Bad Teachers

[janet88]

Kids strong in models have advantage in primary school.

Son is weak in models…hubby used algebra to coach him. Tutor used own methods. It worked and kicked off an interest in math.

To be a ‘happy D’, why not for those teachers? Knowing what MOE plans to do or implement, charge $85 for 1.5 hours is better money. To be out of school radar means no need to be involved with CCA or whatever agenda.

[SAHM_TAN]

janet_lee88:

Kids strong in models have advantage in primary school.

Son is weak in models...hubby used algebra to coach him. Tutor used own methods. It worked and kicked off an interest in math.

To be a 'happy D', why not for those teachers? Knowing what MOE plans to do or implement, charge $85 for 1.5 hours is better money. To be out of school radar means no need to be involved with CCA or whatever agenda.

I find it hard to understand a person applying to teach with the mindset of I will perform minimum effort as a teacher and be a hardworking tutor. I feel something along the way something must make them decide to do that.

Let me just calculate, assuming upper primary $60/hr, 1.5 hrs = $90

Wkdays: 5 session = $450
Wkends : 8 session = $720

per month $1,170 extra, minus transportation cost maybe left with $1,000 or $900++. If tuition kid sick or school activities, the extra income might be less.

If I'm the person I will not be a happy D. My wkends are burnt and wkdays have to work later.

As a D, performance bonus is affected. I'm not sure abt the incremental pay. But definitely no promotion.

But if I perform better, the extra income will be made up thru PB, year end bonus. My wkend will not be burnt and I can have more social life.

I will only sustain such a lifestyle if I was in financial difficulty or I'm building a track record of success cases that I can publicise when I open my own tuition centre.

Of course I'm only speaking for myself.

[SAHM_TAN]

For maths, after going thru 2 yrs of primary education system with dd1, I learned that must understand the how and why. If kids only memorise the how, will not do very well. If the kids are able to understand the why then better chances of doing well.


For models, it’s just a tool. It cannot totally explain the why. But it does have it’s uses.

[senseimichael]

SAHM_TAN:

Ya, algebra cannot be used for lower primary but when the time to learn algebra, models can be used to make the transition. But not all kids need that transition. But it's a tool that can be used.

It is NOT true that algebra cannot be used, whether lower primary or upper primary. The problem is when kids do not know how to use algebraic expressions properly, destroying all their marks, even the method marks.

I had kids who used algebra in my class before, when I was in the service. When I checked out their understanding, I was quite convinced they know what to do, and did not discourage them from using it.

[senseimichael]

SAHM_TAN:

I will only sustain such a lifestyle if I was in financial difficulty or I'm building a track record of success cases that I can publicise when I open my own tuition centre.

The latter is a very common reason.

[SAHM_TAN]

senseimichael:

SAHM_TAN:

Ya, algebra cannot be used for lower primary but when the time to learn algebra, models can be used to make the transition. But not all kids need that transition. But it's a tool that can be used.

It is NOT true that algebra cannot be used, whether lower primary or upper primary. The problem is when kids do not know how to use algebraic expressions properly, destroying all their marks, even the method marks.

I had kids who used algebra in my class before, when I was in the service. When I checked out their understanding, I was quite convinced they know what to do, and did not discourage them from using it.

The instruction on the test paper is to use model method.

[senseimichael]

SAHM_TAN:

The instruction on the test paper is to use model method.

WHAT! What has happened to an inclusive and open-minded educational system? Oh wait, it was never there in the first place...

[janet88]

Models must be shown…in all homework given.

Use of algebra is discouraged until P5.

[senseimichael]

janet_lee88:

Models must be shown...in all homework given.

Use of algebra is discouraged until P5.

Models must be shown, because the teachers demand it, not because it is required in the exams paper, yes? Use of algebra is discouraged but not disallowed, yes? Or has the MOE changed so much already from 2002, when I left?

[SAHM_TAN]

senseimichael:

SAHM_TAN:

The instruction on the test paper is to use model method.

WHAT! What has happened to an inclusive and open-minded educational system? Oh wait, it was never there in the first place...

Errrrr, my dd1 in P2. After topic taught there was mini test. So I guess must show to tr have understood topic heehee