Frequently Asked Questions
 What is the MATHNASIUM Method?
 Why Mathnasium?
 What curriculum does your programme follow?
 Is your programme customized to my child's requirements, or does a general syllabus apply?
 What about if my child needs extra help? What about if my child is Gifted?
 Which age-groups do you serve?
 How do I know my child is actually making progress?
 How does this compare with one-on-one tuition?
 Who are your instructors?
 What about Hygiene and Safety at your Centre?
 How do I get started?
 
 
Q: What is the MATHNASIUM Method?
A : The MATHNASIUM Method has been developed over the past 30+ years by Larry Martinek, from 40+ years of teaching experience.  Larry realized that current methods of teaching maths in many school curricula around the globe had deep-rooted inadequacies.  Therefore, based on his experiences and observations, he devised a curriculum, and an approach to teaching maths, which is designed to actually teach children genuine "number sense" and a true understanding of how numbers work together, and then steadily increasing the scope and complexity of their understanding of various more-advanced concepts.
Q: Why Mathnasium?
A : Maths deals with the development of basic calculation skills as well as the ability to think logically and critically.  The MATHNASIUM programme develops both aspects by developing both genuine number sense as well as a thorough grounding in all necessary Maths concepts.  Your child will receive both instruction and practice.  Instruction is provided directly by teachers, who are rigorously trained.   Your child will practice by doing highly prescriptive worksheets under direct supervision, in addition to exercises to develop problem solving and mathematical thinking skills.  In addition to helping students improve their mathematical skills, the programme provides skills that apply in almost all other subject areas.
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Q: What curriculum does your programme follow?
A : The MATHNASIUM curriculum is synchronized with the Singapore Maths curriculum and the approach nurtures reasoning and problem solving skills, as prescribed by the MOE.  Further, despite regional differences in the mathematical curricula around the world, there exists a high degree of general correlation.  The programme covers numbers, measurement, algebra, statistics, problem-solving and reasoning.
Q: Is your programme customized to my child's requirements, or does a general syllabus apply?
A : One of the most powerful features of the MATHNASIUM programme is its flexibility and customization.  While the programme is closely mapped to the Singapore syllabus, each child is assigned a completely customized set of study material for each term.  We achieve this by our uniquely detailed and structured Pre-Assessment Test which uses sophisticated techniques to determine - with great accuracy - what a student knows and does not know.  Based on the individual diagnosis, we then tailor a personalized learning programme.  This will be specifically designed to:  (a) build on that child's strengths; (b) work on the weak areas in detail; and (c) a section to stretch that child's capabilities steadily and help him/her achieve even more.
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Q: What about if my child needs extra help? What about if my child is Gifted?
A : As can be seen from the procedure outlined above, the actual current level of the child is diagnosed at the outset.  A Gifted child would then be challenged by a study programme which is appropriately advanced, while a child needing extra help would similarly be assigned material designed to improve its level to the required minimum.   A portion of the study material assigned to each child will be designed to maximize his/her potential.  Thus our programme is designed to bring the best out of any child, regardless of his/her current ability.
Q: Which age-groups do you serve?
A : Our primary focus is grades P1 through Sec 4, therefore approximately ages 6-15.  We can take on children outside this age-group on a case-be-case basis, especially those needing extra help, or gifted chidren.
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Q: How do I know my child is actually making progress?
A : The MATHNASIUM programme is strongly outcome-based. Two strengths of our programme relative to other alternatives are:  (i) regular parent communication, and (ii) regular progress assessment.  After the initial pre-assessment, we assess on a monthly basis as well as at the end of the term.  At each stage, we report in appropriately detailed format, the progress made by the child.  The study material for the following term is then naturally adjusted to continue to build on strengths, work on weaknesses and further challenge their new capabilities.
Q: How does this compare with one-on-one tuition?
A : The programme is designed to provide one-on-one interaction with the instructor every 5-7 minutes, or about 10 times per hour.  This equates to approximately 20% of the time spent in the session where the instructor is individually coaching the child.  If one assesses the actual time spent by a home tutor in similar instruction (as opposed to waiting for the child to think about a concept or finish working on a problem), the ratio of personal time spent is similar.  The difference is that the instructor is utilizing this "downtime" more efficiently by attending to other children in the meanwhile.

In addition, the child has the benefit of professionally-designed, globally proven study material, delivered by high-calibre instructors who have gone through a rigorous selection process and intensive training.  In contrast, home tuition material is unlikely to be as professionally-organized or comprehensive, and the quality of tutors can vary greatly.
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Q: Who are your instructors?
A : One of the key areas in which we aim to distinguish ourselves from available alternatives is through the quality of our instructors.  Our philosophy is that while each child should indeed be encouraged to become self-motivated and a self-learner, that cannot by itself be a full substitute for expert coaching by qualified, committed and motivated instructors.

Each one of our instructors comes to us with several years of specific Maths coaching experience and has either Maths or Science qualifications.  In addition, prior to hiring, they are required to pass a formal Exam with Distinction (different levels depending upon whether they will focus on Primary or Secondary students) as part of Mathnasium's global procedure.   Finally, upon scoring the necessary distinction in the exam, they are required to complete an intensive certification programme incorporating several courses as well as approximately 40 hours of training videos.  Only then are they entrusted with your children!

We encourage you to come down to the centre to meet in person with our instructors to see for yourself the difference versus other available alternatives, with respect to the quality of our instructors.
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Q: What about Hygiene and Safety at your Centre?
A : We do a general cleaning daily and a thorough weekly clean with disinfectant.  Our premises are in compliance with the Fire Safety regulations in Singapore.
Q: How do I get started?
A : Our friendly staff are ever-willing and available to assist you! Simply fill in the enclosed Registration Form, and approach one of us, if you are at the centre.  Call any of the following numbers for an appointment, if you are not at the centre:  6729 2631/ 9183 1524/ 8157 4741.  If you do not have the Registration Form, email us at: menonamita@gmail.com
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