For our latest timetable, click here=> 
=============================================================== ORIGINAL POST(OUTDATED):
Note: The secondary levels shown below are 2014 levels. For example, S4 Math is for students who will be in Secondary 4 in 2014.
Sec 3 A. Math: Every Sunday, 11.00 am – 12.30 pm (Start Nov 10); Code: S3M1.
Sec 3 Physics: Every Sunday, 9.30 am – 11.00 am (Start Nov 10); Code: S3P1.
Sec 3 Chemistry: Every Sunday, 9.30 am – 11.00 am (Start Nov 10); 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 Nov 4); Code: S4M1.
Sec 4 A. Math: Every Tuesday, 8.00 pm – 9.45 pm (Start Nov 5); Code: S4M2.
Sec 4 A. Math: Every Thursday, 8.00 pm – 9.45 pm (Start Nov 7); Code: S4M3.
Sec 4 A. Math: Every Saturday, 4.00 pm – 5.45 pm (Start Nov 16); Code: S4M4.
Sec 4 Physics: Every Friday, 8.00 pm – 9.45 pm (Start Nov 8); Code: S4P1.
Sec 4 Physics: Every Saturday, 2.00 pm – 3.45 pm (Start Nov 16); Code: S4P2.
Sec 4/5 Exp Science (Physics): Every Thursday, 6.00 pm – 7.30 pm (Start Nov 7); Code: S4P3.
Sec 4 NA Science (Physics): Every Thursday, 6.00 pm – 7.30 pm (Start Nov 7); Code: S4P4.
Sec 4 Chemistry: Every Tuesday, 8.00 pm – 9.45 pm (Start Nov 10); Code: S4C1.
Sec 4 Chemistry: Every Sunday, 11.00 am – 12.30 pm (Start Nov 10); Code: S4C2.
Administrative Matters:
Location: Blk 627, Bukit Batok Central (if you wish to visit or have a chat with the principal tutor, pls sms 97860411 first)
Max Class Size: 8
Monthly fee for each subject or slot for S1/S2/S3/S4 is $150/150/180/180 respectively, inclusive of materials fee. Discounts apply for multiple subjects or slots.
All of the above courses will end by 15 Dec 2013 and will resume in the week starting 6 Jan 2014.
TO REGISTER, SMS <FULL STUDENT NAME>, <CODE> TO 97860411.
For enquiries, kindly call or sms to 9786 0411.
O-LEVEL ADDITIONAL MATH (4038) INTENSIVE REVISION / CRASH COURSE
For our latest timetable, click here=> =============================================================== ORIGINAL POST(OUTDATED):
O-LEVEL ADDITIONAL MATH (4038) INTENSIVE REVISION / CRASH COURSE
Periods: (A) 7 Oct to 10 Oct (4 days, 12 hrs) or (B) 14 Oct to 17 Oct (4 days, 12 hrs).
Time: (A) 9 am to 12 pm or (B) 1 pm to 4 pm.
Location: Blk 627, Bt Batok Central, 07-640. S(650627).
Focus: Topical Revision on how to solve “Must-Know” questions and problems, using a Metacognitive problem-solving approach.
Tutor: Mr Ilyasa, M.Ed (NIE), PGDE (NIE), B.Sc (NUS), ex-MOE Subject Head with 10 years’ experience teaching A. Math.
Fees: Total fees for four days (12 hrs) is $360.
Max no of students: 8
Registration: To register, send an sms to my hp no: 97860411, indicating Student Name, Email, A. Math (A) or A. Math (B), or email the same information to principal@singaporelearner.com.
Rgds, Ilyasa, Principal Tutor, Singapore Learner.
You can view my resume at https://singaporelearner.com/
Yay, my sec 3 NA student topped his class in A. Math.
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
S4 A. Math O-Level Conceptual Revision: Exam Prep beginning 2nd week of April
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.
Sec 4 A. Math & Math Tuition By Ex-Sch Teacher
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.
Sec 3 A. Math & Math Tuition By Ex-Sch Teacher
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)
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.
Improvement in a student’s math result …
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
Sec 4 A. Math Reflections 26/01/13 – Quotient Rule
I introduced Quotient Rule to the class last week so today we continued with it. Quotient Rule is actually very easy to use and should not be replaced by the Product Rule, even though it’s very convenient for students to write a fraction as a product of two terms.
What students find difficult is in simplifying the resulting expression, which often consists of fractions within fractions, with some terms having a square root sign over it. Of course there is a ‘trick’ to get the factorisation done quickly and correctly, but it’s too cumbersome for me to demonstrate here. More importantly, this difficulty that students often face highlights the point that I’ve posted earlier, that Sec 1 and Sec 2 Algebra is VERY IMPORTANT.
For the next lesson, I’ll be going into the Second Derivative as well as Application of Differentiation to curves, tangents and normal. We may be covering the Chain Rule if we have time.
Rgds,
Ilyasa, M.Ed, PGDE, ex-MOE Math and Physics teacher (hp: 97860411)
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For our latest timetable, click here =>
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Sec 4 A. Math Reflections sat1415 19/01/2013 – Differentiation
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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Sec 4 A. Math Headstart Programme – Differentiation
For our latest timetable, click here =>
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ORIGINAL POST (OUTDATED):
The details of the 2-day, 6-hr programme are as follows:
Date/Time (choose one pair of sessions only):
(1) Sat 10 Nov (10 am to 1 pm) and Sun 11 Nov (10 am to 1 pm);
(2) Thurs 22 Nov (4.30 pm to 7.30 pm) and Fri 23 Nov (4.30 pm to 7.30 pm);
(3) Thurs 6 Dec (4.30 pm to 7.30 pm) and Fri 7 Dec (4.30 pm to 7.30 pm);
Location: Blk 627, Bukit Batok Central, 07-640.
Class size: Max 6 students.
Investment amt: $150 total for both days (6 hrs).
Topics: Calculus – Differentiation & Its Applications
Tutor: 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 book a place in the programme, sms to or call Mr Ilyasa at 97860411.