MPM Maths - Discussion

[edrickelleon]

Hi,


My kid just promoted to K1 and am thinking of signing him for Math programme.
I'm pondering bt MPM, CMA & Math Monkey.
Had read through a series of forum on these 3 and I must say, more choices and information makes me more stupid

Base on the information I've collated, both CMA & Math Monkey promotes mental calculation in different techniques whereby some comments on MPM here says it does not train foundation but logical thinking & process thinking skills?

I've not see CMA but I guess it's pretty much abacus.
Math Monkey uses Vedic Math to solve problem sums and I saw their tutorial examples on their website, which honestly, impressive in the sense it makes those complicated multiplication problems seems easy but I do not think it teaches about the proper math concepts and u can't use the techniques as working on the exam paper.
As for MPM, their website is basically just literature preaching about problem solving skills, without examples, I really can't tell now...if anyone can share any example of what they meant by logical/ problem solving skills, it would be very much appreciated..

My take is, math is not about absolute numbers although initially it may seem so, but it definitely is about logical thinking and problem solving. So for the moment, MPM seems to be my 1st choice as I think that's a basic and concept of math, whereby CMA & Math Monkey are just different methods in derving at the absolute answer. But then again, both CMA & Math Monkey are very strong alternatives in that context where having the right answers in the exam papers = academic results...So as a kiasu parent, it's like I want my kid to learn the right thing to set his concepts and foundation right, but yet provide him with alternatives so he can use it as a quick fix whenever his conceptual get's stuck .

I'm really torn with these choices...can anyone help??

[laughingcat]

My DS1 used to learn abacus but i can’t keep up and personally it can’t help much in terms of problem solving and logical thinking as the purpose of abacus is not on that but speed up on mental calculation. It just deficts my puropose and my DS1 just doesn’t like to be fast as he like meticulous step by step calculation.


As for vedic maths, it is somewhat exploring different technique in getting the answer quick by looking at numbers through unothordox short cuts. Interesting i must say as i found that i used that kind of technique while i was in the uni and I taught my DS on that. Truthfully one must grasp the mathematics foundation first before exploring different methods in getting the answer. My DS1 likes it alot but i view it as another area for him to see different permutation to playing with numbers. IMO, mathematics concept is more important in lower primary.

Based on your 3 selections, MPM somewhat gears towards this direction in establishing mathematics concept. You get to see basic modelling and the beginning of the first few workbooks covers basic mathematics concept. Some of the worksheets covers some portion of montessori as well.

I suggest that you think through what exactly you want your child to learn and what your child is good at first. Then find an enrichment class that can bring out the best in him.

[edrickelleon]

Hi laughingcat,


thanks. I'm think i will now settle with either CMA & MPM.

Base on what I've found out, I think both r good in fact. Saw some samples worksheet and tutorial online and MPM helps with the concept and actually helps my boy in K1 to develop his fine motor skills which he's weak in.

CMA helps with numbers through mental calculation which is something i hope my boy can be good at because I think even in problem sums, after deriving whether to subtract or multiply and etc, if you are good in number relation, it makes it much easier and speed in exams is also important to complete the paper, which I remembered back in school days, I'm always having the pressure to complete the paper on time and need to factor in the time for checking as well for careless mistakes...:)

I guess I will try to sign up trial lessons for both and see it for myself before deciding.

Thanks alot.

Thanks alot for your help

[edrickelleon]

btw, i’m keen to find out more about the MPM bukit timah branch.

My kid is 5 so just want to know if they offer the jelic programme?
is this branch good?

[SAHM_TAN]

edrickelleon:

btw, i'm keen to find out more about the MPM bukit timah branch.

My kid is 5 so just want to know if they offer the jelic programme?
is this branch good?

Do you mean the one in Coronation Plaza?

[edrickelleon]

SAHM_TAN:

Do you mean the one in Coronation Plaza?

the one at beauty world

[SAHM_TAN]

edrickelleon:

SAHM_TAN:

Do you mean the one in Coronation Plaza?

the one at beauty world

:oops: That one I do not know

[edrickelleon]

no prob, thanks..i just phone them up n very helpful guy..spoke for like half hr and will be send my kid for assessment next friday...hope he likes it :xedfingers:

[jnemummy]

hi, does anyone have kids at MPM Bishan branch? I just move to Bishan area and thinking of sending my P1 girl there.

[iLoveChubby]

jnemummy:

hi, does anyone have kids at MPM Bishan branch? I just move to Bishan area and thinking of sending my P1 girl there.

Hi jnemummy!
My kids are not with MPM but hv visited Bishan branch twice b4 and spoke to Margaret (pic) as MPM was one of my considerations.
Since all MPM have the same materials, it all boils down to the teachers, environment, class size etc to determine if you wish to place your DD there.
Bishan branch is small, they rented a room fr a tuition centre - you may wish to go down, visit e pl, chk out e materials and speak to e teacher.
Personally i feel that Toa Payoh branch is more conductive environment.