A. Math Archives - Page 4 of 6

Yay, my Sec 4 student topped her class in Math. : )

Posted on April 23, 2013May 20, 2017 by admin

Congrats to Ameerah from Clementi Town Sec who obtained 24/25 for her most recent Math test. It’s my fourth good news in two weeks (before this, Daniel Lam from BPGHS topped his class in A Math, Peng Wee from CTSS did the same in Physics and Hanaa from Hillgrove Sec missed the top spot in her class for Math by just one mark).

Over the years, many of my tutees topped their classes, in Math and/or Physics. Is there a secret to their accomplishments? No, and Yes. It’s not a secret that they all worked hard and smart. The secret is, and I intend to keep it as a trade secret, is what I tell them in class, at the crucial moments. The power of words, truly amazing.

In case you don’t believe, let me tell you of another student, Victoria, formerly from Nan Hua High, now in RI year 6. Her math results were very inconsistent, but she obtained A1 for both in the O-levels. She didn’t attend my lessons in the last month before the O-levels because I kind of scolded her badly, and she decided to study by herself. When she called to inform me of her O-level results, I asked her what caused the change, and she said, “It’s something you said.”

The lesson for teachers and tutors is, be careful of what you say to your students. I’ve made mistakes in this area before, in my first few years of teaching. If you are a parent, please be even more careful of what you say to your children. Words have power beyond our comprehension.

Rgds,

Ilyasa

A. Math, Sec Math, Track Record

Yay, my sec 3 NA student topped his class in A. Math.

Posted on April 16, 2013May 20, 2017 by admin

Congratulations to Daniel Lam, from BPGHS, who obtained 39 out of 40 marks for his recent A. Math class test on Quadratic Equations.

I’m still not used to publishing testimonials from current or past students for my teaching or tutoring. In fact, I hardly record or remember their pre-tuition and post-tuition marks. It is sufficient for me that my students have stayed with me for as long as they have needed my guidance (or nagging), and that they continue to do well all the way to university.

Yes, I’m not good at marketing. Even my website is not dazzling enough. It’s ok for now, as I still get a sufficient number of students every year. I don’t even produce my own materials (but I know where to get the good ones).

So without aggressive marketing, testimonials and “own materials”, how have I been able to attract students to come and learn? And in what ways do I add value to a student’s learning? Well, you have to attend my tutorial sessions to know what thinking looks like. : )

Rgds,

Ilyasa

A. Math

S4 A. Math O-Level Conceptual Revision: Exam Prep beginning 2nd week of April

Posted on April 4, 2013February 26, 2016 by admin

For our latest timetable, click here =>

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ORIGINAL POST(OUTDATED):

Conceptual Revision classes are for Sec 4 students to revise their Sec 3 work in preparation for their SA1 or Prelim exams. Details as follows (sms or call 97860411 to register):

Level/Subject: S4 Additional Math

Days/Times: (1) Sundays, 5.30 pm to 7.00 pm.

Location: Blk 627 Bukit Batok Central #07-640

Topics: Sec 3 A. Math topics such as Polynomials, Binomial Theorem, Logarithms etc.

Target Group: This series of revision workshops is suitable for low to medium ability Sec 4 A. Math students who need to revise their A. Math in a systematic and effective way. High ability Sec 3 students may also attend these sessions to revise or have a headstart in their A. Math.

Focus: Conceptual Understanding, Solving Challenging or Tricky A. Math Problems, Exam-Answering Techniques.

Format: Lecture + Worksheets + Discussions

Fees: $200 per month

Class Size: 2 to 6 students.

Tutor: Mr Ilyasa; M.Ed (NIE), PGDE (NIE), BSc (NUS), Ex-RI/RJC; ex-sch teacher, full-time tutor of PSLE, O and A Level Math and Physics. (h/p: 97860411)

A former secondary school Physics teacher, Mr Ilyasa has been coaching students in ‘A’ Level (H2/H1) Physics and (H2/H1) Mathematics for more than 7 years, as well as ‘O’ Level Physics, Additional Math, Math and PSLE Math for more than 10 years. An alumnus of RI and RJC, Mr Ilyasa holds a Bachelor of Science degree with Merit from the National University of Singapore, a Postgraduate Diploma in Education with Credit from the National Institute of Education, Singapore, and a Master of Education (Curriculum & Teaching) degree also from the NIE, Singapore.

To register, kindly call or send an sms to 97860411.

A-Level, A. Math, O-Level English, Pure Chemistry, Pure Physics, Sec Math

A-Level & O-Level 2013 Preparation (morning classes, mainly for those re-taking)

Posted on March 8, 2013February 26, 2016 by admin

We do provide coaching for students who are free to attend classes in the mornings or early afternoons. Such students are typically those who are re-taking their A-levels or O-levels. The levels and subjects offered are:

A-Level: General Paper, (H2/H1) Economics, (H2/H1) Math, (H2) Management of Business. (H2/H1) Physics (upon request)

O-Level: English, Math, Additional Math, Science (Physics/Chemistry), Pure Physics, Pure Chemistry, Economics, Business Studies.

Class type: Small group or Individual

Location: 3-min walk from Bukit Batok MRT station.

For other details, such as timings and fees, kindly call or sms to 97860411, or send an email to ilyasa@conceptlearning.sg.

The Tutors:

Mr Ilyasa: A former MOE school teacher, Mr Ilyasa has been coaching students in ‘A’ Level Physics, Mathematics and Economics for more than 7 years, as well as ‘O’ Level Physics, Additional Math and Math for more than 10 years. An alumnus of RI and RJC, Mr Ilyasa holds a Bachelor of Science degree with Merit from the National University of Singapore, a Postgraduate Diploma in Education with Credit from the National Institute of Education, Singapore, and a Master of Education (Curriculum & Teaching) degree also from the NIE, Singapore.

Mr Jay Lim: An experienced full-time tutor, Mr Lim holds a Master of International Management (USA), B.Sc (USA) majoring in Finance & Retail Management, Higher Stage Certificate in Economics, The London Chamber of Commerce & Industry. He was formerly a financial services consultant and an ex-bank officer. Mr Lim has been teaching English at various levels in an Integrated Programme school for about 5 years. He will be focusing on General Paper, Management of Business and Economics in Singapore Learner.

For details, such as timings and fees, kindly call or sms to 97860411.

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For our latest timetable, click here =>

A. Math, Sec Math

Sec 4 A. Math & Math Tuition By Ex-Sch Teacher

Posted on March 7, 2013February 26, 2016 by admin

For our latest timetable, click here =>

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ORIGINAL POST(OUTDATED):

Sec 4 A. Math (Investment amt: $180 per mth):

Fri 5.45 – 7.15 pm;

Sat 2.15 pm – 3.45 pm;

Sec 4 E. Math (Investment amt: $180 per mth):

Tues 7.45 – 9.15 pm;

Tutor: Mr Ilyasa; M.Ed (NIE), PGDE (NIE), BSc (NUS), Ex-RI/RJC; ex-sch teacher, full-time tutor of PSLE, O and A Level Math and Physics. (h/p: 97860411)

A former secondary school teacher, Mr Ilyasa has been coaching students in ‘A’ Level (H2/H1) Physics and (H2/H1) Mathematics for more than 6 years, as well as ‘O’ Level Physics, Additional Math, Math and PSLE Math for more than 10 years. An alumnus of RI and RJC, Mr Ilyasa holds a Bachelor of Science degree with Merit from the National University of Singapore, a Postgraduate Diploma in Education with Credit from the National Institute of Education, Singapore, and a Master of Education (Curriculum & Teaching) degree also from the NIE, Singapore.

DETAILS:

Location: Blk 627 Bukit Batok Central #07-640

Average Class Size: 2-6 students

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

A. Math, Sec Math

Sec 3 A. Math & Math Tuition By Ex-Sch Teacher

Posted on March 7, 2013February 26, 2016 by admin

For our latest timetable, click here =>

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ORIGINAL POST(OUTDATED):

Sec 3 A. Math: (Investment amt: $180 per mth):

Thurs 5.45 to 7.15 pm;

Sun 2.15pm to 3.45 pm;

Sec 3 E. Math: (Investment amt: $180 per mth):

Tues 5.45 to 7.15 pm;

Tutor: Mr Ilyasa; M.Ed (NIE), PGDE (NIE), BSc (NUS), Ex-RI/RJC; ex-sch teacher, full-time tutor of PSLE, O and A Level Math and Physics. (h/p: 97860411)

DETAILS:

Location: Blk 627 Bukit Batok Central #07-640

Average Class Size: 2-6 students

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

A. Math, Educational Advice

Improvement in a student’s math result …

Posted on February 27, 2013February 27, 2013 by admin

Daniel, one of A. Math tutees, showed me his class test result yesterday: 34/40. The test was on Indices and Surds, Wow, excellent, I said to him. Daniel is from the N(A) stream, and usually fails his Math tests. That he could obtain 34/40 and top his class in just a few weeks of tuition was phenomenal. So I started reflecting on what went right, because there are many students, even those from top schools, who do not make such a giant leap in such a short amount of time.

So what was the major factor contributing to Daniel’s significant improvement? Well, it’s not some secret special technique. In fact, it’s a well-known technique that some students just don’t want to use – ask many, many questions, even “silly” ones, about the same topic until one is satisfied that understanding has been achieved. Daniel even questions me when he doesn’t understand the steps I show him, whereas many students simply copy or write down my solution. Daniel sometimes takes a while to process the information I give to him; he will pause and ponder, and then sheepishly asks a basic question. He will even ask questions periodically to affirm that his steps are correct.

Students need to make meaning out of what they hear or see; it’s not enough to just listen to teachers or observe what they do in class. And you make meaning when you have a dissonance in your mind; some pieces of the jigsaw puzzle don’t fit and you have the courage to ask and then ponder again.

Regarding asking questions, I have one advice though: you must attempt to answer your own questions first, for the struggle to answer your own questions will make it easier for you to understand another person’s explanation. : )

Good luck!

Rgds,

Ilyasa

A. Math, A. Math Tips

Sec 4 A. Math Reflections 02/02/13 – Higher Derivative

Posted on February 5, 2013February 24, 2016 by admin

Today I taught them the Higher Derivatives, using displacement, velocity and acceleration as real-life examples. I chose not to introduce the 2nd derivative as a means to test whether a turning point is a maximum or minimum, as I preferred to do that when teaching the application of differentiation in tangents and normals at a point in a curve.

Points to note:

(1) students must not write the 2nd derivative as dy^2/dx^2;

(2) d^2y/dx^2 is not the same as (dy/dx)^2;

(3) d^2y/dx^2 is the same as f”(x) or f^2(x);

(4) there may be product rule, quotient rule or chain rule involved when finding the higher derivatives.

Rgds,

Ilyasa, M.Ed, PGDE, ex-MOE Math and Physics teacher (hp: 97860411)

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TUITION CLASSES:

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EDUCATIONAL SERVICES:

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By EX-MOE TEACHERS & EXPERIENCED TUTORS

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

CALL 65694897 OR SMS 98530744 OR 97860411.

A. Math, A. Math Tips

Sec 4 A. Math Reflections sat1415 19/01/2013 – Differentiation

Posted on January 21, 2013February 22, 2016 by admin

This was our third lesson in Jan. We did the Product Rule for Differentiation after spending the last two sessions doing the Basic Rule and the Power Rule (a subset of the chain rule).

I told students to differentiate directly, in line, and not use the “let u = f(x) and v = g(x)” which is longer, more confusing and can cause more careless mistakes.

Now they are able to perform dy/dx = f(x)g'(x) + g(x)f'(x) quite quickly without introducing new variables such u and v which can be quite clumsy. Most of the time, finding dy/dx is part of a larger question, so it is unwise to make this part too long.

I ended the lesson with an intro to the Quotient Rule. Again, I don’t recommend the use of u’s and v’s and instead differentiate directly in line. We’ll be practising the Quotient Rule in the next session.

Again I tell students that Calculus is almost one-third of the A. Math syllabus, so if you want to get A1 you have to master Differentiation and Integration, which, in my opinion (and students hate it every time I say it), are amongst the easiest of topics in A.Math.

However, Integration at the A-Levels (H2 Math) can be quite difficult. But we’ll cross the bridge when we come to it. : )

Ilyasa, M.Ed, PGDE, ex-MOE teacher

(hp: 97860411)

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For our latest timetable, click here =>

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Exam Results

My (our) students’ O-Level (2012) results released in 2013

Posted on January 10, 2013February 12, 2013 by admin

Ok la, this year I shall break tradition by posting whichever results my last year’s students inform me of. One has just come in. I will update throughout the week as I get more results (sometimes students are just forgetful).

Physics: Luke, A2 (from b4 avg, failed in sec 3 (his mum just told me), St Pat’s sch, Farkhanda, B3 (from fail avg)

Chemistry (under Mr Anthony): Charmaine A2; Bandar A2; Luke, B3; Farkhanda, B4. (from fail avg)

Science: Ben, B3.

A. Math: Ameerul, C5 (from fail avg, Yuhua sec); Loges, B3 (from C5-C6 avg, ACS(I)); Ravin, B3 (from fail avg); Rahim, B3 (from C5-C6 avg); Jin Yong, A1 (from B4 avg); Farkhanda, B3 (from fail avg).

Math: Ali Zul, B3 (from C5-C6 avg); Colin, B3 (from C5)

This year, I shall also break tradition in another way, by posting a testimonial from a student, Ravin. Below is the exact words that he smsed to me at 10.06 am on 11 Jan 2013:

“My plan is to do engineering. More to aerospace or aeronautical. I will put my first few choices as that the rest I’m still thinking. Last choice will be MI. Yes Mr Ilyasa, a lot of improvement. I did not put in a lot of effort for A-math and my sci in secondary school. In fact I was failing but I’m happy to see that I got Bs and A for my math and sci but it’s really disappointing to see a 6 for EL. Thank you for your help Mr Ilyasa. You make lesson so fun and you taught me a lot. : ) “

Well, he taught me a lot too.

Waiting for more updates from more students …..

Ilyasa, M.Ed., PGDE, full-time tutor, ex-sch teacher (h/p: 97860411)