VIP Learning Centre - Discussion

[Team Scharff]

Hi Titank,


The MOE syllabus is geared towards problem-solving, as we see increasing proportion of thinking questions that demand students’ reasoning ability. The introduction of calculator and the rationale given by MOE attest to the trend of more thinking questions.

Our P1 Math focus on building thinking skills in the various broad areas including Mathematical reasoning, Observation, Pattern Recognition, Spatial reasoning, logical reasoning and habits of the mind. The broad category extends to other higher order level logical deduction, lateral thinking, systematic thinking etc.

Specific topics include gauss method, symbol representation, Interval gap problem, number manipulation, excess shortage problem, smart guess and check, to name a few. Besides, topical issues, our lessons include use of manipulative (tower of Hanoi etc), videos, riddles, math magic, mind reading and games.

Activity Demonstration
Given 5 numbers : 5, 10, 20, 30, 40
Which 4 numbers add up to 95?

Most students would try to solve by adding up the numbers randomly by trial and error. This method can be very time consuming and tedious. It can be very prone to careless mistake as it involves too many steps.

We educate students to “Think before you act”. We recommend the smart, logical and systematic way.

As there are a total of 5 numbers, and we need to find out which 4 numbers add up to 95, it is more effective to find out which one to exclude in the sum.
As such, we add up the grand total = 5+10+20+30+40 = 105
Then we subtract 95 from 105 = 10.
Therefore, the four numbers would be all the numbers except 10.

All our lessons are infused with appropriate learning values and Habits of the Mind. Our Students’ achievements demonstrate the real and tangible benefits as resultant of their good habits. Some of our existing customers were skeptical at first and view our methodology as far-fetched. But now they are fully convinced of the value of our approach. One of the many examples, a systematic mind helps student navigate the problem clearly and concisely while a messy mind gets you nowhere.

Hope we have given you a better idea of our programme. Please feel free to contact us directly. Thank you.

Scharff-VIP Learning

“Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going”

[titank]

Hi Team Scharff


How about for Pre-School? I have a DD where currently at Age 3.5 years old. When would be a good age to come in?

[Team Scharff]

Hi Titank,


Our current programmes cater to children from age 6 to 12. Scientific research advocates that this age range is best suited for our kind of programmes as we also believe children are most receptive to new ideas and are matured enough to understand and absorb better thinking approach. For younger children, it is good to expose them to cognitive enhancing activities like music, arts and drama.

Regardless of the type of programme, parental involvement and follow-up is essential for success. Let’s remember to play with them and ensure they do their revision.

Thank you very much for your interest.

Scharff-VIP Learning

[wonder08]

i hav jus enrol my son to VIP Learning..hopefully he enjoy the class then..coz I want to build up his foundation in prob solving/ critical thinking skills...

[titank]

Hi wonder08


May I know yr kid is enroll at which level? Care to share the fee, teacher to student ratio?

[Mathematically Speaking]

Hi Team Scharff,


A better way to solve your activity question would be to first have the children understand that 95 is made up of 9 tens and 5 ones.

Then, all the child has to do is to add up the tens. While there requires a trial and error here, adding single digit up to 9 is not difficult for a P1 kid.

This method - elimination - can probably be used in more situations than the one you are teaching, which is specific to the activitiy only. Moreover, doing it this way reinforces what schools teach about place values.

[Team Scharff]

Dear Mathematically Speaking,


Thank you for your view about place value and letting children try (trial and error) to add up to 9. What about the values of the ones place? The summation of the ones value can carry over to the tens value. How many more trials do you expect before the children derive the exact number required? Our job here is to allow children to think and arrive at the solution in an effective manner without letting math become a guessing game. We do not think that this question justify as a platform to reinforce the concept of place value, since there are numerous situations that such reinforcement can be done. In any case, we appreciate your alternative view, adding to a more robust discussion on approaches to mathematics.

There is no harm to let the children try both methods out and let them decide. In mathematics, there is nothing absolutely better or worse. It depends on your objective. We also welcome more varied views and discussion about it from other parents. Thank you so much.

Team Scharff

[titank]

Hi Team Scharff


Would a child starting at Age 6 that begins with VIP Scharff adequately prepare for P1?

[Team Scharff]

Dear Titank,


Thank you for your enquiry. Yes, the objective of our programme is to enable students to adapt and learn in the P1 environment without sweat or fear. Students without some basic skills may find it hard to catch up with the fast pace in today’s school environment. Besides specific skills, we inculcate the proper way to learn, ie paying full attention, active understanding and responsible revision. Syllabus we touch on include introduction of ordinal numbers, number bond, addition up to 20, subtraction up to 20, model drawing for problem sums, time to the hour and half-hour, word problem involving addition or subtraction of money in dollars (or cents only), and pattern recognition.

Thank you.

Team Scharff

[ChiefKiasu]

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