Many students often feel a sense of dread when it comes to mathematics. Unlike subjects that allow for more subjective interpretation, maths requires precise answers. While school teachers play a pivotal role in helping students overcome math anxiety, additional support from math tutors can be just as crucial.
Sirius Mathematics in Singapore is led by Chang Chiou Yen, a seasoned math tuition teacher with a proven track record of guiding students to academic success. As the former Head of Mathematics at Raffles Institution and a former teacher at Raffles Girls’ School, Chang employs innovative teaching methods that make mathematics more approachable for students. Let’s take a look at some of the proven tips from the centre that can help students enhance their mathematical skills.
1. Understand the Root of Math Anxiety
Math anxiety in students often stems from struggles with understanding complex concepts and formulas. Without a strong foundation, these fundamental challenges can make advancing to more complex math topics harder.
Recognising this issue, Chang and other math tutors have meticulously curated a series of worksheets to help students improve. These worksheets are tailored to meet the varying educational needs of each student. Here’s how they they make a difference:
Clear Learning Outcomes
Each worksheet comes with clearly defined objectives. This helps to guide students through their learning journey and track their progress.
Concise Summaries
The student-friendly summary allows students to reinforce key concepts more easily. It also serves as a useful study aid during assessments.
2. Develop Problem-Solving Skills
A key element of succeeding in mathematics is developing problem-solving skills. Math isn’t just about memorising formulas. In fact, it also involves understanding how to approach a problem, analyse it, and identify the right solution.
At Sirius Mathematics, the emphasis is on cultivating a problem-solving mindset that students can apply throughout their academic journey. To enhance these skills, two key frameworks have been developed:
(i) Mathematical Analysis Framework
This hands-on approach encourages students to actively engage in their learning. It focuses on grasping fundamental concepts and honing problem-solving skills.
- Tinkering: Experimenting and exploring mathematical problems to grasp fundamental concepts.
- Creating: Constructing original ideas and devising solutions to problems.
- Debugging: Identifying and fixing mistakes to deepen understanding.
- Collaborating: Working with peers to solve problems together, promoting critical thinking.
(i) CER (Claim, Evidence, Reasoning) Framework
This framework equips students with critical thinking skills that apply more broadly. For AO3 questions, it is used to ensure the clear structuring and communication of scientific explanations. With effective math learning techniques, they become more adept at constructing logical arguments when solving problems.
- Claim: A statement that answers a specific mathematical question.
- Evidence: Data and details supporting the claim.
- Reasoning: Explains how the evidence backs up the claim, fostering deeper understanding.
3. Embrace Timely Feedback
The benefits of timely feedback in math education should not be overstated. Constructive feedback allows students to understand their progress and pinpoint areas needing improvement. As such, students are able to address weaknesses and reinforce strengths more effectively.
Math tutors at Sirius Mathematics integrate regular feedback throughout the learning process. The key is to ensure the continuous progression of students. Key initiatives include:
Consolidation Sessions
After each term, tutors offer review sessions to revisit previously learned material and key units. This contributes to easy comprehension and long-term retention.
Diverse Question Sets
Sirius provides sets of 10 to 15 thoughtfully curated questions for each topic. These questions enhance students’ adaptability in tackling different mathematical concepts.
4. Practice Makes Perfect
Another way to improve mathematical skills is by consistently working on practice questions and past year papers. In addition to familiarising students with the format and types of exam questions, this approach also reinforces their understanding of key concepts and problem-solving techniques.
When tackling a diverse range of problems regularly, students can pinpoint their strengths and weaknesses, emphasising areas that need further improvement. Ultimately, they boost their confidence and fluency in mathematics, nurturing a deeper appreciation for the subject.
Improving at maths doesn’t happen overnight. It requires patience, practice, and the right support. Sirius Mathematics’ personalised math tutoring strategies provide students with the essential tools needed to excel in the subject.
Sirius Math provides quality primary and secondary math tuition in Singapore. Whether you’re struggling with the basics or aiming to refine your advanced skills, our math tutors can help lay the foundation for your academic success.
Contact us today for more information.