How to study Mathematics…

 

Danyal, who’s only 11, will be done with his Mathematics A-level (18+) exams in a few weeks. In practice papers he’s been getting As – so fingers crossed.

So this is how he’s got here – and it’s remarkably simple – he tries a past-paper question, checks his answer and then Googles it if he doesn’t understand, often finding the solution on YouTube.

And then he repeats.

No classes, no tutors, no homework, no textbooks.

And yes, he learns new topics in exactly the same way – it’s all there on the internet, after all.

A laptop, some passion and a comfortable sofa is the best way to study mathematics…

Author: Asim Qureshi

Passionate about tech startups, home schooling, barefoot running and squash.

23 thoughts on “How to study Mathematics…”

  3. Hi Asim,

    A few questions:

    Im not familiar with the exams you mentioned but there seems to be a focus on exams related studies in your cirriculum is this correct?

    Do you think a tough learning environment has any benefits? did your kids have any difficulties concentrating studying in a loud public setting?

    There is a wordwide trend in STEM education. Did you think of introducing simple programming concepts and robotics early on to the younger ones?

    You wrote in a comment that a ” degree is nothing but a badge” but Im guessing this excludes some degrees such as medical doctors?

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    1. Turgan, yet’s it’s all about exams. No, my kids concentrate fine in cafes but nearer exams we avoid it (for max concentration), sure programming and robotics can spark interest, degrees are useful for subjects such as medicine, engineering, etc…

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  4. Hi Asim ! I was wondering how to start Mathematics as a beginner. I only know basic arithmetic. Where do I start ?

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    1. Keep practising simple addition, subtraction, multiplication and division until you can do it all very very well.

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    1. It’s pretty simple. Certainly for Maths and Physics you just need to do past papers and YouTube. Having a textbook can be useful but it’s not necessary.

      So day 1 you try doing past papers. How can you do them if you haven’t learned it? Well, by figuring it all out (via YouTube, other websites, answer sheet, textbook, etc… you’ll eventually figure it all out)

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  8. I wanted to try this method but I’m having difficulties. I’m not quite familiar with the topics since I sat for my IGCSEs a long time ago. So some of what I learned in maths at that time, I’ve completely forgotten. I’m assuming that your kids had IGCSE knowledge in the subject which made it easier for them to begin their a levels by solving past papers. When I tried the same, I realized that one question requires so much information to be known and every time I’d google the topic/theory/formula the question requires to be used I waste hours because I realize I need to know some other thing before. HELP!

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    1. Yes, they did IGCSEs before they started their A-levels. Nur, it’s all about patience. I find it amazing how SLOW my kids learn things. But effort, willpower and trying again and again, learning a little more, understanding a little more of that puzzle by looking at it again, etc… is how you get there. KEEP TRYING.

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  9. Asim, how early did you start with preparation for Alevels with your children; and could yoi share any hints on what i can do with a 2 year old onward?

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      1. Thank you for the reply. Once I posted I did find a lot on the blog indeed. I am wondering though how and how early did you start with languages… I imagine skype sessions are not too entertaining for a toddler, yet it seems to be the perfect age to start… /BTW, Really impressed with your parenting strategies and cool you “monitor” the kids fondness of stuff too (you mentioned programming drainage for a moment etc)

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  10. Hello Asim. I wanted to ask should the prerequisites be learnt first or can they be figured out as they are encountered during the learning?

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  12. Asim, my son is 10 and passed his GCSE Maths with a top Grade 9 this year by studying 3 hours a day for 4 months.
    I got the inspiration from you via this site and wanted to say thank you Asim for sharing your journey and experience.

    He is at a school full-time and sadly homeschooling would not work for us.

    My question is:
    Do I now get him to study GCSE Physics and Chemistry now or move on to A-level Maths?
    He can spare 10-14 hours per week and more during the school holidays.

    He has a strong interest in Engineering/Science and would love to study at an Ivy League university.

    I would love to get your thoughts.

    Amir Khan

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    1. Amir, sorry for the slow response. Amazing stuff! I’d suggest he do the A-level Maths, do one thing really well.

      Well done to your son, hope he achieves his dreams.

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  13. Salam.

    Two questions came to mind for GCSE Maths.

    1. Which board exam was it…assuming it was Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics?
    2. Tutors for maths which website did you find them from?

    Thanks

    Imran

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