with challenging myself; With math, I can learn skills which I can later apply to solve problems, and once I practice a skill enough and am able to use it effectively, it feels very satisfying. I feel quite excited to start this course. I’m already sure that I will at some point get confused and stuck, and am looking forward to the time when I can twist my brain until it understands. This process is quite fun.

How do you like to learn mathematics?

Where would you put yourself on this continuum and why:

It depends. I find that I find math most enjoyable when a new topic is clearly explained to me, before I attempt a question – However, once I am more familiar with the methods to solve a problem, or have some idea of where to start, it’s definitely more fun to work things out myself.

What do you do when you are “stuck” in mathematics?

In your past experiences, how have you successfully overcome such misunderstandings?

How to get unstuck (Proceed to next step if current step doesn’t help)

1. Check notes
2. Check the answer and work backwards / Check how I did similar questions
3. Continue trying until I get too frustrated
4. The next day: Ask a friend
5. Ask a teacher

Which one of the following skills is your biggest strength in learning mathematics?

Curiosity and questioning, because curiosity encourages me to find out why a method or solution works, instead of just working mechanically by memorisation and formulas. This allows me to gain the skills I would need to complete similar problems, instead of only being able to execute memorised solutions.

Which one might be the biggest area of focus for your mathematics in the first few weeks of Grade 11?

This year, I will be more organised, so I can find my notes and worked solutions when I need them.

Is there anything else you want your maths teachers to know about you?

Nope ; )