All Posts - Page 58 of 70 - SINGAPORE LEARNER

Teaching Science to kids everyday…

Posted on December 30, 2012December 30, 2012 by admin

Parents play a key role in getting children interested in Science. Science is a living subject that surrounds us everyday. There’s Science in the kitchen, the bathroom, the living room, in fact, everywhere. The following are some questions that children typically ask, or questions that parents can ask their children, so as to set their minds thinking:

(1) Why do metallic objects feel colder than wooden ones?
(2) Why does ice feel cold?
(3) Why is the air-con unit placed near the ceiling?
(4) Why do we feel cold just after taking a bath?
(5) Why does oil float on water?
(6) Why does ice float on water?
(7) Why do metal ships float on water?
(8) Why does the swimming pool appear shallower than it really is?
(9) How does a pair of spectacles work?
(10) How does a fan work?
(11) Why do we need to breathe air?
(12) Why do oranges and lemons taste sour?
(13) Why do salt and sugar melt faster in warmer water?
(14) What causes the tides in the sea?
(15) Why are we able to see the moon?
(16) Why do moving toys need batteries? What goes on in a dry cell?
(17) Why does food last longer when frozen?
(18) Can a see-saw be balanced when two people are sitting on it? How?
(19) Why does the swing stop after some time?
(20) ……………..

There are many more such questions that parents and children can think of. These questions have both vague, unscientific answers as well as the scientific ones. It is understandable that most parents have forgotten the correct answers to these questions, but this should not deter parents from learning with their children.

It would be a good idea for parents to buy or borrow a basic science encyclopedia to read with their children. Searching for information together on the internet is also a good joint activity between parents and children.

The true nature of Science is learning by thinking and exploring, observing and experimenting, making many errors along the way. It is this spirit of thinking and persistence that gives us many of the useful things that we have today, like electricity and aeroplanes. Teenagers can certainly afford to spend some time thinking about how computers or hand phones work, instead of just using them.

Ilyasa, M.Ed, PGDE, B.Sc, ex-sch teacher.

Educational Advice, Pri Math

Teaching Math to kids everyday ….

Posted on December 30, 2012 by admin

I believe the human brain has a math processor that needs to be activated and nurtured regularly. Again, parents play an important role in making a child comfortable with numbers and calculations. The following are some concepts in daily life that deal with math:

(1) Time: Parents can ask children to add hours and mins to the current time to arrive at a specific time for some activity. Alternatively, give the child a time problem that he needs to solve by working backwards. For example, “if we want to reach the shopping mall at 5:15pm and we take 40 mins to get there, at what time should we leave the house?”

(2) Money: Counting money, calculating change (remainder), determining the price after discount, budgeting and calculating profit or loss are some of the mathematical activities that we may encounter daily or weekly.

(3) Shapes and figures: In toys, art and household furniture there are shapes and figures for children to think about. How about the area and perimeter of such shapes? How about the volumes of some 3-D figures? The concepts of proportion, similarity and congruency can also be discussed when observing shapes. For example, two dining table chairs are congruent. A baby elephant and a mother elephant are similar but not congruent.

(4) Lines and gradient: Look around us and we can see many parallel lines, intersecting lines and perpendicular lines. How about the slope (gradient) of a road outside the house? The steepness of a staircase?

(5) Distance and speed: What is speed? How is it determined? Observe walking speeds, cycling speeds and the speeds of vehicles. While taking a taxi, estimate its average speed and take note of the travelling time. Estimate how far the taxi travelled.

(6) Statistics: In the newspapers we can find pie charts and bar charts, and the terms “average” and “mean”. What do the charts show and what do these terms mean? Even young kids can interpret pie charts. Parents can relate pie charts to cutting a birthday cake.

There are many more examples of mathematics in daily life. When children understand cost price, selling price, revenue and profit, they are on their way to understanding business and the economy. Entrepreneurship can then develop from there.

Ilyasa, M.Ed, PGDE, B.Sc.

Educational Advice

Should N-Level graduates opt for the direct poly route?

Posted on December 15, 2012December 19, 2015 by admin

From 2013 onwards, top N-Level graduates can go to polytechnics without first having O-Level certificates, either by undergoing a one-year foundation course in the polys for the top 10%, or by doing a Higher Nitec course at the ITE for the next top 20% of their N-Level cohort.

So would it be a wise choice for an N-Level grad to opt for direct entry into a poly, instead of first sitting for the O-Levels? Well, in my opinion, with regard to certification, they face about the same problem as top Express stream students when deciding whether to choose an IP programme or enrol in an O-Level sec school.

An IP student who fails his A-Levels only has a PSLE cert to show, which, despite all the stress it causes, counts for next to nothing. If an N-Level holder fails to get a poly diploma, he would have only his N-Level cert for employment purposes (still sounds better than just having a PSLE cert right?). But I believe many jobs today require at least 3 or 5 O-Level passes. So I think it’s still wise to have an O-Level cert.

However, the O-Level route is a very academic one, and may not suit all N-Level grads, especially those who are weak in English and Mother Tongue. But having a good O-Level cert also allows a student to enter a JC.

So, I think, in the final analysis, whether or not a top N-Level grad chooses to bypass the O-Levels in his quest to enter a poly should depend on whether he believes he can do well in the very theoretical and academic O-Level programme. I’m certain the poly foundation program or the Higher Nitec course has a more hands-on approach to learning and solving problems.

Ilyasa

From N- Level to O- Level

Between JC and Poly

O-LEVEL EXAM PREPARATION FOR PRIVATE CANDIDATES

EDUCATIONAL ADVICE

The big jump – from N-Level to O-Level …

Posted on December 14, 2012January 17, 2025 by admin

I wish all N-level students good results come Monday. But as you know, even if you get good results, it’s just the beginning of another journey. If you intend to do your O-Levels, bear in mind that it’s going to be a rough journey, so you’d need to work extra smart and hard. The O-Levels is tougher than the N-Levels in at least three ways:

(1) Additional topics are added so you’d have to remember more facts and think more, and some of the exam papers are now longer;

(2) The questions in the O-Levels are harder both in intellect and in language use; you’d be expected to write longer answers in proper English for most of the papers;

(3) The marking is stricter for most of the papers. For eg, for the Sciences, you are expected to write proper units for the values you have calculated.

However, preparing for the O-Levels may actually be easier than for the N-Levels as there is much more educational support for the O-Levels – more guide or assessment books, more notes and prelim papers on sale, more tutors willing to coach you etc.

Anyway, I hope that when the N-Level results are released I’ll get a few calls telling me the good news. : )

LOOKING FOR THE BEST PLACE TO DO YOUR SCIENCE PRACTICALS? JOIN US!

We provide A-Level / H2 and O-Level Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Science (Physics/Chemistry/Biology) Practical Training for private / school candidates and homeschoolers, for both local (eg. H2, Singapore-Cambridge) and international exams (CIE, IB, IGCSE).

*Enjoy huge discounts on fees if your lab sessions start in January! Send a message to 88765498 for details.

Why Us?

Our teachers are highly qualified and very experienced, and we actually TEACH you good practical techniques.
We have been a one-stop comprehensive science practical centre providing solid practical training for ALL THREE sciences and for all levels and streams since 2017.
Our laboratory apparatus are exam-grade and the same as those used in MOE schools and our chemicals are all NEA-approved.
We have a structured practical training programme catering to the needs of both beginners and experienced students.
We have a small class size so that the teacher is able to observe the actions of each student more closely and demonstrate the correct practical techniques where and when necessary.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PRIVATE CANDIDATES

The registration for ‘A’ and ‘O’ Level exams as a private candidate usually opens around early to mid-April (Please check SEAB website). If you are registering for a Science subject (Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Combined Sciences), at the time of registration in April, you will be asked whether you have done any science practical training in any school, centre, or institute.

Thus if you are considering Singapore Learner as your science practical training provider, you must register with us and begin your science practical sessions for each subject BEFORE APRIL for us to certify that you have attended basic science practical training. Thus it is recommended that you commence practical training with us in Jan/Feb. Please note students usually do about 10 practical sessions per subject to be competent in practicals.

The following is taken from SEAB website:

“If you are registering for a Science subject with a practical paper, you:
• Must have sat the same Science subject(s) previously, OR
• are currently attending or will be attending a course of instruction in Science practical at any institute/school. You must complete the course of instruction in Science practical at the institute/school enrolled in. You are required to declare that you have fulfilled the above requirements at the point of registration. Registration for the subject may be cancelled without a refund of the examination fees if a false declaration is made.“

O-LEVEL PHYSICS PRACTICAL (Jan to Oct)

O-LEVEL CHEMISTRY PRACTICAL (Jan to Oct)

O-LEVEL BIOLOGY PRACTICAL (Jan to Oct)

HANDS-ON PRACTICAL CRASH COURSES (Jun, Sep, Oct)

MOCK EXAMS FOR SCIENCE PRACTICAL (Sep, Oct)

* If instead you are looking for a COMPLETE Science O-Level Prep program (Theory + Practical), then join our SCIENCE ACADEMY.

Note: For training purposes, Pure and Combined Science students attend the same practical sessions as the syllabus for practicals is the same for both. The only difference between the two kinds of practicals is there are no Planning questions for Combined Science students.

HOW TO BOOK A LAB SESSION:

(1) Decide which Program or Lab sessions you need or most suitable for, by visiting the webpages of the practical subjects you are interested in (if you can’t find the labs you want, Whatapps us at 88765498). http://wa.link/w0xxk2

(2) WhatappS or Message our staff at 88765498 with your Name, Private or School Candidate, A or O level, Subject or Lab Name (e.g Lab PP2), Date and Time of Lab. (Our staff will then guide you on how to register and make payment. If you are not sure about the lab sessions, just state your Name and the Subjects and we will get back to you)

(3) Register Online by clicking below:

(4) Pay Registration fee of $50 via Paynow or funds transfer.

(5) Make the required payment for each lab session at least 7 days before the date of the lab session. (You may also pay for several sessions at one go to ensure that you will have a place in future slots)

FEES PER SESSION

Practical Training Session: $190

Mock Exam:- $240

Note: Above fees are subject to changes without prior notice.

Our Practical Centre:

Singapore Learner @ Bukit Batok

Blk 644, Bukit Batok Central, #01-68. S(650644).

Tel: +(65) 6569 4897, +(65) 88765498 (WHATAPPS) http://wa.link/w0xxk2

Email: singaporelearner@gmail.com

If you wish to visit us, kindly call or sms first. Thank you.

A. Math, Sec Math

Reflections on Sec 4 A. Math class (9/12/2012) …

Posted on December 9, 2012December 15, 2012 by admin

Two new students joined us ytdy, one from Monfort Sec and one from SCGS. Apparently, I tutored the latter’s cousin a few yrs ago, all the way from Sec 2 to JC2 in Math and Physics, and who is now a first year undergrad; just learnt that he scored 2 A’s and 2 B’s in his A-levels (he might have told me about it); anyway, that proves my point, that you can come from a ‘neighbourhood’ sec sch and then go to a ‘low-ranked’ JC and still do well at the A-Levels. Contrast this with the two ex-IP students that I helped this year to re-take their A-Levels. So students out there pls wake up; no one owes you good grades.

The three tutees agreed to revise some sec 3 topics instead of me teaching them a Sec 4 topic. So for this class (Sat 2.15 to 3.45pm), I will only start teaching Differentiation in Jan 2013. So ydty two of them covered Indices, Surds and Log while the remaining one wanted to revise Trigonometry. Every time, I find joy in proving to students that Logarithms is a VERY EASY topic. Once you understand what a logarithm is, everything about it becomes very easy (I’ve posted another article on Log; pls do a search on it, under A Math study tips I think).

Trigo is a much harder topic, especially the proving of some Trigonometric Identities. However, there are heuristics to use in solving the latter, and these techniques work 95% of the time. I like ‘proving’ qns because there is no answer to find, and students normally dislike such qns precisely because there is no answer to find. But I can’t blame them; imagine spending 6 yrs of your life in pri sch only learning how to find answers, so students become obsessed with finding a numerical answer, and eventually get defeated by qns that ask them to prove something already known.

Ilyasa

(1) A. Math study tips.

(2) Sec 4 A. Math tuition.

Sec Math, Sec Science

SEC 1 / SEC 2 MATH & SCIENCE TUITION 2013 @ Bukit Batok

Posted on December 5, 2012February 22, 2016 by admin

For our latest timetable, click here =>

=============================================================

ORIGINAL POST (OUTDATED):

Sec 2 Math (Investment amount: $120 per mth):

Wed 4.00 pm – 5.30 pm; (4 vacancies)

Sun 12.30 pm – 2.00 pm; (3 vacancies)

Tutor(s):

Mr Teng K. S., NTU undergrad majoring in Math.

Mr Ilyasa; M.Ed (NIE), PGDE (NIE), BSc (NUS), A-Level (RJC); ex-sch teacher, full-time tutor (8 years) of PSLE, O and A Level Math and Physics.

Sec 2 Science (Investment amount: $120 per mth):

Fri 4.00 pm – 5.30 pm; (4 vacancies)

Sun 10.45 am – 12.15 pm; (3 vacancies)

Sec 1 Math (Investment amount: $120 per mth):

Tue 4.00 pm – 5.30 pm; (4 vacancies)

Sec 1 Science (Investment amount: $120 per mth):

Thur 4.00 pm – 5.30 pm; (4 vacancies)

Tutor(s):Mr Ilyasa; M.Ed (NIE), PGDE (NIE), BSc (NUS), A-Level (RJC); ex-sch teacher, full-time tutor (8 years) of PSLE, O and A Level Math and Physics.

To register, kindly send an sms to 97860411, indicating the Student Name, Subject and Level.

Headstart Classes, Holiday Classes, Sec Math

Sec 1 Algebra Headstart Holiday Enrichment Programme for post-PSLE students

Posted on November 27, 2012February 13, 2016 by admin

For our latest timetable, click here =>

=============================================================

ORIGINAL POST (OUTDATED):

From my 8 years’ experience coaching secondary students in Math, I found that even students who scored A-star in PSLE Math can end up doing badly in secondary Math. The main reason can be attributed to a poor grasp of Algebraic fundamentals in Sec 1 and Sec 2. Thus I see the need to provide post-PSLE students with a Math programme that introduces them to concepts in Algebra.

The details of the 2-day, 6-hr programme are as follows:

Date/Time (choose one pair of sessions only):

(1) Thurs 15 Nov (4.30 pm to 7.30 pm) and Fri 16 Nov (4.30 pm to 7.30 pm);

(2) Thurs 29 Nov (4.30 pm to 7.30 pm) and Fri 30 Nov (4.30 pm to 7.30 pm);

Location: Blk 627, Bukit Batok Central, 07-640.

Class size: Max 6 students.

Investment amt: $120 total for both days (6 hrs).

Tutor: Mr Ilyasa; M.Ed (NIE), PGDE (NIE), BSc (NUS), A-Level (RI); ex-sch teacher, full-time tutor (8 years) of PSLE, O and A Level Math and Physics.

To book a place in the programme, sms to or call Mr Ilyasa at 97860411.

Educational Advice, Schools

List of Top (Academically Very Good) Secondary Schools in Singapore …

Posted on November 20, 2012February 14, 2016 by admin

This is just my informed opinion.

[I] = Independent; [A] = Autonomous; [SAP] = Special Assistance Plan; [IP] = Integrated Programme.

NAME OF SCHOOL (GCE O-LEVEL BAND IN 2010) [Type of School]

Anderson Sec (1)[A]

Anglican High (1)[A, SAP]

Anglo-Chinese (Independent) (NA)[I, IP]

Bukit Panjang Government High (1)[A]

Catholic High (1)[A, SAP]

Cedar Girls’ Sec (1)[A, IP]

CHIJ Sec (Toa Payoh) (2)[A]

CHIJ St. Nicholas Girls’ (1)[A, SAP]

Chung Cheng High (Main) (2)[A, SAP]

Chung Cheng High (Yishun) (3)

Commonwealth Sec (3)[A]

Crescent Girls’ (1)[A]

Dunman High (NA)[A, SAP, IP]

Hwa Chong Institution (NA)[I, SAP, IP]

Maris Stella High (3)[A, SAP]

Methodist Girls’ (1) [I]

Nan Chiau High (2)[SAP]

Nan Hua High (2)[A, SAP]

Nanyang Girls’ High (NA)[I, SAP, IP]

National Junior College (NA)[IP]

Raffles Girls’ Sec (NA)[I, IP]

Raffles Institution (NA)[I, IP]

River Valley High (NA)[A, SAP, IP]

Singapore Chinese Girls’ (1)[I]

St. Joseph’s Institution (2)[I]

Swiss Cottage Sec (3)

Tanjong Katong Girls’ (2)[A]

Tanjong Katong Sec (2)[A]

Temasek Sec (3)[A]

Victoria (1)[A, IP]

Xinmin Sec (2)[A]

Zhonghua Sec (2)[A]

*To find out important details of a particular school, such as the median PSLE aggregate of it’s sec 1 cohort, click on School Information Service.

If you are already in these schools, don’t be arrogant, don’t be complacent; you still need to study hard and intelligently. Good luck. : )

_______________________________________

TUITION CLASSES:

_______________________________________________________________

EDUCATIONAL SERVICES:

______________________________________________________________

By EX-MOE TEACHERS & EXPERIENCED TUTORS

@ BLK 644, BUKIT BATOK CENTRAL, #01-68. S(650644).

CALL 65694897 OR SMS 98530744 OR 97860411.

Schools

Is every school in Singapore a good school?

Posted on November 20, 2012February 13, 2016 by admin

When we are talking about good schools, are we referring to the schools’ (1) teachers, (2) facilities, (3) programmes or (4) students?

If we are referring to just aspect (1), yes, I would agree that all schools here are good schools, in the sense that most of the teachers are qualified, experienced and dedicated to their profession.

But if we are talking about facilities and programmes, we know that some schools get more funding and more autonomy in deciding their curriculum. We can see with our own eyes that some school complexes are physically much bigger and in some schools nearly all or all of the classrooms are air-conditioned, which really makes learning more comfortable. We also know for sure that some schools provide more CCA options and have a greater variety of enrichment activities. So with respect to (2) and (3), it’s kind of a stretch to say that every school here is a “good” school.

Through the PSLE system and streaming, we have created elite schools and ‘neighbourhood’ schools. Do you think students in these two kinds of schools perform and behave in classrooms the same way? Many of my family members, in-laws and relatives are teachers or ex-teachers. We meet at least once a year, often sharing stories of what goes on in the schools. The result? Suffice to say that I will not send my children to certain schools. Because of this, it will be against my conscience to say that every school in Singapore is a good school.

It is a good and noble aim, to make every school in Singapore a good school. But to achieve results, it has to be done sincerely and with a strong will, because teachers, parents and students can see for themselves what actually happens in the schools. How schools are viewed by parents and prospective students cannot be changed by oral persuasion alone.

Ilyasa

LOOKING FOR THE BEST PLACE TO DO YOUR SCIENCE PRACTICALS? JOIN US!

Why Us?

Our teachers are highly qualified and very experienced, and we actually TEACH you good practical techniques.

We have been a one-stop comprehensive science practical centre providing solid practical training for ALL THREE sciences and for all levels and streams since 2017.

Our laboratory apparatus are exam-grade and the same as those used in MOE schools and our chemicals are all NEA-approved.

We have a structured practical training programme catering to the needs of both beginners and experienced students.

We have a small class size so that the teacher is able to observe the actions of each student more closely and demonstrate the correct practical techniques where and when necessary.

* If instead you are looking for a COMPLETE Science O-Level Prep program (Theory + Practical), then join our SCIENCE ACADEMY.

HOW TO BOOK A LAB SESSION:

_______________________________________

TUITION CLASSES:

EDUCATIONAL SERVICES:

By EX-MOE TEACHERS & EXPERIENCED TUTORS

@ BLK 644, BUKIT BATOK CENTRAL, #01-68. S(650644).

CALL 65694897 OR SMS 98530744 OR 97860411.