Mastering the Art of Problem Solving with Maths Tuition in the West at ILLAC

In today’s rapidly evolving world, the importance of strong problem-solving skills cannot be understated. Mathematics, as a cornerstone of education, not only provides a foundation for understanding numbers but also serves as a perfect vehicle for developing advanced problem-solving and critical thinking skills in young learners. Through engaging maths tuition programmes in the West, ILLAC is dedicated to empowering students with these essential abilities, setting them on a trajectory towards academic success and a fulfilling future.

Tackling mathematical challenges requires a robust understanding of concepts, the ability to think analytically, and effective strategies for approaching a problem. At ILLAC, we implement innovative teaching techniques and a comprehensive curriculum to ensure that each student is well-equipped to navigate the world of Mathematics with confidence. Our maths tuition programmes in the West focus on instilling essential problem-solving skills, enabling students to thrive academically and personally in an increasingly complex world.

This article will discuss the various aspects of ILLAC’s exceptional maths tuition programmes that focus on enhancing students’ problem-solving skills. From establishing a strong conceptual foundation to stimulating critical thinking and analytical reasoning, we will uncover the keys to mastering the art of problem solving, ensuring your child is well-prepared for any challenges that come their way.

Join us as we explore how maths tuition in the West at ILLAC can unlock your child’s potential, fostering both a deeper understanding of Mathematics and the development of essential problem-solving skills that will serve them well throughout their educational journey and beyond.

1. Establishing a Robust Conceptual Foundation: A Cornerstone of Effective Problem Solving

A strong conceptual foundation is paramount to developing successful problem-solving skills in Mathematics. ILLAC’s maths tuition programmes in the West emphasise the importance of building a deep and comprehensive understanding of mathematical principles that underpin the subject. Our expert tutors break down complex concepts into digestible segments, employing effective teaching techniques that cater to individual learning styles, ensuring each student can grasp the core essence of the subject matter.

By nurturing a profound understanding of mathematical concepts, our educators enable students to approach problem-solving tasks with confidence and flexibility. This robust foundation sets the stage for students to continually refine and enhance their problem-solving abilities—a crucial skill that transcends the realm of mathematics and carries into daily life.

2. Developing Analytical Reasoning and Critical Thinking

To excel in mathematical problem solving, students must develop essential analytical reasoning and critical thinking skills that allow them to dissect problems, identify heuristics learnt, and make informed decisions. ILLAC’s maths tuition programmes in the West focus on refining these critical skills by presenting students with thought-provoking challenges designed to stimulate cognitive growth.

Our experienced tutors promote a learning environment conducive to open discourse and intellectual curiosity, encouraging students to explore diverse ways of approaching problems and to reflect on the effectiveness of various heuristics. By fostering a culture of critical thinking and analytical reasoning, we empower students to tackle mathematical challenges head-on, equipped with the knowledge and tools needed for success.

3. The Role of Effective Strategies and Techniques in Problem Solving

In the world of Mathematics, effective strategies and techniques play a vital role in efficient problem-solving. Our maths tuition programmes in the West incorporate a wide range of proven approaches and heuristics, providing students with a comprehensive toolkit for tackling various mathematical challenges.

ILLAC’s expert educators devote ample time to teaching students how to identify the most suitable heuristics for different problems and to apply them effectively, streamlining the problem-solving process. For example, Assumption Method, Constant Total, Constant Difference, Working Backwards etc. 

Through practice sessions and guided workshops, our tutors ensure that each student’s problem-solving skills are honed and tailored to meet their unique needs, laying a solid foundation for their academic success and personal growth.

4. Cultivating Adaptability and Resilience in Mathematics Learning

A journey through the world of Mathematics requires not only knowledge, strategies, and techniques, but also adaptability and resilience in the face of challenges. At ILLAC, we believe that fostering these traits in our students is crucial for developing well-rounded problem solvers capable of overcoming any obstacles they may encounter.

Our maths tuition programmes in the West encourage an explorative mindset, fostering a culture where making mistakes is recognised as an integral part of the learning process. By approaching each challenge as an opportunity for growth, our students learn to persevere and adapt in various mathematical contexts, building the resilience necessary for long-term success in the subject.

Students will also be flexible enough to apply any heuristics learnt both in school and in ILLAC in order to solve the mathematical problem sums that they encounter without conflict or struggle.

Unlock Your Child’s Problem-Solving Potential with Maths Tuition in the West at ILLAC

Developing strong problem-solving skills is a powerful asset for any child, whether they are navigating the complexities of Mathematics or facing challenges in daily life. ILLAC’s comprehensive maths tuition programmes in the West provide a supportive and engaging environment in which students can hone their problem-solving abilities, building a solid foundation for academic success and personal growth.

Through robust conceptual understanding, analytical reasoning, effective strategies, and resilience, we encourage students to unleash their full potential and embark on a lifelong journey of learning and problem solving. 

Enrol your child in our exceptional maths tuition programmes by visiting our website today, and watch as they flourish into confident, skilled, and passionate problem solvers.

Ace Your PSLE Mathematics Examination with Expert Strategies from ILLAC

Embarking on the journey to excel in the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) Mathematics can feel challenging, but with the right guidance and strategies, your child can realise their full potential and achieve academic success. At ILLAC, a distinguished tuition centre in Singapore, we focus on providing a fun, engaging, and stress-free environment for children to hone their math skills, thus preparing them to tackle the PSLE with utmost confidence.

This comprehensive guide will share tried-and-tested tactics to help your child score in the PSLE Mathematics exam, inspired by ILLAC’s extraordinary approach to education. From reinforcing foundational knowledge to mastering problem-solving techniques and effective exam strategies, we’ve got you covered. Outlined herein are expert insights that tackle math-related challenges and present practical tips and advice on how to excel in this crucial examination.

1. Strengthening Foundational Knowledge: Solidifying Concepts to Build Confidence

Ensuring a strong foundation in basic mathematical concepts is crucial in preparing your child for the PSLE Mathematics examination. Dedicate time to revising pivotal topics, such as arithmetic operations, fractions, percentages, and geometrical shapes, as these concepts often serve as building blocks for more complex questions. At ILLAC, our programmes emphasise the importance of reinforcing foundational knowledge, allowing your child to approach challenging problems with greater confidence. We utilise interactive and engaging teaching techniques to consolidate essential math concepts, paving the way for a deeper understanding of more advanced topics.

2. Mastering Problem-Solving Techniques: Equipping Students with Strategies for Success

Developing apt problem-solving skills is essential for navigating the PSLE Mathematics examination. Exposing your child to various question types, including word problems, pattern recognition, and quantitative comparisons, is vital. They can learn to identify common problem-solving techniques and strategies to tackle questions effectively through practice and exposure. Some proven problem-solving approaches include:

– Drawing models or diagrams: Encourage your child to visualise and represent problems graphically, enabling them to better interpret and analyse the given information.

– Identifying patterns: Teach your child to recognise patterns in numerical sequences or geometric shapes, helping them make predictions or deduce solutions more efficiently.

– Breaking large problems into smaller parts: Encourage your child to divide complex problems into smaller sub-problems, making it easier to understand and manage.

At ILLAC, our tailored programmes offer a comprehensive suite of problem-solving strategies, ensuring your child is equipped with the necessary skills to ace the PSLE Mathematics examination.

3. Time Management and Exam Strategies: Maximising Efficiency for Optimal Performance

Effective time management is critical to achieving success in the PSLE Mathematics examination. To help your child excel in a timed test environment, consider the following exam strategies:

– Prioritising questions: Teach your child to tackle easy questions or those they are most familiar with first, securing valuable marks before moving on to more challenging problems.

– Allocating time wisely: Help your child develop an awareness of how much time they can devote to each question, based on allocated marks or relative difficulty.

– Practising under timed conditions: Familiarise your child with the exam format and encourage them to complete practice papers under exam conditions, building confidence and sharpening time management skills.

At ILLAC, we incorporate these exam strategies into our programmes, ensuring students are well-prepared to navigate the pressures of the PSLE Mathematics examination.

4. Enhancing Executive Functions: Boosting Learning Ability for Improved Mathematics Performance

Executive functions play a crucial role in your child’s ability to learn and excel in mathematics. These include cognitive skills such as working memory, cognitive flexibility, and inhibitory control, which in turn influence reasoning, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities. By enhancing their executive functions, students will be better equipped to grasp complex mathematical concepts and solve challenging problems more effectively. Some strategies for improving executive functions include:

– Engaging in mental exercises: Encourage your child to participate in brain-training games, puzzles, or activities that challenge their cognitive skills and promote mental agility.

– Practising mindfulness techniques: Introduce mindfulness exercises, such as deep breathing or meditation, to help improve focus and self-regulation.

– Establishing routines and goal-setting: Help your child develop structure and organisation in their daily lives through routines and goal-setting exercises, promoting sustained effort and perseverance.

ILLAC offers programmes designed to enhance students’ executive functions, empowering them to learn and retain mathematical knowledge more efficiently.

5. Cultivating a Positive Mindset: Encouraging Success through Confidence and Resilience

Nurturing a positive mindset in your child is imperative to their academic success, particularly when approaching a significant examination like the PSLE. Fostering resilience, self-confidence, and a growth mindset can make a noticeable impact on their performance in the mathematics examination. To help cultivate a positive mindset, consider these approaches:

– Offering praise and encouragement: Acknowledge your child’s hard work and progress, boosting their self-confidence and motivation to continue striving for success.

– Emphasising the value of persistence: Encourage your child to view challenges and setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning, supporting their development of resilience and perseverance.

– Encouraging positive self-talk: Teach your child to engage in positive self-talk, reinforcing their belief in their capabilities and fostering a proactive attitude towards problem-solving.

At ILLAC, we believe in the power of a positive mindset and pride ourselves on offering a supportive and nurturing learning environment to bolster your child’s self-confidence and academic success in mathematics.

Unlock Your Child’s Math Potential with ILLAC’s Comprehensive Programmes

In conclusion, acing the PSLE Mathematics examination requires a combination of strong foundational knowledge, proven problem-solving techniques, time management strategies, enhanced executive functions, and a positive mindset. ILLAC’s comprehensive programmes offer a multifaceted approach to empower and equip your child with the essential skills and confidence to tackle the PSLE Mathematics exam head-on.

Are you ready to explore how ILLAC can unlock your child’s full potential in mathematics and set them up for academic success? Check us out today to learn more about our PSLE preparation program. Together, we can nurture the cognitive skills and resilience needed to excel in the PSLE Mathematics examination, fostering a lifelong love for learning and academic achievement. Check out our Youtube videos for some PSLE Maths Tips!

Boosting Your Child’s Mathematical Skills and Confidence

Developing strong mathematical skills is essential for a child’s academic and personal success, equipping them with vital problem-solving abilities, analytical thinking, and a strong foundation for pursuing STEM-related studies and careers. As a parent, you play a crucial role in nurturing your child’s mathematical skills and confidence, ensuring they are well-prepared to tackle the challenges and opportunities that life may present.

In this blog article, we will delve into the significance of solid mathematical skills in a child’s development and share engaging at-home activities to foster mathematical learning. Moreover, we will discuss the importance of a growth mindset and demonstrate how ILLAC’s math courses can contribute to the enhancement of your child’s mathematical skills and confidence.

At ILLAC, our aim is to provide children aged 2-16 in Singapore with a fun and stress-free learning environment, where they can discover the joy of learning. Our diverse range of courses in English, maths, science, and reading are tailored to support your child’s individual needs, as well as strengthen their academic foundation for a successful future. Join us in this exploration of mathematical learning, and empower your child to develop essential skills and confidence that will last a lifetime.

1. The Significance of Strong Mathematical Skills in a Child’s Development

Solid mathematical skills are critical to a child’s overall development, providing numerous benefits that extend beyond academic achievements. Here are some reasons why strong mathematical skills are essential:

a. Academic Performance: Proficiency in maths enhances academic performance across various subjects, as mathematical principles often underpin other disciplines such as physics, chemistry, and engineering.

b. Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Mastering mathematical concepts fosters the development of analytical and problem-solving abilities, critical tools for success in everyday life, and a myriad of future career paths.

c. Increased Confidence: Building mathematical skills and understanding helps children gain confidence in their abilities, improving their self-esteem and promoting a positive outlook towards learning.

d. Future Opportunities: Developing strong mathematical skills opens up a wealth of possibilities for advanced education and careers within STEM-related fields.

2. Engaging At-Home Activities to Encourage Mathematical Learning

Parents can support their child’s mathematical learning by incorporating engaging and fun activities at home. Here are some suggestions to help lay a solid mathematical foundation for your child:

a. Math Games: Introduce maths-related games, such as card games, board games, or apps, that focus on problem-solving, critical thinking, and number manipulation. These games provide a fun and interactive approach to learning mathematical concepts.

b. Real-Life Math Problems: Encourage your child to apply math skills to real-world situations, such as measuring ingredients while cooking, calculating discounts during shopping, or planning a budget for a family outing. Practical applications make maths more relatable and enjoyable.

c. Creative Math Challenges: Design exciting math puzzles, riddles, or brainteasers that inspire your child to think critically and flex their mathematical muscles.

d. Discuss Maths: Engage in conversations about maths by discussing mathematical concepts, sharing interesting mathematical facts, and highlighting the relevance of maths in everyday life.

3. Fostering a Growth Mindset in Mathematics

A growth mindset, the belief that one’s intelligence and abilities can improve through effort and learning, is crucial for fostering confidence and perseverance in tackling mathematical challenges. Here are some strategies parents can implement to encourage a growth mindset in their children:

a. Emphasise Effort: Praise your child’s efforts and hard work, reinforcing the idea that continued practice and persistence are vital for success in maths.

b. Encourage a Positive Attitude: Help your child cultivate a positive attitude towards maths by discussing the importance of mathematics and conveying enthusiasm for mathematical learning.

c. Provide Constructive Feedback: Offer constructive feedback on your child’s mathematical progress, focusing on areas for improvement, as well as celebrating achievements.

d. Model Resilience: Demonstrate patience and perseverance when faced with difficult maths problems, showing your child the importance of persistence in overcoming challenges.

4. Enhancing Mathematical Skills and Confidence with ILLAC’s Maths Courses

ILLAC offers comprehensive maths courses designed to cater to children aged 2-16 in Singapore. Our expert tutors provide engaging lessons that inspire a love for mathematics and foster the development of essential mathematical skills and confidence. Here’s how our maths courses can support your child’s learning journey:

a. Expert Instruction: Our experienced tutors possess a deep understanding of mathematical concepts, providing clear explanations and expert guidance to ensure your child develops strong mathematical skills and confidence.

b. Tailored Curriculum: Our maths courses are customised to address your child’s individual needs, ensuring they receive the necessary support and opportunities for growth and improvement.

c. Interactive Learning Environment: We are dedicated to creating a fun and stress-free learning atmosphere that encourages active participation, critical thinking, and creativity, enabling children to enjoy their mathematical learning experiences.

Conclusion

Boosting your child’s mathematical skills and confidence is a worthy pursuit that lays the groundwork for academic and personal success. By providing engaging activities at home, fostering a growth mindset, and enrolling your child in ILLAC’s expertly-designed maths courses, you can help cultivate a love for mathematics and equip them with the necessary skills for lifelong success.

Supporting your child’s mathematical journey requires patience, perseverance, and dedication. By partnering with ILLAC, you ensure that your child receives a comprehensive and engaging learning experience that unlocks their full potential, paving the way for an accomplished and fulfilling future. Contact us now to learn more about our enrichment classes. 

Support Your Child’s Mathematical Journey: Tips and Strategies for Success

Mathematics is a vital component of a well-rounded education, playing a crucial role in the development of a child’s problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills. As a parent, you may sometimes find it challenging to support your child’s learning journey in maths, especially if you are not confident in your own mathematical abilities. However, with the right approach and resources, you can actively participate in nurturing your child’s love for numbers and helping them thrive in their maths education.

In this blog article, we will discuss the importance of maths skills development from a young age and provide you with engaging and effective techniques to teach maths concepts at home. Additionally, we will explore practical, real-life applications to demonstrate the relevance of mathematics in everyday life, fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of the subject. Finally, we will showcase how I Love Learning’s wide range of maths courses can complement and enhance your child’s education, ensuring they excel in this critical subject.

At I Love Learning, we pride ourselves on providing fun and stress-free learning experiences for children aged 2-16 in Singapore. With our expertly designed courses in English, maths, science, and reading, we are dedicated to supporting your child’s academic journey and fostering a love for learning that will last a lifetime. Join us as we delve into the world of mathematics and help your child unlock their full potential in this crucial subject.

1. The Importance of Maths Skills Development from a Young Age

Developing strong maths skills from an early age is crucial for a child’s academic and life success. Mathematics forms the foundation for many other subjects like science and economics, and its principles are essential for problem-solving and critical thinking. Furthermore, maths aids in the development of spatial awareness, logical reasoning, and even communication skills, contributing to a well-rounded education.

By supporting your child’s maths skills from the start, you are equipping them with the necessary tools and confidence to tackle more complex concepts as they progress through their academic journey. Early exposure and engagement in mathematics can also help overcome any potential maths anxiety and foster a positive attitude towards the subject.

2. Fun and Engaging Approaches to Teaching Maths Concepts at Home

Teaching maths at home can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience for both parents and children. Here are some effective techniques for making mathematical learning interactive and engaging:

a. Use Manipulatives: Incorporate tangible objects like blocks, beads, or Lego pieces to represent numbers and help your child visualise mathematical concepts. Manipulatives provide a hands-on approach that can assist in grasping foundational concepts such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division in a fun and engaging manner.

b. Play Maths Games: Educational games, puzzles, and apps encourage children to utilise their maths skills while having fun. Utilise a variety of board games, online platforms, and even homemade activities that reinforce maths concepts and promote critical thinking.

c. Make Maths a Part of Daily Life: To help your child recognise the relevance of maths in their everyday life, incorporate maths-related tasks into your daily routine. Examples include measuring ingredients while cooking, calculating the time required to complete an errand, or counting pocket money to foster practical, real-world applications of maths.

3. Encouraging a Love for Mathematics through Real-Life Applications

Developing a love for maths entails understanding its practical applications and relevance in day-to-day life. By demonstrating how maths plays a vital role in diverse aspects of life, you can reinforce the importance of the subject and inspire your child to embrace and appreciate mathematics. Here are some ways to achieve this:

a. Share Examples in Your Career: Explain to your child how you use maths in your profession, be it through basic calculations, data analysis, budgeting, or any other relevant context. This helps demonstrate the importance of mathematics in both your personal and professional life.

b. Expose Them to Various Maths-Related Activities: Encourage your child to participate in extracurricular activities like STEM clubs, robotics, or coding classes that utilise mathematical concepts. Not only do these activities foster a love for maths, but they also provide valuable skills that are transferable to future academic and career pursuits.

c. Share Inspirational Stories: Share stories of mathematicians, scientists, and engineers whose work and contributions to the world relied heavily on mathematical principles. This helps your child understand the potential impact mathematics can have on the world and inspires them to see the value in pursuing the subject.

4. Supporting Your Child’s Mathematical Journey with I Love Learning

I Love Learning offers a wide range of maths courses designed to complement and enhance your child’s maths education. Our experienced and passionate educators are dedicated to creating a fun and stress-free learning environment that promotes a love for numbers and supports children aged 2-16 in their academic journey. Here’s how our maths courses can benefit your child:

a. Expert Guidance: Our knowledgeable tutors provide personalised guidance, tailored to your child’s individual learning needs and goals. With our well-structured programmes, your child will receive the necessary support to excel in their maths education.

b. Comprehensive Curriculum: Our maths courses cover essential topics such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and practical applications. By aligning our programmes with Singapore’s education system, we ensure that your child receives the most relevant and desirable skills needed for academic success.

c. Encouraging a Growth Mindset: We focus on developing a positive attitude towards mathematics by making lessons engaging and emphasising the importance of growth and perseverance. This fosters a conducive learning environment that instils confidence and resilience in your child.

Conclusion

Supporting your child’s mathematical journey is paramount to their academic and personal growth. By employing fun and engaging techniques to teach maths concepts at home, encouraging a love for mathematics through real-life applications, and providing expert support with I Love Learning’s maths courses, you are laying the foundation for your child’s success in the subject.
Unlock your child’s full potential with ILLAC Programmes! Our fun and innovative learning approach for ages 2-16 enhances key skills and fosters a love for learning. Enroll now and give your child the gift of a top-notch education that rivals that of education programme schools!

GEP or Not?

Congratulations! Now that your child has been selected for the GEP program, what’s next for him/her?

It might be an extremely straightforward answer for some parents but not so for some others. My opinion is, go for it. Reasons being:

PROS:

  1. It’s a great confidence-booster.
    • Your gifted child knows what “gifted” means and there is no better way to inform your child that he/she is really good at what he/she has been doing than being identified as the top 1% of the cohort in Singapore. A generally high self-confidence can lead to higher competency in everything else that the child attempts and an even stronger love for learning.
  2. It’s a label that will follow your child for life (in a good way)
    • We are always cautious about having labels put on our children but this is one label you want stuck to your child. With the label of being the top 1% of the cohort, your child can potentially find him/herself in more favourable situations in his/her adult-life, starting with the choice of secondary schools such as Anglo-Chinese School, Dunman High School, Hwa Chong Institution, Nanyang Girls’ High School, NUS High School of Mathematics and Science, Raffles Girls’ School (Secondary) and Raffles Institution which offers IP programs for GEP students.
    • (Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/education/programmes/gifted-education-programme/development-and-growth)
  3. Life is more than English, Mathematics, Science and Mother Tongue!
    • Not only will your child be changing school (if he/she is not already in one of the assigned GEP school), he/she will be experiencing more than the main-stream curriculum has to offer. The GEP program is administered under an enrichment model where the curriculum:
      • extends beyond the basic syllabus in depth and breadth
      • covers more advanced topics whenever necessary
      • caters more to individual needs and interests
      • makes interdisciplinary connections
      • encourages the investigation of real-life problems
      • promotes the examination of affective issues in the various subject areas

(Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/education/programmes/gifted-education-programme/enrichment-model)

CONS:

  1. GEP students are not necessarily top PSLE students
    • GEP students are very busy. Not only do they attend mainstream lessons and continue mainstream work, they have projects, camps and out-of-the-classroom programs to participate in. Their PSLE results may not show their intelligence since PSLE preparation requires much drills and regurgitation which are not in the interest of GEP students.
  2. Danger of complacency
    • We all know and have heard of children who think they are too smart for their pants and end up failing in life. And yes, these are true/real stories that will happen if left unguided. Some GEP students end up doing really well but unfortunately, some will slide off the grid and end up in mediocre vocations just like any others. The key that parents need to remind themselves is to psychologically support their children in continuous hard work and effort so as to ground them in thoughts of continuous improvement of themselves.

For those parents who think that the GEP program will be extremely beneficial for their children, they are right. The program will bring children beyond what they are capable of and help them reach their peak potential.

However, you are NOT advised to “train” your child for GEP by signing up for GEP-training classes at centers that claim to “create” GEP students because talent, although can be groomed, cannot be “naturalised” into a child. Meaning, if your child is not naturally prepared for the high demands of the GEP program, you will only do more harm than benefits by artificially fitting your child into the GEP program. Think of the stress the child has to go through just to remain in that GEP class you have planted her/him into. If it works out, good for him/her. If it doesn’t, the poor kid suffers the repercussion for life.

Once again, congratulations for being the parent of a gifted child, embrace the learning journey with your child, support her/him throughout the program and remind them of the importance of effort to achieve great success in life.

Why Shouldn’t You Scold Your Child for Their Bad Results

It’s easy to blame your child for the bad results he received.

“Why didn’t you pay attention in class?!”

“You don’t know and you didn’t ask?!”

“What were you doing when the teacher was teaching?!”

These might have been your first thoughts but it’s really unfair for you to blame your child for her bad results simply because:

  1. They didn’t mean it! – No child in the right mind will want to do badly in their examination. It is every human being’s instinct to want to excel in life. They may have been careless in their work or in your opinion, not “interested” in ensuring perfection. However, they are still young. They are like “L” plate drivers who are tentative and tend to make mistakes. Be understanding and forgiving, cut them some slack.

 

  1. They don’t know what they don’t know. – Languages, Mathematics and Sciences are not topics that you can master just because you “pay attention” in class or “ask” when you don’t understand. We have to remind ourselves that not all teachers are made equal and not all learning environment is the same. Even if you pay 100% attention every time the teacher is teaching, you may not understand or be taught what you need to know in order to deal with the examination questions.

Let me give you a simple example, which of the following is correct?

a) An FBI agent

b) A FBI agent

If your answer is “a”, you are wrong. Because “F” is read as /effe/, which is sounded with an /e/ at the beginning thus you use an “an” in front of it (It’s actually not about the spelling but the sounds of the first syllable.).

If you got it right, good for you, you are one of the lucky ones who had gotten a great English teacher when you were young.

Now try this:

____________ more dustbins in school ___________ in reducing littering?

1) does, help                    3) do, helps

2) do, help                        4) does, helps

The answer is option 1). It is a real examination question picked out from a Primary 6 SA2 examination paper. This kind of question is not something that you will know how to answer without the guidance of a good English teacher and definitely not something that is taught actively in the textbook or even in class. However, they do, somehow, find their way into the test papers.

 

  1. You will increase their anxiety level. – The only thing that will result from your scolding is their increased stress and anxiety level in dealing with their studies. Stress is defined as “a response that occurs when an individual faces the lack of resources to deal with the situation given”. Screaming at them simply makes them feel inadequate without them feeling like they are receiving the help that they need, this thus results in undue stress, which in turn affects learning.

 

To help your child, start them young. Be reasonable in your expectations of your child’s results. Right from Primary 1, do not scold them for the bad results. I’ve seen so many children who have tried forging signatures, hiding test papers, crying in school because they didn’t want to go home to their parents with their bad scores. Don’t give your children the undue stress that they are already facing on a daily basis. It’s not their fault to have done badly, they don’t know what they were not taught. Even if they were taught, they are not experts of the topic yet and therefore failure is simply one of the paths they had to walk on in their learning journey.

 

When you receive your child’s papers, look into it, analyse it, see what the problems are, be understanding and seek help for him/her. That’s only fair for your child.

Contact Us

enquiry@ilovelearning.com.sg
(65) 9711 8963
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