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.

Graduates from Singapore Institute of Technology now find it easier to secure full-time employment

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12th September 2022

Fresh graduates from the Singapore Institute of Technology are also finding it easier to secure full-time employment. In the class of 2021, 86 per cent of SIT graduates secured full-time permanent jobs. Overall, 95.6 per cent of the 2021 cohort found employment, including part-time work, within six months of graduation.

SIT graduates obtained a median gross monthly salary of $3,550 last year, compared with $3,500 in 2020.

Like in previous years, graduates from SIT’s information and communications technology (ICT) programmes commanded higher wages. SIT also observed significant recovery for graduates in the tourism and built environment sectors.

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.

Postgraduate students at the Singapore Management University to receive a broadly diversified education

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2nd September 2022

Masters and Ph.D. students at the Singapore Management University can now take courses and programmes from a range of disciplines such as law, commerce and technology at SMU’s new College of Graduate Research Studies.

The new college is the university’s eighth school. Education Minister Chan Chun Sing said that the new college represents SMU’s efforts to build up its research capabilities. Apart from its impactful research, the university has also been good at integrating disciplines, Mr Chan also noted.

SMU’s newly created college will collaborate with other schools, including the Yong Pung How School of Law, to launch a new interdisciplinary PhD programme in Law, Commerce and Technology. Students will learn organisational and computational law, preparing them for the technological changes impacting the legal services industry.

Nanyang Technological University to create School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology

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2nd September 2022

Nanyang Technological University will merge its engineering and chemistry departments to create a new School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology.

NTU students will be able to take courses straddling different disciplines, and embark on interdisciplinary education and research. The school will enable engineering students to better understand the fundamental science behind their work. Likewise, science students, too, will gain a better understanding of the applications of their studies.

Previously, the Singapore Management University has established a new college that will allow master’s and PhD students to take courses and programmes from a range of disciplines such as law, commerce and technology.

NUS has also said it would merge Yale-NUS College with the University Scholars Programme, as well as combine the Faculty of Engineering with the School of Design and Environment to form the College of Design and Engineering.

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.

DPM Heng Swee Keat on what makes a good school

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11th August 2022

Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat has shared his suggestions on what makes a good school.

The slogan “Every School a Good School” was popularised by Mr Heng when he was education minister from 2011 to 2015.

First, Mr Heng suggested that students should take a broader view of what “good” means. He told students not to get pigeonholed by their grades or use their grades as their primary measure of success.

Second, Mr Heng said that diversity must be central to the student experience.

Lastly, he said that a good education must continue to emphasise a spirit of service.

Public Service Commission launches scholarships in the field of sustainability

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8th August 2022

The Public Service Commission has created a new category of scholarships in the field of sustainability.

Students under these scholarships will have opportunities to work in different sectors of the public service, focusing on sustainability initiatives and policies.

Education Minister Chan Chun Sing, who is also the Minister-in-Charge of the Public Service, said the new scholarships will help Singapore build its capability to cope with climate change.

The sustainability scholarships will fund both undergraduate and master’s programmes, and are targeted at those with a keen interest in areas like climate change, clean energy, urban planning and green financing.

Email Address

ngejaysuss@gmail.com

Handphone Number

9724-0163 (Mr Ng)

Academic Qualifications

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