What you'll need
Clement Radcliffe,Contributor

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the study guide series for this school year. Unfortunately, the fluctuating performance over the last few years has continued. I report with regret that we have recorded a decline of approximately four per cent this year over last year. This is quite disappointing as the examination papers continue to be less challenging for those who are involved in conscientious preparation. This is also less than half of the target set by the Ministry of Education to be achieved in four years. I, therefore, implore you to join me as we study together during this year. Please be assured that the material to be presented will go a far way in supporting your efforts.

I must remind you at the outset that mathematics is not a subject to fear but rather it is a subject that will bring you immense pleasure as you learn the various concepts and solve questions after questions. In assessing students' performance in the past, I, like many others, am of the view that too many students are ill-prepared for the examinations. We also feel that since the examination papers have been quite straightforward, students should have achieved better quality results.

Experience has confirmed that weaker students wait until it is too late to begin adequate preparation. Studying maths is quite unattractive to these students so they postpone their involvement as long as they can. Let me remind these students that they can begin by emphasising the recall and method levels (remembering facts; doing calculations and applying methods, for example, simultaneous equations). Problem solving can be developed later with practice. Practice will enable you to become more comfortable with the material and so be able to appreciate the various ways it may be utilized.

To have you adequately prepared for the external examination, I urge you to get the following materials:

1. SYLLABUS

This will inform you of the following:

• Structure of the examination
• Details of the specific objectives, etc

The syllabus states the specific objectives which are tested in the various papers and sections. In the examination you are tested on how well you have learnt the specific objectives which are stated in the syllabus. Owning a syllabus is, therefore, not an option. A distinction in mathematics is equivalent to having a comprehensive knowledge of the specific objectives. The syllabus is available at schools or at the Overseas Examinations Office in Kingston. A copy may also be sourced from high schools. The syllabus was changed recently and so it is vital that your efforts are informed by the correct syllabus.

2. TEXTBOOKS

You may select from any of those available on the market. Use the one with which you are most comfortable.

3. NOTEBOOK

A hardcover book or folder is recommended. Students must ensure that work done throughout the course is kept together so that it may be reviewed at any time. The recommended format for each topic is as follows:

Topic:
Date:
Brief notes: Practice examples:

4. PAST-PAPER QUESTIONS

Available in book shops

5. RESOURCE MATERIALS

• Media publications, for example, weekly CXC Study Guides in the Youthlink, the popular publication by The Gleaner
• A wide variety of model answers

6.INSTRUMENTS

Mathematical instruments and a calculator which can be used in Paper 02.

This is a comprehensive list of the materials which are required and must be used regularly.

To all tutors of mathematics, let me remind you to motivate your students. Motivation is the most effective approach in dealing with a student's fear of mathematics. This strategy requires the continued effort of both parents and teachers and may be achieved through the following:

• Constant encouragement
• Offers or rewards when earned
• Gentle persuasion where necessary
• Firm insistence that they stay the course when there is evidence of tardiness
• On-going involvement in the practice of problems of increased level of difficulty
• Constant review of topics done in the lower forms

Of those listed above, practice is the most important strategy. The careful selection of questions should result in some success. This will build the self-confidence of the students as they attempt more difficult problems.

I wish to use this opportunity to commend those students who did well in their examinations. I suspect that the successful ones were those who were diligent in their preparation. To those who were unsuccessful, there is still another chance. You may wish to register now for the 2012 January sitting of the examination.

As you are no doubt aware, the mathematics examination is one of the few CSEC subjects that has no School-Based Assessment component. The examination is, therefore, based on two papers as follows:

Paper 1 - 60 multiple choice items

Paper 2 - Essay-type questions divided into TWO Sections:

Section I - 8 compulsory questions

Section 2 - 6 optional questions from which to select TWO

Please be reminded of the following tips on multiple-choice questions:

• The multiple-choice items are less demanding than the essay-type questions.
• Random guessing is not recommended as some distracters are computed based on the usual errors made by students.
• A good performance on this paper is necessary to ensure success in the exam.

Let me once again reaffirm how critical it is to use the specific objectives as a basis for your preparation.

Please attempt the following multiple-choice items.

1. Write ³⁄₅ as a decimal.

(a) 0.6

(b) 0.06

(c) 0.006

(d) 0.0006

2. 25 + 4 0 =

(a) 31

(b) 34

(c) 32

(d) 33

3. 59.96 x 0.5 is approximately

(a) 0.3

(b) 3

(c) 30

(d) 300

4. If 3n is an odd number, which of the following is an even number?

(a) 3n - 2

(b) 3n + 2

(c) 3n + 4

(d) 3n - 1

Once again, I wish you all the best as we embark on this important journey together.

Clement Radcliffe is an independent contributor. Send questions and comments to kerry-ann.hepburn@gleanerjm.com