Singapore Maths Tuition - University and JC

Individual and small group maths tuition in Singapore - University and Junior College

How tuition can help students excel in the International Baccalaureate’s Math Exploration project

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From the Editorial Team
12th September 2022

The International Baccalaureate allows students to take subjects at Higher Level (HL) or Standard Level (SL). In particular, students choosing to undertake the IB curriculum need to decide whether to take the Mathematics subject at HL or SL. A major component of the IB curriculum for Mathematics is the written report titled the “Math Exploration”.

In both the HL and SL curriculum, there is a Math Exploration which students must write. The Math Exploration consists of an original report where students must choose a topic of interest, undertake research on the topic, solve the problem presented in the thesis statement and formulate a conclusion. The Math Exploration will contain workings in a demonstration of the solving of the problem in the thesis statement and is not purely theoretical.

Furthermore, a critical aspect of the Math Exploration is an explanation as to why the student has chosen the topic. This section requires creativity as the answer that “I chose this topic to finish my Math Exploration” is unacceptable. The student must reach further and explain the underlying implications of the Math Exploration in the real world.

An example of a Math Exploration topic is the exploration of how encryption keys are created and decrypted by the recipient using a formula. A student would need to explain his/her interest in encryption keys and the current situation where hacking into personal data is becoming increasingly common. As such, more complex encryption keys are required to keep people’s data safe. The student would need to demonstrate how encryption keys are created and then decoded upon reaching the intended recipient of the data, and conclude that as time passes and computers get more and more sophisticated, more complex formulas are needed to encrypt and decrypt pieces of data.

Turning to the subject of this article, tuition could assist in the choosing of a topic and the explanation in the Math Exploration as the tutor would have a macro view of Mathematics as a whole and would be able to recommend good ideas for the student to undertake. As tutors will have a university-level knowledge of the subject, they would be able to assist the student in where to look during the research process and tidy up the workings used in the proving of the thesis statement. A tutor could help the student craft the section on why the student is interested in a particular topic by teaching the student about the real-life implications and uses of a particular formula or area of Mathematics.

As the IB curriculum requires independent research, some may wonder about the effectiveness of tutors in crafting these written assignments as tutors are usually found to help students drill with exam questions. The role of a tutor as a guide in the field of Mathematics to undertake research is perhaps, less thought of. However, IB tutors must assist students in writing such independent research assignments if they require help, as often, such writing assignments are new to students who have not experienced the Integrated Programme (IP) which prepares students for the IB programme. Students who have undertaken O Levels are accustomed to preparing for a major exam using past questions and have a lot to learn about writing a report and conducting research.

As such, tuition centres preparing their students for the IB programme ought to make the necessary arrangements for their tutors to assist their students in crafting a well-researched and succinct Math Exploration.

The importance of soft skills in Singapore’s education system

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From the Editorial Team
2nd September 2022

Although the Singaporean education system ranks highly among its counterparts all around the world, there are some things which are necessary in navigating the real world, but are difficult to be taught.

It is important for students to develop soft skills such as problem-solving, intellectual curiosity, and emotional intelligence. However, these aspects cannot necessarily be taught in school, in the traditional classroom setting.

The Singaporean education system has attempted to balance the need to develop soft skills by encouraging students to take up a host of Co-curricular Activities (CCA), ranging from creative arts, sports, and uniformed groups.

Furthermore, there are plenty of opportunities for students to develop their problem-solving skills and creativity in the myriad of competitions and external events schools in Singapore undoubtedly encourage their students to participate in.

By getting involved in activities outside studying, students will be able to build a diverse portfolio of experiences which bring out positive skills such as team management, coordinating their limited time and resources, and a curiosity to discover more about the world around them.

Students participating in such activities and opportunities should not merely view these events as a mandatory chore, necessary to boost their prospects for future universities or their resumes, but should strive to learn more from these experiences. The quality of curiosity is highly important in students being able to exercise their critical thinking skills, as only a curious student will have the motivation to find out why he or she is wrong or right, and how to better themselves.

In addition, parents should not view such activities as a hindrance to their schooling and development. They should encourage their children to pursue such activities as it is important for them to experience life outside academics and gain the necessary exposure to not only survive, but thrive.

Four new courses to be included under SkillsFuture Singapore’s Work-Study initiative

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19th August 2022

SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) will be adding four new courses for inclusion under the Work-Study initiative next year. These include courses in the areas of customer experience management, agriculture and aquaculture technology, facilities management, and aerospace engineering.

Speaking at the launch of Work-Study Fair 2022 at Temasek Polytechnic, Mr Foo Piao Zhou, group director of training partners group at SSG, said the initiative gives graduates opportunities to learn industry-relevant skills and constantly reinvent themselves. The programme enables polytechnic and ITE graduates to gain industry-recognised qualifications with on-the-job training and classroom learning.

In addition, Second Minister for Education Maliki Osman highlighted the importance of upskilling as Singapore recovers economically.

Professor Tan Tai Yong to be new president of Singapore University of Social Sciences

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21 July 2022

Professor Tan Tai Yong will be the new president of the Singapore University of Social Sciences from next year.

He will take over from the school’s current founding president, Professor Cheong Hee Kiat.

Prof Tan received his doctorate at Cambridge University. He was previously president and professor of humanities (history) at Yale-NUS College. He played an active role in shaping the college’s academic programme, including its common curriculum and integrating academic and residential life.

Prof Tan also served as a Nominated Member of Parliament from 2014 to 2015, and was awarded the Public Service Medal in 2020.

Help smaller companies communicate their skills training needs to enable educational institutions to respond rapidly

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14 May 2022

Education Minister Chan Chun Sing has said that Singapore must innovate to help smaller companies communicate their skills training needs so that training institutions can respond quickly.

Mr Chan said SkillsFuture Singapore has plans to partner these organisations to identify skills that are in demand and to develop skills-based career pathways.

Mr Chan noted that many companies want to train their workers but do not know how to articulate this need. He said the National Centre of Excellence for Workplace Learning (Nace), which is led by Nanyang Polytechnic, has done much to strengthen support structures for workplace learning.

Last year, Nace also launched the National Workplace Learning Certification scheme, he added. It recognises progressive organisations that have structures and processes in place for good training practices at the workplace.

Increase places for adult learners in Singapore’s universities to create new pathways for skills upgrading

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30 March 2022

There is a need to increase places for adult learners in Singapore’s universities in order to create a pathway for Singaporeans to upgrade their skills for new jobs and fill existing roles.

Education Minister Chan Chun Sing recently announced that the Ministry of Education would study the possibility of a higher lifetime cohort participation rate in education. MOE would consider allowing more working adults to get places in government-funded degree programmes.

In Parliament, Mr Chan also said Singapore’s institutes of higher learning, which include the six autonomous universities, five polytechnics and the Institute of Technical Education, must review their programmes with adult learners in mind.

Singapore schools to remove mid-year examinations starting next year

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17 March 2022

Primary and Secondary Schools in Singapore will remove mid-year examinations next year, as part of an overall shift of focus away from academic grades and tests. This will free up about three weeks of curriculum time per level for teachers to use more varied and engaging ways of learning.

According to Education Minister Chan Chun Sing, this policy builds on earlier efforts to give students space to develop their interests, and to focus on their learning rather than on marks.

The removal of mid-year exams will give more space to developing life skills such as dealing with failure and adaptability. These include self-directed learning and developing 21st century competencies like knowledge, skills and values that students will need to thrive in the new economy and interconnected world.

Government to investigate how youths and students access and utilize mental health resources

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25 February 2022

The Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth and the National Youth Council have commissioned a new study to investigate how youth navigate the mental health system.

The results of the study will be used to formulate policies to improve support for youth mental health and well-being.

The study will study how 30 young people search for mental health information and support from government agencies and community service providers. The participants will comprise young people in institutes of higher learning, those transitioning through life stages such as graduating from university or starting work, as well as young working adults between one and three years into their careers

It is hoped that mapping how youth navigate the mental health system can provide the Government with a better understanding of their lived experiences, including challenges in accessing mental health information, resources and services.

Email Address

ngejaysuss@gmail.com

Handphone Number

9724-0163 (Mr Ng)

Academic Qualifications

Ph.D. in Mathematics;
B.Sc. First Class Honours in Mathematics