I thought of not conducting the above this year as the same course last year attracted only 3 students. It was a four day, 3 hr course conducted in early October. Maybe the timing was not right, or something like that. However I did my best, explaining ALL the important E Math concepts in 12 hours, clearly and concisely. I conducted the course because I reckoned that there WOULD be S4 or S5 students who needed a crash course in E Math, which is a VERY IMPORTANT subject as a fail in it would mean you will be NOT be accepted into most post-O-level courses.
However, last night I received a call from a parent whose son was one of the three above (she was looking for math tuition for her younger son). She said the course benefitted her elder son greatly such that he was able to obtain a B3, despite doing very badly in the subject at school. Thus I’m now more motivated to re-launch the course later this year. Hope it will benefit some students again.
Ilyasa
Yay, my RVHS student got A1* for his math
I didn’t know there is such a grade as A1*. Does it exist only in RVHS? Anyway, today my S3 Math student Ryan told me he obtained that grade for his Term 1 Math. He had been doing well so far this year, but it wasn’t the case 2 years ago when he first came.
I’ve always said that IP students should not be doing badly in math in the first place, for the simple reason that most of them obtained A* for math at the PSLE. But many IP students DO perform poorly in math right from sec 1. When Ryan showed me his test answers back then, I could immediately tell what his problem was. So I gave him some diagnostic questions to confirm my suspicion about his weak areas. Continual coaching and many lessons later, his math became OK and now it is of a high standard.
But it takes two hands two clap. Ryan succeeded not only because he sought help early, but also because he has developed a learning disposition that is typical of eventual top students. So if you want to improve your grades, please do the following:
Always THINK about what you are doing. ASK QUESTIONS when something about what you are learning or solving doesn’t seem to fit in (i.e it causes a dissonance in you). READ A LOT so that your knowledge base is sound to begin with. Always REFLECT on your own learning, your solutions, and even your questions.
WHAT YOU ASK REFLECTS A LOT ABOUT YOU. That is why you must ask a lot of questions, so that your teacher or tutor knows what your problem is. Of course you might get some scolding along the way, but that is how you learn even more.
Happy Learning!
Ilyasa
MASTERING ALGEBRA March Holiday Workshop
You’ll never begin to be good in Math at the secondary level and beyond until you have mastered THREE fundamental topics: Arithmetic of Negative Numbers, Indices and Algebra. Even students who had obtained A or A* in PSLE Math find themselves doing badly in Math at the upper secondary level if they have not perfected their skills in handling these three topics while in Sec 1 or Sec 2. This course is intended to help such students.
Level/Subject: Secondary Arithmetic, Indices & Algebra
Dates: Mon 16/3, Tue 17/3, and Wed 18/3 (three 3 hr sessions)
Time: 2.00 pm – 5.00 pm
Location: Blk 644, Bukit Batok Central, #01-68. S(650644).
Our location is just a 3-min walk from either the Bukit Batok MRT station or the Bukit Batok Bus Interchange. Buses that stop along the roads surrounding our location are numbers 157, 178, 66, 506, 173, 174, 176, 187, 985. Buses services which terminate at Bukit Batok Bus Interchange are 61, 77, 106, 173, 177, 189, 852, 941, 945, 947.
Who should attend:
(1) Sec 1 and Sec 2 students who wish to learn all the Algebraic skills in advance;
(2) Sec 3 to JC2 as well as Polytechnic students who have been getting low scores for Math exams largely due to poor handling of algebraic expressions.
Topics:
(1) Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of Negative Numbers; (2) Addition and subtraction of Algebraic expressions; (3) Indices; (4) Multiplication and division of Algebraic expressions; (5) Simplifying Algebraic fractions; (6) Expansion of Algebraic Expressions; (7) Factorising Algebraic expressions; (8) Solving linear and fractional Algebraic equations; (9) Changing the subject of a formula; (10) Solving simultaneous linear equations, (11) Solving Quadratic Equations by Factorisation, Completing the Square, and Quadratic Formula. (12) Solving problems involving quadratic equations.
Focus: CONCEPTUAL UNDERSTANDING
Format: Teaching + Worksheets + Discussions
Fee: Only $240 for all 3 sessions (inclusive of materials & refreshments)
Tutor: Mr Ilyasa (M.Ed., PGDE, B.Sc, Ex-MOE Teacher, Full-Time Tutor of PSLE, ‘O’ and ‘A’ Level Math and Physics since 2004).
Mr Ilyasa has been coaching students in ‘A’ Level & IB Physics and Mathematics for more than 7 years, as well as ‘O’ Level & IP Physics, Additional Math, E. Math and PSLE Math for more than 10 years. An alumnus of RI and RJC, Mr Ilyasa holds both a Master of Education degree and a Postgraduate Diploma in Education with Credit from the National Institute of Education, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree from the National University of Singapore.
TO REGISTER, SMS <STUDENT NAME> , <ALGEBRAMAR> TO 97860411.
Our IP / Fast-Track Sec 1 ENGLISH, MATH & PHYSICS classes start tomorrow
Sec 1 Math (IP / Fast-Track): Monday | 6.00 pm – 7.45 pm | Code: S1MIP
Sec 1-2 Physics (IP / Fast-Track): Thursday | 6.00 pm – 7.45 pm | Code: S12PIP
Sec 1-2 English (IP / Fast-Track): Tuesday | 6.00 pm – 7.45 pm | Code: S12EIP
TO REGISTER, SMS <STUDENT NAME>, <CODE> TO 97860411.
Administrative Matters:
Location: Blk 644, Bukit Batok Central, #01-68. S(650644).
Our location is just a 3-min walk from either the Bukit Batok MRT station or the Bukit Batok Bus Interchange. Buses that stop along the roads surrounding our location are numbers 157, 178, 66, 506, 173, 174, 176, 187, 985. Buses services which terminate at Bukit Batok Bus Interchange are 61, 77, 106, 173, 177, 189, 852, 941, 945, 947.
TO REGISTER, SMS <STUDENT NAME>, <CODE> TO 97860411.
For enquiries, kindly call 65694897 or sms to 9786 0411.
Sec 1 (2015) Extended Algebra & Indices Math Holiday Enrichment for Post-PSLE students
This is the extension on our very successful annual S1 Math Headstart programme for post-PSLE students. It reflects the recognition of parents and students of the importance of Algebra in preparing for Secondary Math.
TO REGISTER, SMS <STUDENT NAME> , <S1EAI> TO 97860411.
Level/Subject: Sec 1 Extended Algebra & Indices (S1EAI)
Dates: Mon 29/12, Tue 30/12, and Wed 31/12 (three 3 hr sessions)
Time: 9.30 am – 12.30 pm
Location: Blk 644, Bukit Batok Central, #01-68. S(650644).
Our location is just a 3-min walk from either the Bukit Batok MRT station or the Bukit Batok Bus Interchange. Buses that stop along the roads surrounding our location are numbers 157, 178, 66, 506, 173, 174, 176, 187, 985. Buses services which terminate at Bukit Batok Bus Interchange are 61, 77, 106, 173, 177, 189, 852, 941, 945, 947.
Target Group: Suitable for post-PSLE students who have attended our S1AA course, or have basic knowledge of arithmetic involving negative numbers and algebraic expressions. RECOMMENDED for students going to INTEGRATED PROGRAMME schools as Indices is actually a Sec 3 topic but very important to learn early.
Purpose: To give post-PSLE students a STRONG FOUNDATION in the THREE MOST IMPORTANT TOPICS of secondary Math – Arithmetic, Algebra and Indices.
Topics: (1) Factorising Algebraic expressions; (2) Solving linear and fractional Algebraic equations; (3) Changing the subject of a formula; (4) Solving simultaneous linear equations; (5) Simplifying expressions involving Indices.
Focus: CONCEPTUAL UNDERSTANDING
Format: Teaching + Worksheets + Discussions
Fee: Only $270 for all 3 sessions (inclusive of materials & refreshments)
Tutor: Mr Ilyasa (M.Ed., PGDE, B.Sc, Ex-MOE Teacher, Full-Time Tutor of PSLE, ‘O’ and ‘A’ Level Math and Physics since 2004).
Mr Ilyasa has been coaching students in ‘A’ Level & IB Physics and Mathematics for more than 7 years, as well as ‘O’ Level & IP Physics, Additional Math, E. Math and PSLE Math for more than 10 years. An alumnus of RI and RJC, Mr Ilyasa holds both a Master of Education degree and a Postgraduate Diploma in Education with Credit from the National Institute of Education, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree from the National University of Singapore.
TO REGISTER, SMS <STUDENT NAME> , <S1EAI> TO 97860411.
Sec 1 (2015) Arithmetic & Algebra Math Holiday Enrichment for Post-PSLE students
This is the third re-run this year of our very successful annual S1 Math Headstart programme for post-psle students (see tutor’s comments at end of page). It reflects the recognition of parents and students of the importance of Algebra in preparing for Secondary Math.
TO REGISTER, SMS <STUDENT NAME> , <S1AA> TO 97860411.
Level/Subject: Sec 1 Arithmetic & Algebra (S1AA)
Dates: Mon 29/12, Tue 30/12, and Wed 31/12 (three 3 hr sessions)
Time: 2.00 pm – 5.00 pm
Location: Blk 644, Bukit Batok Central, #01-68. S(650644).
Our location is just a 3-min walk from either the Bukit Batok MRT station or the Bukit Batok Bus Interchange. Buses that stop along the roads surrounding our location are numbers 157, 178, 66, 506, 173, 174, 176, 187, 985. Buses services which terminate at Bukit Batok Bus Interchange are 61, 77, 106, 173, 177, 189, 852, 941, 945, 947.
Target Group: Suitable for post-PSLE students who wish to learn more about Negative Numbers & Algebra, as well as basic Indices.
Purpose: To give post-PSLE students a HEADSTART in the THREE MOST IMPORTANT TOPICS of secondary Math – Arithmetic, Algebra and Indices, as students who do badly in Math in secondary school are usually those who have a poor FOUNDATION in these three topics.
Topics: (1) Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of Negative Numbers; (2) Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of Algebraic expressions; (3) Simplifying Algebraic fractions; (4) Basic Indices.
Focus: CONCEPTUAL UNDERSTANDING
Format: Teaching + Worksheets + Discussions
Fee: Only $270 for all 3 sessions (inclusive of materials & refreshments)
Tutor: Mr Ilyasa (M.Ed., PGDE, B.Sc, Ex-MOE Teacher, Full-Time Tutor of PSLE, ‘O’ and ‘A’ Level Math and Physics since 2004).
Mr Ilyasa has been coaching students in ‘A’ Level & IB Physics and Mathematics for more than 7 years, as well as ‘O’ Level & IP Physics, Additional Math, E. Math and PSLE Math for more than 10 years. An alumnus of RI and RJC, Mr Ilyasa holds both a Master of Education degree and a Postgraduate Diploma in Education with Credit from the National Institute of Education, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree from the National University of Singapore.
TO REGISTER, SMS <STUDENT NAME> , <S1AA> TO 97860411.
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Tutor’s comments:
The students took quite some time to understand the concept of negative numbers as it is not covered at all in the primary math syllabus. They were intrigued by the techniques of adding, subtracting, multiplying and adding negative numbers, and using BODMAS (Order of Operations) to evaluate an expression that is a mixture of these. Things became more difficult when fractions came in, but simplifying algebraic expressions become much easier when students have mastered arithmetic involving negative numbers and brackets as well as powers or indices.
Rgds,
Ilyasa
O-LEVEL | SEC 1-4 | MATH TUITION
Ad Hoc 1-1 Consultation (for the busiest of students)
Under this scheme, students do not need to register with our centre. If a student needs clarification on a particular topic in E.Math, A.Math, Physics or Chemistry, or needs help solving some questions in these subjects, he can just message the tutor (hp: 97860411, NUS grad, NIE-trained, Ex-RI) to book a 1-hr slot. Fee is $90 per hour and must be paid in advance to confirm the slot (no refund for a no-show whatever the reason). Lessons can be physical in-centre or online via zoom. Fee for home tuition (west area) is $180 per hour.
Weekly Regular Tuition
We have 2 modes of regular weekly tuition for our Math and Science classes (non-IP): Flexible Group Tuition and 1-1 Tuition.
FLEXIBLE HYBRID GROUP TUITION (FHGT) (Proven very effective personalised tuition for the busy student. Try it!)
Features:
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Very small class size (max 4 students)
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Flexible schedule that allows for make-up lessons
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Hybrid Dual Subject system to save on tuition fees.
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Students can ask about their own school work
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Fee Discount on Practical lessons for Science students.
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
MON (5-6.30PM): MATH | A.MATH
TUE (5-6.30PM): PHYSICS | CHEMISTRY
FRI (5-6.30PM): PHYSICS | CHEMISTRY
SAT (5-6.30PM): A.MATH | CHEMISTRY
MON (5-6.30PM): A.MATH | CHEMISTRY
Structure: Once a week, 4 times a month
Registration fee: $30
Monthly fee: $360
1-1 TUITION
Days: To be negotiated and agreed upon
Times: To be negotiated and agreed upon
Registration fee: $30
For further details, click on INDIVIDUAL TUITION.
Note: Our Upper Sec Math students enjoy a 20% discount when they book our science practical sessions (once a month). (Click here for —> SCIENCE PRACTICALS)
The Tutor for our Math program is a former MOE school teacher (ex-Rafflesian) who has been coaching students in ‘A’ Level & IB Physics and Mathematics for more than 10 years, as well as ‘O’ Level & IP Physics, Additional Math, E. Math and PSLE Math for more than 12 years. An alumnus of RI and RJC, he also holds both a Master of Education degree and a Postgraduate Diploma in Education with Credit from the National Institute of Education (NIE), as well as a Bachelor of Science degree from the National University of Singapore (NUS).
For enquiries, you may msg the Tutor directly at 97860411.
If you need private 1-1 HEAD START, REVISION or RELEARNING of Math, Physics or Chemistry topics, kindly message our tutor directly at 97860411.
Articles:
Beware the critical years in math education in Singapore …
That ‘P5’ becomes S3 Math Olympiad Question – When is Cheryl’s birthday? – An in-depth discussion
Is metacognition part of the mathematics curriculum in Singapore?
TO REGISTER, SMS <STUDENT NAME>, <SUBJECT, DAY> TO 88765498
Administrative Matters:
Location: Blk 644, Bukit Batok Central, #01-68. S(650644).
Our location is just a 3-min walk from either the Bukit Batok MRT station or the Bukit Batok Bus Interchange. Buses that stop along the roads surrounding our location are numbers 157, 178, 66, 506, 173, 174, 176, 187, 985. Buses services which terminate at Bukit Batok Bus Interchange are 61, 77, 106, 173, 177, 189, 852, 941, 945, 947.
SCIENCE PRACTICAL TRAINING
O-LEVEL PHYSICS PRACTICAL
O-LEVEL CHEMISTRY PRACTICAL
O-LEVEL BIOLOGY PRACTICAL
Short-term ad hoc Math or Physics tuition during June Holidays 2014.
By all means, go for your holidays, even short ones (I’m going on 10, 11 and 12 June). However, if you had done badly in your SA1 or mid-year exams, do not let the June hols pass without reviewing your first semester work. For things will only get harder in the second semester, and some topics or concepts learnt in the first semester need to be used to understand some topics later in the year.
If you are too busy to attend weekly tuition, you might want to take the opportunity this June to consult a qualified and experienced tutor, for just a few hours and for a few difficult topics. Since it is the school holidays, the lessons can be in the mornings or early afternoons.
If you need solid tutoring in Pri, Sec or JC Math, or Sec or JC Physics, don’t hesitate to contact me at 97860411 and I’ll work out an arrangement for you. You may opt for individual tuition or in small groups of 2 to 4 students from the same class or school. Fees vary depending on the level and number of students.
If you have any queries, you may also call or sms to 97860411, or send an email to principal@singaporelearner.com.
If you are serious about improving your Math or Physics, hope to hear from you soon.
Rgds,
Ilyasa
SEC 3 – SEC 5 CONCEPTUAL LEARNING SCHEDULE 2014
Sec 3 A. Math: Every Sunday, 11.00 am – 12.30 pm (Start 12 Jan); Code: S3M1.
Sec 3 Physics: Every Sunday, 9.30 am – 11.00 am (Start 12 Jan); Code: S3P1.
Sec 3 Chemistry: Every Sunday, 9.30 am – 11.00 am (Start 12 Jan); Code: S3C1.
Sec 4 Math (NA): Every Monday, 6.00 pm – 7.30 pm (Start Nov 4); Code: S4MN.
Sec 4 Math: Every Monday, 8.00 pm – 9.45 pm (Start 6 Jan); Code: S4M1.
Sec 4 A. Math: Every Tuesday, 8.00 pm – 9.45 pm (Start 7 Jan); Code: S4M2.
Sec 4 A. Math: Every Thursday, 8.00 pm – 9.45 pm (Start 9 Jan); Code: S4M3.
Sec 4 A. Math: Every Saturday, 4.00 pm – 5.45 pm (Start 11 Jan); Code: S4M4.
Sec 4 Physics: Every Friday, 8.00 pm – 9.45 pm (Start 10 Jan); Code: S4P1.
Sec 4 Physics: Every Saturday, 2.00 pm – 3.45 pm (Start 11 Jan); Code: S4P2.
Sec 4/5 Exp Science (Physics): Every Thursday, 6.00 pm – 7.30 pm; Code: S4P3.
Sec 4 NA Science (Physics): Every Thursday, 6.00 pm – 7.30 pm; Code: S4P4.
Sec 4 Chemistry: Every Tuesday, 8.00 pm – 9.45 pm (Start 7 Jan); Code: S4C1.
Sec 4 NA Science (Chemistry): Every Sunday, 11.00 am – 12.30 pm (Start 12 Jan); Code: S4C2.
Administrative Matters:
Location: Blk 627, Bukit Batok Central. (Our location is just a 3-min walk from either the Bukit Batok MRT station or the Bukit Batok bus interchange. Buses that stop along the road in front of Blk 627 are numbers 157, 178, 66, 506, 173, 174, 176, 187, 941, 947, 985)
Max Class Size: 8
Monthly fee for each subject or slot is $180 respectively, inclusive of materials fee. Discounts apply for multiple subjects or slots.
TO REGISTER, SMS <FULL STUDENT NAME>, <CODE> TO 97860411.
For enquiries, kindly call or sms to 9786 0411.
SEC 3 ADDITIONAL MATH CONSOLIDATION WORKSHOPS 11 NOV – 14 NOV
Consolidation workshops are for students who have performed poorly in their SA2 exams or in certain topics in their exams. These classes are intended for students to “consolidate” what they have learnt and re-learn if necessary. Such students are encouraged to attend these lessons before attending Headstart lessons.
(1) Indices, Surds & Logarithms: Monday, 11 Nov, 9.30 am – 12.30 pm; Code: S3MC1.
(2) Roots of Quadratic Equations & Inequalities: Monday, 11 Nov, 2 pm – 5 pm; Code: S3MC2.
(3) Polynomials & Partial Fractions: Tuesday, 12 Nov, 9.30 am – 12.30 pm; Code: S3MC3
(4) The Binomial Theorem: Tuesday, 12 Nov, 2 pm – 5 pm; Code: S3MC4.
(5) Trigonometry I: Wednesday, 13 Nov, 9.30 am – 12.30 pm; Code: S3MC5.
(6) Trigonometry II: Thursday, 14 Nov, 9.30 am – 12.30 pm; Code: S3MC6.
Administrative Matters:
Location: Blk 627, Bukit Batok Central
Max Class Size: 6
Fee: $80 for each 3 hr session.
Tutor: Mr Ilyasa (M.Ed., PGDE, B.Sc), former MOE Subject Head with more than 10 years’ experience tutoring students in Math and Physics.
TO REGISTER, SMS <FULL STUDENT NAME>, <CODE> TO 97860411.
For enquiries, kindly call or sms to 9786 0411.