I was quite happy that three students turned up, knowing well that this is a ‘holiday’ period for them. I began with one of the easiest topics in Additional Math, Simultaneous Equations. The difference between Simultaneous Equations in E. Math and in A. Math is that in the latter, one of the given equations is non-linear.
Both the Elimination and Substitution methods can be used, but the latter is more popular. After teaching for half an hour, I gave them a worksheet to do, and selected 6 important questions for them to complete. But two of them were stuck at the first question and all three couldn’t complete the second question without my help. This was surprising because all three did quite well in their recent SA2 Math exam.
Their main problem was that they had forgotten some of their algebraic skills, such as in handling algebraic fractions and factorisation. Imagine not doing anything now about their math and starting to learn this ‘simple’ topic in Jan 2014. It is then easy to see why many students do badly in A. Math and in the pure sciences in secondary three. Sec 3 teachers teach at a fast pace and before students are ready, they move on to the next topic. I’m glad that some students and parents see the importance of attending headstart classes in Pure Math and Pure Science; it is not about being ultra-competitive; it is about survival.
Rgds,
Ilyasa
