If there is one subject I struggled to ace in primary, secondary and tertiary school, it's Mathematics. I would rather learn and memorize scientific nomenclature and difficult dental and medical terms.
Despite being a hard-working student and having an above average IQ, my learning enthusiasm decreases up to 50% when it comes to numbers. I only remember pushing myself so hard to study Mathematics seriously because I had an average grades/marks of 1.5 (1.0 being the highest) to maintain so I could keep my scholarship in the university.
My eldest K is now in secondary school and is also struggling with Mathematics. I regretted not investing time and effort to help her build a good learning foundation in the subject. I don't wish to repeat the same mistake with G who is now in K2, so in preparation for his Primary 1 journey next school year, I accepted the invitation of Eye Level Learning Centre to go for Maths enrichment class.
In fact, the Eye Level management asked me to choose either English or Mathematics but obviously, I chose the latter because G's English (reading/writing/spelling/comprehension) is already considered very good. I am also confident in teaching him English by myself but Mathematics? Nah! I would rather leave it to the husband or in this case, with Eye Level Learning Centre.
Here's a brief introduction about Eye Level:
Here's a brief introduction about Eye Level:
The Eye Level education originated from Daekyo, one of the world’s leading companies in the educational service market – it started from South Korea, and currently they have 1258 learning centres in over 20 countries. Although the specifics in delivering the instructions may differ by country, every Eye Level Learning Centre aims to meet the same goal of nurturing problem solvers, critical thinkers, and life-long learners.
Eye Level begins teaching every child at the level most appropriate for his or her individual knowledge, ability and learning style – designs and tailors enrichment programmes so children can learn and progress steadily at a comfortable pace.
Eye Level is unique due to its underlying philosophy, which sees learning challenges from the child’s perspective.
My main reason in agreeing to go for Maths enrichment classes is to give G a good head start in building his learning foundation in the subject. At home, my husband has started teaching him addition verbally but did not really go to the extent of giving him activity sheets or assessment tests to see how much he has absorbed from their Maths home-learning sessions.
It was no surprise that when we went to Eye Level at Tampines West Community Club for G's first trial class, he did not do very well on the Diagnostic Test.
Why is Diagnostic Test (DT) necessary?
A DT must be conducted with all new students of Eye Level because it helps the teacher understand the child and determine the child's Starting Point.
What is a Starting Point?
Your child's Starting Point is a specific booklet in the programme where he/she can work on the contents of the booklets confidently and comfortably. This means attaining perfect scores through their own efforts.
By boosting their confidence and fostering an interest in the subject, this ensures that your child masters his/her current level, thus ensuring their future success in subsequent levels.
Needless to say G started with Level 4.1 - Basic Thinking. It aims to help him add 1, 2, or 3 to other numbers to add up to 10. Before he was asked to work on the booklet by himself, Teacher Aifaa went through with him with a few examples in the booklet during the coaching sessions to help him understand the concepts introduced for that day and explained to him the concept of adding using the number line.
After the second visit at Eye Level, G was able to use his "brain" (that was his exact term) to solve questions intuitively. He has also gotten faster and faster in answering the work sheets and each visit excites him knowing that he is seeing teacher Aifaa again and he is going to learn something new and fun from her. I have to say he enjoyed more of the critical thinking math problems in the worksheets given by teacher Aifaa every after session. Is that a good sign that he is going to be a good mathematical problem solver? Too early to tell but I am optimistic about it.
As of this writing, G finished his 6-week trial session with Eye Level and was promoted to learn adding bigger numbers up to 100 and above and also learned the concept of subtraction and solving problem that combines addition and subtraction. He also aced his test on his last day, albeit a little slower because the night before when we did some revision at home, I found out he gets confused in doing both addition and subtraction at the same time so I asked him to always double check the sign given whether it is a + or - sign. I guess he was being too careful hence he finished the test a bit longer than expected. Nevertheless, it was a job well done and he was mighty proud of himself that we was "graded" very good.
In summary, here's what G (as a student) and I (as a parent) liked about Eye Level:
1) Builds Self-Confidence
I have never seen G doing some number problems before ever so confidently and enthusiastically until he started his lessons at Eye Level. Every time we come back from his lessons, he would ask me to set the timer for him while he works on his assignment to be submitted on the next session. "Please turn on the timer for me, mom. See how I can finish it very fast", he'd proudly declare.
2) Concept of Reinforcement
As I look through all the work sheets given to G by Teacher Aifaa, I spotted lots of repetitive number problems. As a parent and considered the first teacher to our children, I strongly believe that practice and reinforcement are important when you wish to build a firm foundation of numeracy skills. As one article at ezine.com put it: "This situation can be compared to physical training. One can understand the benefits of being able to build muscle through exercise, but unless you do this regularly, you will fail when it comes to the application task of weight lifting. Math works the same way.
3) Encourages Independence
You should have seen the sparkle in G's eyes beaming with pride whenever Teacher Aifaa and I praise him for accomplishing all the task given to him without much supervision. I can tell he is quite pleased with himself for learning to be independent. I also would like to commend Teacher Aifaa who is very sweet, patient and encouraging all the time. I witnessed with my own eyes how she is well-love by all the students. G always looks forward to his lessons with her.
4) Time Management
G first learned about time management at a tuition centre we have tried. This time around at Eye Level Learning Centre, his ability to finish the task given at a limited period of time was reinforced. Eye Level have this guide to gauge on how the students are coping in terms of time management and G passed slightly above average.
Overall, I believe that the Maths trial lessons G had at Eye Level will be of great help as he journeys to Primary 1 next school year. The Eye Level management was very pleased with G's results that they decided to extend his complimentary Maths enrichment class for another six weeks. Also, Sweet Memoirs in collaboration with Eye Level Tampines West Learning Centre will be giving away one month complimentary enrichment lessons (once a week for either English or Math) to 5 lucky winners! Yes, you didn't read it wrongly! Not one but FIVE lucky winners! I will be drawing 2 winners in my Facebook Page and 3 winners on my Instagram.
Here's the giveaway mechanics:
After the second visit at Eye Level, G was able to use his "brain" (that was his exact term) to solve questions intuitively. He has also gotten faster and faster in answering the work sheets and each visit excites him knowing that he is seeing teacher Aifaa again and he is going to learn something new and fun from her. I have to say he enjoyed more of the critical thinking math problems in the worksheets given by teacher Aifaa every after session. Is that a good sign that he is going to be a good mathematical problem solver? Too early to tell but I am optimistic about it.
As of this writing, G finished his 6-week trial session with Eye Level and was promoted to learn adding bigger numbers up to 100 and above and also learned the concept of subtraction and solving problem that combines addition and subtraction. He also aced his test on his last day, albeit a little slower because the night before when we did some revision at home, I found out he gets confused in doing both addition and subtraction at the same time so I asked him to always double check the sign given whether it is a + or - sign. I guess he was being too careful hence he finished the test a bit longer than expected. Nevertheless, it was a job well done and he was mighty proud of himself that we was "graded" very good.
1) Builds Self-Confidence
2) Concept of Reinforcement
As I look through all the work sheets given to G by Teacher Aifaa, I spotted lots of repetitive number problems. As a parent and considered the first teacher to our children, I strongly believe that practice and reinforcement are important when you wish to build a firm foundation of numeracy skills. As one article at ezine.com put it: "This situation can be compared to physical training. One can understand the benefits of being able to build muscle through exercise, but unless you do this regularly, you will fail when it comes to the application task of weight lifting. Math works the same way.
3) Encourages Independence
You should have seen the sparkle in G's eyes beaming with pride whenever Teacher Aifaa and I praise him for accomplishing all the task given to him without much supervision. I can tell he is quite pleased with himself for learning to be independent. I also would like to commend Teacher Aifaa who is very sweet, patient and encouraging all the time. I witnessed with my own eyes how she is well-love by all the students. G always looks forward to his lessons with her.
4) Time Management
G first learned about time management at a tuition centre we have tried. This time around at Eye Level Learning Centre, his ability to finish the task given at a limited period of time was reinforced. Eye Level have this guide to gauge on how the students are coping in terms of time management and G passed slightly above average.
Overall, I believe that the Maths trial lessons G had at Eye Level will be of great help as he journeys to Primary 1 next school year. The Eye Level management was very pleased with G's results that they decided to extend his complimentary Maths enrichment class for another six weeks. Also, Sweet Memoirs in collaboration with Eye Level Tampines West Learning Centre will be giving away one month complimentary enrichment lessons (once a week for either English or Math) to 5 lucky winners! Yes, you didn't read it wrongly! Not one but FIVE lucky winners! I will be drawing 2 winners in my Facebook Page and 3 winners on my Instagram.
Here's the giveaway mechanics:
- Like Eye Level on Facebook
- Follow Eye Level on Instagram
- Like Sweet Memoirs on Facebook
- Follow Sweet Memoirs on Instagram
Facebook giveaway participants will need to like and share the Eye Level giveaway post and comment why their child needs Math or English enrichment class.
Instagram giveaway participants will need to like and share the Eye Level giveaway post and comment why their child needs Math or English enrichment class.
Important notes:
- Giveaway applies for students from 3-14 y/o
- Giveaway promotion not applicable to existing Eye Level students
- Subject to learning centre's availability
- Only applicable to Tampines West Learning Centre
- T&C applies subject to changes without prior notice
Eye Level also conducts global events such as:
- English Speech Competition and
- Literary Award
You may call Aifaa, the Centre Manager at +65 6784 0655 for complete information about the above-mentioned events.
For your reference, here's the complete listing of Eye Level Learning Centre locations in Singapore, contact details and pricing:
Programme Pricing
Programme Fees (Each
lesson is 30 to 45 minutes.)
Note: 1 month’s deposit is to be utilise when student decides to quit the programme, and student have to give at least one month notice to the Learning Centre.
Note: 1 month’s deposit is to be utilise when student decides to quit the programme, and student have to give at least one month notice to the Learning Centre.
Programme
|
Once a Week Lesson
|
Twice a Week Lesson
|
Eye Level Math
|
$140/month
|
$180/month
|
Eye Level English
|
$140/month
|
$180/month
|
Centre
|
Centre Tel
|
Address
|
email
|
Bedok North
|
9060 8556
|
Blk 509 Bedok North Street 3
#01-115 S(460509) |
|
Boon Keng
|
8828 5235
|
Blk 34 Whampoa West
#01-35 S(330034) |
|
Bukit Merah
|
6377 1655
|
3501 Jalan Bukit Merah
#01-02, S(159460) |
|
City Square Mall
|
6509 1317
|
180 Kitchener Road
#B2-02, S(208539) |
|
Jurong West
|
6686 2328
|
Blk 960 Jurong West St 92
#01-182 S(640960) |
|
Kembangan
|
6748 3090
|
16 Jalan Masjid, Kembangan Suites
#01-08 S(418941) |
|
Khatib
|
6610 5809
|
Nee Soon South CC, 30 Yishun St 81,
#03-06A S(768455) |
|
Kovan
|
6635 8368
|
Blk 203 Hougang St 21,
#02-87 S(530203) |
|
Mountbatten
|
9776 0102
|
Mountbatten Community Club,
35 Jalan Satu, #02-04 S(399479) |
|
Novena Goldhill
|
6258 0658
|
161B Goldhill Shopping Centre,
Thomson Road, S(307614) |
|
Novena Square 2
|
6397 2562
|
10 Sinaran Drive,
#04-52/54 S(307506) |
|
Our Tampines Hub
|
8389 6488
|
51 Tampines Ave 4 #02-89, Our
Tampines Hub, S(529684)
|
|
Pasir Ris
|
6584 0212
|
Blk 451 Pasir Ris Drive 6 #B1-186,
S(510451)
|
|
Parkway
|
8321 2828
|
1 Marine Parade Central,
Parkway Centre #02-03. S(449408) |
|
Sembawang
|
9738 5247
|
79 Jalan Malu-Malu,
Kindol Gardens S(769688) |
|
Tampines West
|
6784 0655
|
Tampines West CC, 5 Tampines Ave 3,
#03-07/08, S(529705) |
|
Telok Blangah
|
6273 1718
|
Blk 65 Telok Blangah Drive
#01-156 S(100065) |
|
Upper Thomson
|
6456 1889
|
244S Upper Thomson Road,
S(574369) |
|
West Coast Plaza
|
9739 4448
|
154 West Coast Road #02-52 West Coast
Plaza S(127371)
|
Disclaimer: My son was provided with 6-weeks complimentary Maths enrichment class at Eye Level Learning Centre for the purpose of this review. As usual, all opinions are mine and this review is based on G's personal learning experience at Eye Level Tampines Learning Centre in the past 6 weeks.
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