MPM Maths - Discussion

[KingRascal]

Hi Mandarin,


Finally I found someone whose children went through the upper primary levels under MPM. My DS enjoys MPM alot and I strongly agree that the concepts introduced are creative and cld lead to some mathematical concepts in later years. Take for example the coordinates he came across in k2...it's actually the graphical x and y thingy.

However I hardly see upper primary children with the centre. I was wondering if the relevance is lacking for upper primary. I also wonder which series (old or new) is better. Currently my DS is approaching end p2's workbooks. He's doing the new series. Thanks

Please share your opinion on

Mandarin:

I would like to share my experience.

My DS is in sec2 this year, he was with MPM since P3 and completed all levels in P6. He enjoyed every lesson and I particularly liked the fact that MPM teaches him many Maths concept early and in a very creative and easy-to-learn way. You may not realise it then but many of the exercises done in the early levels are introduction to more difficult topics later. The child just learns it easily. In fact, I found that MPM has helped in some of the topics that he did in GEP later. However, I understand that MPM has done some major revamp on the syllabus to be more aligned with Singapore school syllabus, so this may not apply any more.

As for my DD, I was really glad that I switched her to MPM in K2. She was then enrolled in Kumon and she absolutely detested the drills. She proclaimed to me at the end of K1 that her Maths was lousy and she hated Maths. I made a decision, which I never looked back, to move her to MPM as her brother had started MPM then and I was quite impressed with the curriculum. Within 1 year, her attitude towards Maths changed. She even won the Maths competition 1st prize in P1. She is now P5 and her Maths score in all exams has remained in the high 90s. Though the MPM curriculum that she is on is not closely aligned to school syllabus, she has learnt to observe, think and try to do any problems presented. I think these skills are more important that knowing fixed methodology in the long run.

I don't even think that the instructor is that important. The materials are good (barring some grammar and spelling mistakes which my kids found amusing) and they are meant for self-learning, although occasionally I do need to explain to my DD when she is really confused.

The above is personal experiece. You may have to let your child try before deciding if the program is suitable for him/her.

[mrswongtuition]

My friends are actually trainers at MPM (I won’t mention which branch) for quite a few years. They are paid almost market rates for private tutors and it seems like their job is easier than mine as a private tutor because materials are all provided and all they need to do is to sit down with the student and complete the necessary booklets. I still need to plan lessons, check progress of individual students, prepare my own lesson materials, think of creative ways to help students who are weak or not motivated, feedback to parents, etc etc.


If you like the structure and materials, I would say it’s worth the fees although there might be some errors here and there.

If you are looking for exam-oriented teaching focusing on your child’s weak topics, private home tuition would be more suitable.

Every child is different and different centres (with different methods of teaching) will be suitable for the diverse abilities/learning styles of children.

What may work for 1 child may not work for another.

[Mandarin]

hquek:

hi mandarin,


can share which centre your kids went to? Thanks!

My kids went to the centre at Parkway Building, Marine Parade.

[Mandarin]

KingRascal:

Hi Mandarin,


Finally I found someone whose children went through the upper primary levels under MPM. My DS enjoys MPM alot and I strongly agree that the concepts introduced are creative and cld lead to some mathematical concepts in later years. Take for example the coordinates he came across in k2...it's actually the graphical x and y thingy.

However I hardly see upper primary children with the centre. I was wondering if the relevance is lacking for upper primary. I also wonder which series (old or new) is better. Currently my DS is approaching end p2's workbooks. He's doing the new series. Thanks

Hi,

Agree that there are very few upper primary students in MPM. I believe by then, most parents prefer to engage private tutors and enrol their kids into tuition centres that focus on exams syllabus.

I have no experience with the new series, so can't comment. I personally like the old series as it gives the kids something outside school syllabus to work with.

But then again, not all kids are the same, we need to be clear if we are developing their strengths or addressing their weakness. So, this method may work for one but not another. The perennial challenge that parents face !

[soup]

Hi mandarin. Can you share if MPM is good for preschoolers? My child is in N2.


Also, which instructors at the Parkway Building are better for young children?

Thanks

[Mandarin]

soup:

Hi mandarin. Can you share if MPM is good for preschoolers? My child is in N2.


Also, which instructors at the Parkway Building are better for young children?

Thanks

I believe if the child is very young, Jelic will be offered. This programme trains more on logical thinking. But my children didn't go through it, so I can't comment. Because the new series is now offered to younger students and my children didn't go through the new series, so I am not sure. Though I have some feedback from friends (whose kids are in lower primary) that the new series is almost like school assessment since they align the syllabus with MOE, so not worth the fees. I think you might have to go talk to the instructor to understand better.

No preference on any instructor. Sorry, can't help you there.

[soup]

:thankyou:

[st999]

Does anyone have comments on mpm centres at bishan, thomson, toa payoh and amk?


I am thinking about sending my k1 son to mpm, but wondering which centre will be better? I know bishan and thomson are like one-teacher operation where the teachers open the centre and have one classroom only. what about centres at toa payoh and amk? thanks.

[siak]

soup:

Hi mandarin. Can you share if MPM is good for preschoolers? My child is in N2.


Also, which instructors at the Parkway Building are better for young children?

Thanks

Hi soup, my daughter started with MPM when she was in N2 (towards the end of class), she was 4 year and 6 month. The hougang center that she is with does not have jelic program, so you may want to check with the center if they can take up the younger kid.

FYI, my daughter was tested and jumped to work on Book 17 straight away. so i guess N2 can be an entry age too.

[siak]

just to add on, it’s been 3 months she is with MPM, this year she is in K1. She loves to go to MPM and always look forward to go day on wed. When she comes back with new manipulative tools, she will tell me about how to use it. When I pretend do not know how to answer the question, she will explain to me in a very logical way.


So I am very satisfied with MPM. I love the questions which are very creative and stimulating, and more importantly my girl enjoys doing it very much. It is less struggle for both of us and makes her learning easier. Every time she brings back the work book for homework, she will do it by herself without anyone ever asks to.