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6 ADVANTAGES MATH TUITION CENTRES HAVE OVER HOME-BASED TUITION IN SINGAPORE

29 January 2024

BY: matrixmath

It seems convenient to have a tutor come to your home to tutor your kids, but there is more to consider before you decide whether this is the way to go. Let’s look at the pros and cons of Home-based tuition. 1. PERSONALISED TUITION A home-based tuition setting is obviously an advantage as the tutor can focus on your child’s specific areas of weakness. The lessons can be set according to the child’s speed of learning. Plus, your child’s attention will be fully on the lesson and not elsewhere. The general thought is that group classes don’t give that personal attention, but at Matrix Math, that is not the case. We keep our classes small so the teacher can address each child’s concerns easily. Also, we provide customised workbooks to all our students based on their individual assessments. So your child is really getting private tuition but with all the benefits of a group setting, learning from peers as well as the teacher. 2. CUSTOMISED MATERIALS Home-based tuition will also allow the tutor to come up with learning materials customised to the lesson planned. However, this is no different at Matrix Math. All our lessons are planned ahead of time with specific teaching materials linked to each lesson. 3.FLEXIBLE SCHEDULING It’s true that you can alter the timings of the lessons to revolve around your personal timetable if it’s a home-based tuition. However, while this is handy for you, you need to question whether it is to the benefit of your child’s learning. Having the fixed schedule of centre-based learning adds a routine to your child’s study habits, which benefits them in the long run. 4.A SUITABLE TUTOR When you arrange home-based tuition for your child, you will select the tutor your child feels comfortable learning from and you can change over time if you find the tutor not suitable. While you don’t get that benefit in centre-based tuition, you do get access to qualified tutors who have already been vetted by the centre. Here at Matrix Math, all our tutors are trained to deliver our lessons using the same time-tested results-driven method and are highly qualified to deliver results for your child not just in terms of maths knowledge but in their connection to each child. And at the end of the day, that’s what matters. 5. GREATER PARENT INVOLVEMENT If you hire a private tutor to come to your home to deliver tuition lessons to your child, you get the benefit of updated progress at every lesson if you so choose. That means you tend to feel more invested and involved in your child’s progress. The general consensus is that you don’t get this connection with tuition centres. However, at Matrix Math, we provide regular reports and updates on your child’s progress. You don’t need these every single lesson as it takes time for learning to progress to be able to give a meaningful report. And if we feel that your child is not keeping up, we will intervene early and discuss the options with you. So you aren’t missing out on being involved when your child is with Matrix Math. 6. BUDGET Home-based tuition is often much more expensive per hour than tuition you’d find in a centre for obvious reasons. At Matrix Math, we are able to keep rates affordable because we can supply one tutor to a group. But the great thing about Matrix Math is you are getting one-to-one tuition attention at lower group prices.

COMMON MISTAKES PARENTS MAKE WHEN ESTABLISHING ROUTINES

25 January 2024

BY: jeanette

Having been in the tuition industry for over a decade, we have had a fair share of interactions and conversations with parents. We have noticed that one of the recurring themes across is the struggle to get the little ones to sit down and tackle their homework. This often boils down to establishing routines. Creating effective routines is a bit like learning to ride a bike – you might wobble a bit before finding your balance. In this article, let’s look at some of the common mistakes parents make when establishing routines and how learning from these experiences can refine your approach to make family life smoother. Mistake 1: One-Size-Fits-All Approach Falling into the trap of adopting a universal routine for siblings, assuming it suits everyone’s needs. What you can do instead: Embrace the uniqueness of each child. Tailor routines to accommodate individual preferences, ages, and responsibilities. What works for one child might not work for another, and that’s perfectly okay. If bedtime routines vary among siblings, consider personalized elements like choosing bedtime stories or having individual winding-down activities. Mistake 2: Overly Rigid Schedules Crafting routines that resemble military precision, leaving little room for spontaneity or unexpected events. What you can do instead: Build flexibility into your routines. Life is dynamic, and rigid schedules can lead to stress when disruptions occur. Embrace a balance between structure and adaptability. Rather than scheduling every minute, designate flexible time blocks. This allows for adjustments without derailing the entire routine. Mistake 3: Ignoring Your Child’s Input Dictating routines without considering your children’s preferences, leading to potential resistance. What you can do instead: Involve your children in the decision-making process. When they have a say in their routines, they’re more likely to embrace and participate in them. Let your child choose a preferred activity during playtime or decide on a healthy meal option for dinner. Mistake 4: Neglecting Regular Reviews Assuming a routine set in stone will remain effective over time, disregarding the need for regular reviews. What you can do instead: Periodically evaluate the effectiveness of your routines. As children grow, their needs change, and routines should evolve accordingly. Reassess bedtime routines as your child advances in school or consider adjusting morning routines to accommodate new responsibilities. Parenting is a journey of constant adaptation, and routines are no exception. We hope that the above helps you in creating a harmonious routine that aligns with the ever-changing dynamics of family life. Remember, it’s okay to wobble a bit – refining your routine approach is all part of the ride!

10 THINGS TO NOTE BEFORE PSLE MATH EXAM

27 December 2023

BY: matrixmath

10 things to note before a maths exam. The PSLEs are looming! Now’s the time to really get prepared to study effectively in the week coming up to the exams. Here are 10 tips that will help!

5 THINGS TO KNOW WHEN PREPARING FOR SECONDARY 1 MATHS

21 December 2023

BY: matrixmath

Preparing for Secondary 1 maths? Maths is a vital subject to master and making that big move from Primary school into Secondary is a time of uncertainty. How different will the maths be?

COULD YOU BE WORRYING UNNECESSARILY ABOUT YOUR CHILD’S ACADEMIC FUTURE?

19 December 2023

BY: matrixmath

Could you be worrying unnecessarily about your child’s academic future?

6 EASY WAYS TO CHOOSE A SINGAPORE MATHS TUTOR

15 December 2023

BY: matrixmath

When it comes to selecting a maths tutor for your child, there’s no shortage to be had. With so many to choose from, how do you make a good decision that will do right by your child and your pocket?

ARE ERRORS COSTING YOU MARKS IN YOUR MATHS EXAMS?

14 December 2023

BY: matrixmath

Are errors costing you marks in your maths exams? It’s one thing to lose marks because you don’t understand the question or don’t have the knowledge needed to work out the problem.

UNLOCKING SUCCESS: THE CRUCIAL ROLE OF PRIMARY MATHS TUITION IN EXCELLING AT PSLE MATHS

23 November 2023

BY: matrixmath

How primary math tuition prepare your child for PSLE maths? When we mention “Mathematics”, your mind might jump to PSLE Maths. But do you know the subject plays a more significant role in your child’s life than academics? In Singapore, maths is a crucial requirement when it comes to certain occupations and is, of course, used in daily life. Therefore, building a strong foundation for your child to excel is necessary from a young age, and this is where Primary Maths Tuition steps in. What are the challenges of PSLE Maths questions? Complexity: If your child does not have a firm grasp of the subject during their earlier years of schooling, then PSLE Maths will be a challenge. This is because the exam builds upon concepts introduced in the previous years of their education. Without a solid understanding of the fundamentals, it is akin to building a house without proper support, which becomes increasingly unstable. The exam typically includes a mix of difficulty levels. While some questions are relatively straightforward, others may be deemed as challenging. Therefore, students must be prepared to tackle a wide range of problems, which can be intimidating if they have not developed a strong foundation. Critical thinking: PSLE Maths exam questions often require a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts. Your child is not only expected to solve problems but also to explain their solutions and demonstrate that they understand the principles behind them. For students who have not grasped the fundamentals or relied on rote learning, the exam can be demanding. Word problems: Word problems, common in PSLE Maths, require your child to translate real-world scenarios into mathematical equations. This can be challenging for those who struggle with reading comprehension. Additionally, it demands applying mathematical concepts to potentially unfamiliar situations, involving the need to adapt between different problem-solving scenarios.  What are the benefits of Primary Math tuition for PSLE Math? Personalised attention and feedback In a typical classroom setting, it can be difficult for a teacher to provide individual attention to each student. Maths tuition, on the other hand, offers smaller class sizes or one-to-one sessions, allowing tutors to focus on each child’s specific needs. Through Matrix Math’s scientific diagnostic tests, we can identify your child’s abilities and weaknesses to create tailored lessons for crafting individualised learning experiences. Regular feedback from the tutor helps students track their progress, identify areas that need improvement, and make the necessary changes to their study plans. With our teacher-to-student ratio 1:6, you can rest assured that your child’s needs are met. Enhanced confidence and motivation Building confidence is essential for excelling in PSLE Maths, as nerves can easily take over during the exam, leading to your child’s mind going blank due to panic. At our primary maths tuition center, we aim to build a strong foundation in each of our students, helping them consolidate what they have learned in their previous years of schooling. This can boost their self-esteem as they begin to grasp concepts previously found to be challenging. Efficient preparation for exams When preparing for PSLE Maths, primary maths tuition can be crucial. Students may be provided with practice papers and mock tests to simulate exam conditions. Matrix Math provides structured workbook practice designed to guide students as they progress through topics and concepts. This approach helps learners recognise patterns and apply consistent problem-solving strategies to similar types of questions. It not only reinforces their understanding but also enhances their efficiency when tackling a variety of maths problems. Improved problem-solving skills  Primary maths tuition often strongly emphasises problem-solving skills, which are an essential aspect of PSLE Maths. Students learn to break down complex problems into manageable steps, identify relevant information, and apply the appropriate solutions. These strategies are crucial during the exam, as questions often require multi-step thinking. How can you choose the right Primary Math tuition center? There are hundreds of tuition providers in Singapore, and choosing the right one can be daunting. Let’s get to know some key factors which can be used to determine how you can pick the right primary maths tuition center for your child. Class size: When you send your child to a tuition class, you want them to reach their full potential. And this requires personalised feedback and guidance, instead of a generalised approach. In a regular classroom, teachers may find providing such attention to every student challenging. Therefore, look for a center with small class sizes to have your child learn in a comfortable environment and enhance their learning experience. An example of this is Matrix Math, which has a teacher-to-student ratio of 1:6 to ensure every student gets the attention they need. Reviews and testimonials: Take a look at social media and forums, or ask for recommendations from family and friends. This can help you narrow down your choices in selecting the right primary maths tuition center for your child. By going through reviews from parents, you can have a glimpse into the effectiveness of their teaching methods and how they may impact the academic performance of your child. Browse through our testimonials, where you can find firsthand experiences from parents who have entrusted us with their children’s educational journey. Teaching methods: When selecting a math tuition center for your child, it’s vital to consider factors that align closely with their educational needs and aspirations. Key aspects to look for include a curriculum that mirrors the local education system, such as the Singapore MOE syllabus, to ensure that your child’s learning in the center complements their school education. An emphasis on reasoning and problem-solving skills in the teaching approach can significantly enhance your child’s understanding and application of math concepts, moving beyond mere rote learning. Small class sizes are also beneficial, as they offer more individualised attention and support from teachers. Moreover, the qualifications and experience of the educators, along with the center’s track record in preparing students for pivotal exams like the PSLE, are crucial considerations. An additional essential factor is the research and development behind

10 PROBLEM-SOLVING ACTIVITIES FOR PRESCHOOLERS

23 November 2023

BY: matrixmath

In preschool, teaching children problem-solving skills is incredibly important. It is like giving them tools to think, make decisions, and handle things on their own. These skills are not just crucial for academic success, but also prepare them for life beyond the classroom. That is why we at Matrix Math are bringing you ten engaging activities that mix problem-solving with maths, transforming learning numbers into a cool adventure. When children figure things out by themselves, it can make learning fun, and maths begins to feel like second nature.