2012 PSLE Discussions and Strategy

[jtoh]

DSA is for those who have exhibited exceptional ability in a particular academic domain, sport or aesthetic field over and beyond that of their peers. So if your child is planning to apply for DSA under Math domain, then of course Math Olympiad results are very important. If not, then it’s not important. It’s nice to have and may add on to the portfolio but not that important. What’s important is to excel in the domain you have applied under, be it English, HCL, etc.


For those applying under Math domain, even a Platinum award at SMOPS doesn’t guarantee you a DSA CO these days. Things have gotten very competitive. As scm292 mentioned, the drop down menus in some DSA online applications expect you to have minimum bronze/silver etc before they even recognize it as an award in the application.

If your child is interested in Math Olympiad style questions, then go ahead and sign him up for classes. But don’t view it as a tool to DSA success. See it more as a way to challenge him mathematically.

[Flowermonaster]

Hi, my DS will be taking his PSLE next year too. I’m the lazy type of parent & is trying very hard to "psycho" my DS to study hard on his own. I am no good in Math, English & Science so can’t help him much.

I hope to be pressurized by what I see here & be able to "wakeup" & help my DS in his PSLE & not be "三分钟热度" kind of attitude.

[fifiyeo]

My DS would gladly go play with his little brother any time rather than to finish up his work. When it comes to work…he’ll just drag and drag. Been telling him to work faster so that he can have more play time but he doesn’t seem to care. Sitting there day dreaming, playing whenever I’m out of sight. Oh…it’s just so tiring having to say "hurry up…faster…stop playing…finish your school work" all day long.


Motivational courses also don’t seem to do wonder though it did improve things a little (tried it). Didn’t try Adam Khoo and Mind Champs yet 'cos the price tags are really high and I’m wondering if I’m going to throw my $$ away again.

[fifiyeo]

Does Math Olympiad questions help in daily school Math?


If the class is interesting, my DS will probably learn something. But if it's just another ordinary class.....he'll just be up to mischief! :nunchuk:

[vksp]

It is important to know why there is lack of motivation. (a) For some it is because they cannot do some subject well. If they are good at something, they want to do it more. If they find it difficult, they give up. One way is to be selective with assessments questions, going for questions that are easy, and gradually increase the diffculty level. (b) For others, it might be because his friends don’t study. It is not cool to study. Too little pressure from parents (d) Too much pressure from parents (e) etc.


I also suggest reading the book "PSLE Survival Guide for the Family". It is about a mischievous (a not really motivated) kid taking PSLE. It uses very simple English. Try reading it as a family. This is much cheaper than those motivational camps. Being a book, you can read it several times over several months. Perhaps, this can bring a sustained impact with little cost.

[8228]

fifiyeo:

Does Math Olympiad questions help in daily school Math?


If the class is interesting, my DS will probably learn something. But if it's just another ordinary class.....he'll just be up to mischief! :nunchuk:

Someone told me that doing Maths Olympiad questions may help the student deal with the few difficult PSLE questions.

[Otah]

vlim:

Edureach:

[quote=\"fifiyeo\"]Yuh.....Attitude is the key. Now the question is how to change that ATTITUDE??? Sigh..............

Adam Khoo learning and Mindchamp are good in mind training not normal tuition centres. If you hve no other alternatives, go there to explore.

Heard during the few days camp,...they will inspire kids to set a target for their PSLE results..[/quote]According to some who attended Adam khoo, the inspiration only last them a short while, they will soon be back to square again.

[Otah]

8228:

I attended Mindchamp preview. The course is very expensive.

I overheard one grandma who spent $8000 for the grandson to attend that mindchamp gives money back warranty for the kids to past PSLE, and she feel like buying an insurance for her grandson.

[jtoh]

Otah:

8228:

I attended Mindchamp preview. The course is very expensive.

I overheard one grandma who spent $8000 for the grandson to attend that mindchamp gives money back warranty for the kids to past PSLE, and she feel like buying an insurance for her grandson.

What is the definition of 'passing PSLE' though?

[8228]

vksp:

I also suggest reading the book \"PSLE Survival Guide for the Family\". It is about a mischievous (a not really motivated) kid taking PSLE. It uses very simple English. Try reading it as a family. This is much cheaper than those motivational camps. Being a book, you can read it several times over several months. Perhaps, this can bring a sustained impact with little cost.

My ds was smiling while reading the book.