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.
———————————————————————————————————–
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
It’s a pity that negative numbers are not taught in primary math …
Recently I tested two Sec 2 students, who are both very weak in math, on their knowledge of arithmetic involving negative numbers, and the result was what I suspected about lower sec students who are very weak in math. It reminded me of a stint I had giving math enrichment to very weak students in a secondary school. Their stories are the same – inability to handle negative numbers and negative signs in algebraic equations.
If you are in Sec 1, take the following test to see if you have acquired basic mastery of negative numbers. You PASS the test if you can answer every question correctly in not more than 8 SECONDS (yes, ONE SECOND per question). (Note: some qns may not have any negative numbers.)
(a) 5 + 3 = ____
(b) 5 – 3 = ____
(c) – 5 + 3 = ____
(d) – 5 – 3 = ____
(e) 3 + 5 = ____
(f) 3 – 5 = ____
(g) – 3 + 5 = ____
(h) – 3 – 5 = ____
Answers: (a) 8, (b) 2, (c) – 2, (d) – 8, (e) 8, (f) – 2, (g) 2, (h) – 8
If any of your answers are wrong, or you took more than 8 seconds to complete the test correctly, then you need to seriously revise and understand the concept of negative numbers, else your other topics such as algebraic simplification, expansion and factorisation will also be adversely affected. For eg, try the next one:
Simplify – 3a – [- b – (- 2a)]
Ans : b – 5a
Of course there are far harder questions. My point is, get your negative numbers in order, then you’ll see improvement in the way you solve algebraic equations. Remember, you’ll get ZERO marks for just one mistake made in the opening line of your half-page long math solution. So do not underestimate the significance of the negative sign.
The importance of Sec 2 Math and Science …
Beware the critical years in math education …
==============================================================
For our latest timetable, click here => 