Singapore Maths Tuition - University and JC

From the Editor’s Desk
27th June 2023

In this article, a university student studying Mathematics at the university level sheds light on some of the important lessons learned during his time undertaking his Bachelor’s degree. Hopefully, aspiring Mathematics students will be inspired to undertake Mathematics at the university level with additional guidance as to what to do and how to behave.

1. Have a group to work with

The Mathematics problems at university level are no longer trivial and will, at times, require hours to solve. A second set of eyes would be helpful as peers can point out solutions to points where the student gets stuck and help with understanding the long, complex proofs. Having someone else to work on the problem sheets with and use as a sounding board for ideas could make the course feel much less difficult. Moreover, two people can cover more of the content in a shorter timeframe as compared to one person doing it alone. Students could form a study group in university where members can look out for one another. Having others doing and struggling with the same issues could help students keep a more positive mental state, as they will have people to support them through difficult times.

2. Work with simple examples

Ultimately, a student’s progress doing a degree in Mathematics is assessed based on whether they can apply existing theorems on novel problems. Students will not get by with knowing and reciting theorems. Instead, they should be able to apply them on simple examples to show why and how they are relevant if they wish to demonstrate their understanding on a topic. As theorems are extremely abstract and buried under many layers of notation, it is extremely important for students to master using simple examples in their application. As in A Levels and O Levels, it would be helpful for students to test formulas and concepts using small numbers first before doing large calculations to show their understanding of the concept.

3. Interest in topics may vary

At times, students cannot avoid certain topics in Mathematics. However, if a subject is an elective, students should consider whether studying the topic is something the student wants or whether they are taking the module because they are attracted on the surface to its name. If the student chooses a module they dislike, they will be less likely to study for the entire term. It would be more beneficial to study something a student enjoys rather than thinking about which subject sounds interesting to a potential employer. Students should read introductory material before undertaking a course before choosing a module to help them get a background of the subject. Moreover, students could ask senior students at university about their experience in certain modules, or visit forums within that university which rates courses based on the students’ experiences.

4. There is no need to solve every problem

It would be quite easy to fall into the trap of thinking that there is a need to solve every problem. Before undertaking university, most Mathematics students would be able to solve every problem in their O Level or A Level exams. It is not uncommon for university students in Mathematics to spend over 4 hours deliberating a problem. Students could feel distressed, stuck, and worried for an entire day. Students should remember that these negative feelings are not worth it as there is more to life than simply studying Mathematics.

To conclude, although studying Mathematics at the university level could seem a daunting challenge, students should take it in stride and remember that they need to keep a positive mind during their studies. Having a supportive community will help students a lot during their studies, as they will feel less lonely during their university journey, especially if they are overseas.

From the Editorial Team
1st June 2023

When people think of tuition centres, they think of intense revision, drilling, and studying to cope with the academic demands of school. However, in recent years, there has been a shift in the practices of tuition centres, where they focus more on the student’s wellbeing and mental health instead of purely academic concerns by providing additional services.

Given the increasing awareness of mental health concerns and the shift away from pure “mugging” (Singlish for studying extremely hard), tuition centres are meeting the needs of students both inside and outside the classroom by organising field trips and providing refreshments for tired students who need a pick-me-up after a long day at school.

It is arguable that these are not simply promotional gimmicks to entice parents and students to sign up to a particular tuition centre, but a good step forward in allowing the student to take breaks from their hectic and sometimes overwhelming curriculum. Students can feel more at home if they can take breaks regularly, which creates a conducive environment for learning.

1. Field Trips

To bolster their learning in classrooms, tuition centres can hold field trips for students to explore and learn outside the classroom. By exposing students to more experiences instead of knowledge in theory, students can broaden their horizons and learn more about the world around them. New experiences also encourage intellectual curiosity and creativity, as students can draw inspiration from their experiences and relate them to their classroom learning.

2. Snacks and Refreshments in a lounge

As students like to study in cafes and restaurants, tuition centres which provide snacks and a lounge for their students to study in could help their students relax before or after classes. Students who have a conducive environment to study in may feel more motivated, especially if they cannot find a conducive environment outside or in the library (which is usually full) to complete their other homework and assignments.

3. Extra activities and events

During the holidays, tuition centres could hold extracurricular classes which give students the opportunity to experience extra skills, such as robotics or coding. These classes could provide a valuable opportunity for students to experience how it is like to apply their classroom knowledge in a real world setting. Moreover, students who take the class and enjoy their time could ask their parents to send them for more classes in a similar vein so that they can learn a new skill.

4. Transportation Options

One of the difficulties students and their parents face in signing them up for tuition classes is how the location of the tuition centre fits into their schedule. Tuition centres could provide shuttle buses or vans for students from MRT stations to ease the parents’ difficulties regarding transportation. With more ease and flexibility with transportation, students will have more energy to concentrate in classes as they will not burn a lot of energy and time during the commute.

5. Freebies upon sign up

Another way tuition centres can incentivise students to sign up and provide a good learning environment is to provide the student with freebies such like merchandise with the tuition centre branding (usually stationery or water bottles) upon signing up. Such merchandise can incentivise the student to take learning at the tuition centre more seriously, as it reminds them of their own school merchandise.

Tuition centres should strive to provide a conducive environment for their students to facilitate learning. Much of learning depends on the student’s attitude and level of motivation. With a good environment for learning to take place, students will feel more comfortable and will focus easier on their studies and achieving their goals.