Name: Xuan Ru Liew
Previous mathematics experience: IGCSE add math, Middle School Math, Math back in Malaysia, What else should I say?
Some feelings I feel when I think of math: [Please don’t overthink it Xuan Ru!!!] or [Numbers] or [Geometry!] or [I no logs]
How do I feel about starting this course + Why: Excited because it’s gonna be more challenging (upon completing a question by myself -> satisfaction level: max) Nervous because I don’t want to “fail” in front of my smart classmates (more like embarrassing myself )
How do I like to learn math + Why: I prefer working things out for myself, though after someone explains the concept to me (you can’t just throw me straight into a jungle without learning any survival skills!) Why? (upon completing a question by myself -> satisfaction level: max)
What do I do when I’m “stuck” in math: Step 1 – I try the Q again. Step 2 – I move on to other questions which hopefully allows me to have a mini eureka moment. Step 3 – I’ll look back at my notes/the textbook to see how to do it. Step 4 – it’s time to ask some of my friends. Step 5 – I ask the teacher.
What’s my biggest strength in learning math: I think of myself as pretty organised, diligent and a self-disciplined person
What’s my biggest area of focus for math: Optimistic (Can we really finish such a big course in 1.5 years?!), Innovative/Original and a leader (maybe in another field, but not math)
Something I want to let my teachers know: Can’t think of anything yet…Let’s have a good year together!
Thank you for sharing Xuan Ru! It is important to have a clear understanding of what ‘fail’ means – I am not aware of you ever failing in maths across the last 2 years. Yes, you have made mistakes, and hence got some ‘skills wrong’ (so have I, we’re human) and this is what makes us bigger and stronger in the long run. Keep true to your word andI’m sure we’ll have fun 🙂