Comparing Math Enrichment Programmes

[iwork]

Sometimes, you might be able to find good enrichment program by not so established centres. It actually depends on the students and the teachers. The Math Enrichment programs supposed to be fun, engaging, and yet challenging in a manageable ways. So going with the masses, might not help you. So look and ask around, you might find a suitable and reasonably priced one.

[Yngmng]

WorriedDadto3:

ctct61t:

My DD will be in P3 next year, and she is not so strong in her math, want to find a good math tution center for her. After explorer here for a few days, i found below are some good center recommanded by parents. I don't know which one is better, hope can get more feedbacks from kiasuparents...Or any other good one I missed?


1. Math Hub
2. Global education
3. The learning lab
4. kumor
5. MPM (seems for small kids)
6. Enopi (seems for small kids)


Thanks a lot...

Some of the centres are more of an enrichment nature and requires the students to be of a certain standard to benefit. Take for instance, Maths Hub, its materials comprised maths olympiad questions. Is there any area that your child is weak in? Will your child learn better in a group or individual lessons? Group lessons work well for children that are not easily distracted.

My DD attends onsponge which focus on problem sums. From K2 to P2, she was attending mpm. I think she has benefited from both. Beside the materials, the tutors are also important.

[passioninlearning]

WorriedDadto3:

ctct61t:

My DD will be in P3 next year, and she is not so strong in her math, want to find a good math tution center for her. After explorer here for a few days, i found below are some good center recommanded by parents. I don't know which one is better, hope can get more feedbacks from kiasuparents...Or any other good one I missed?


1. Math Hub
2. Global education
3. The learning lab
4. kumor
5. MPM (seems for small kids)
6. Enopi (seems for small kids)


Thanks a lot...

funny as it seems but kumon may only help in the calculation part but not the problem sums part. my son was there since young. ok for p1 but p2 for psle was disasterous and this was on top of another tuition center my wife sent him to for additional coaching.

:gloomy:

Frankly speaking, there is no 'one size fits all' method.A good centre or tutor for student A may not be the same for student B. It's just like some hawkers who has won several awards, and we see long queues, but when we finally lay our hands on it, some may not feel that it is worth the dollar.

Ultimately, it makes sense to consider the following:

1) Fundamentals vs enrichment
2) Centre-based vs private tutoring.


Hope this helps.


Regards,
Eric
passioninlearning.wordpress.com

[justMommy]

Thanks!


Called up and chatted with the tutor. He seems youthful and energetic. Sounds like a good fit for my kid. Haha

CatMoon:

justMommy:

Have anyone heard of Indigo Math? I saw their advert at TKK mrt station. I heard they have a good math programme with engaging teachers.

My son has been going to Indigo Maths for Sec 2 IP for two years. He likes the lessons and the tutors go the extra mile to motivate and challenge the students. Also, the centre follows the IP syllabus in school closely so my boy is slightly ahead of the class. If he missed a lesson, we just sms the tutor and he emails the worksheets to us for my boy to do at home.

[Grr_roxy]

Hi,

A lot of posts about Indigo centre are very fishy. Parents, you have to be careful. Run a check of those "parents" who posted and you will know why. I am not against anyone but just angry for people who misled parents like us who truly wants to find a suitable tutor or center for our kiddos.

[kitty2]

Grr_roxy:

Hi,

A lot of posts about Indigo centre are very fishy. Parents, you have to be careful. Run a check of those \"parents\" who posted and you will know why. I am not against anyone but just angry for people who misled parents like us who truly wants to find a suitable tutor or center for our kiddos.

:goodpost:

[passioninlearning]

For parents seeking academic assistance, please feel free to take a look at my website and contact me if you require assistance.


Regards,
Eric
passioninlearning.wordpress.com

[nms1]

My husband is keen to sign our son (P3 this year) up for maths tuition at Learning Lab. We managed to get a slot on Saturday afternoon but it’s immediately after his Chinese tuition and means that he basically loses his whole Saturday afternoon.


I am reluctant as we have to commit for a whole term ($1300+) with no option to pull out if he doesn’t like it and no option for a trial. I’m also not a true ‘kiasu’ parent; he is doing OK in maths but doesn’t really enjoy it so I feel that it is a bit of overkill.

Anyone have any comments on what the classes are like? What is the format? Is it more individual or participative? What are the teachers like? Do they always teach ahead of the syllabus? The T&Cs make it sound like a mortal sin to miss a class!

[shinpai]

nms1:

My husband is keen to sign our son (P3 this year) up for maths tuition at Learning Lab. We managed to get a slot on Saturday afternoon but it's immediately after his Chinese tuition and means that he basically loses his whole Saturday afternoon.


I am reluctant as we have to commit for a whole term ($1300+) with no option to pull out if he doesn't like it and no option for a trial. I'm also not a true 'kiasu' parent; he is doing OK in maths but doesn't really enjoy it so I feel that it is a bit of overkill.

Anyone have any comments on what the classes are like? What is the format? Is it more individual or participative? What are the teachers like? Do they always teach ahead of the syllabus? The T&Cs make it sound like a mortal sin to miss a class!

Hi, the biggest problem is the staff turnover rate for Math and Science teachers is super high. Go to glassdoor.com to read up and you will know why. Secondly, there are also many young teachers who are not MOE trained. They do not have prior teaching experience from Primary Schools so some of these teachers have issues delivering the lessons well. Do remember to ask for experienced ex-school teachers only, otherwise $1300 down the drain and worse still, it is wasting the child's precious time of 1hr45min.

I would say almost all students at learning lab are average ability and above. However, no one can really tell if they are naturally already smart or benefitted from the tuition. Most students in my DD's class get 85 marks and above in their SAs and they are from top schools where exam papers are not at all easy.

For Eng, there are a few niche classes meant for HA students but most are mixed ability. HA students are identified through regular class work, test and CW.

For Math, there is no segregation of classes by ability but the worksheets that the students get to do can be different. Depending on the student's understanding of a topic, teacher may give an easier or more challenging worksheet. Their easier worksheet is not exactly that easy as the standard is still higher than school. The pace is faster than my DD's school, 1 unit ahead. If you miss a class, you can very easily join a replacement class with a valid reason. There are so many different timings and slots to choose from.

For Science, segregation is by school clusters, not results. Schools that teach in the same sequence by topics are grouped together. During registration, you will be told which is the correct menu for your child's school. In total, there are 8 or 9 different menus. Each menu has at least 5 different timings to choose from.

I am not sure about the Chinese Lab as for CL, I think we have other better choices. Cheaper and more established ones.

[FantasyLandDreams]

Hi shinpai

May I know for English HA class at TLL, what is the criteria? 85 marks and above? They kind of refuse to disclose when I enquire, with a blanket answer of ‘we will give you the most suitable class at point of enrollment and will assess along the way as well and you can always feedback if you find the existing class not suitable for your child’ given only.

Also, what is CW mentioned above? Thanks.