10 Memory Techniques for Studying

I came across these very useful tips and I knew that I had to share! Personally, I employ a variety of these methods when teaching and for myself as a constant student. I like numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 7 and 8! Also, without a doubt, adequate rest is crucial. Take a look at the 10 Memory Techniques and be a better learner!! After all, we need "input" to have "output"!
10 memory techniques for studying

By Patrick Loh | 25/09/2012

1. Jot down important points

Make short notes (in point form) on exercise books. Use only important keywords and not long-winded sentences. Organize and highlight notes according to topics and chapters to remember the work better.

2. Use visual images

Substitute words with visual images. This technique is best used for information that is hard to grasp in text format, such as Geography and science subjects. Your kids should paint a picture in their head while studying Geography. That visual image is bound to stay for as long as their brain can work. Do the same for science subjects such as Physics and Biology.

3. Read aloud to each other

When they don’t understand a subject, get them to read it out loud. The other technique is to get the teachers to explain the topics thoroughly. The description will definitely paint an image in their minds.

4. Relate topics to current events

They might come across certain topics that could be related to true events. Especially for Geography, History and general Science subjects -- it’s easier to relate them to something that happened in life, or something that happened in the news recently.

5. Present to your friends

Get your kids to sit their friends down and 'teach' them everything – chapter by chapter. These friends have to hold their own notes and textbooks to make sure your kid’s materials are correct at the time of the presentation. After that, switch roles with the friends and make them teach your kids. After the whole process, they might learn something new.

6. Use your notes as bedtime stories

Before bedtime, read through the notes that were made for the day. Apply visuals and verbal techniques if necessary. But only read through one topic a night; as cramming will only make them forget.

7. Write down mathematic equations

If your kid is a weak student in math, they shouldn’t rely on calculators when solving math equations. Write down every step possible on paper and make notes at the side as a reminder on how the equation was solved.

8. Use humour

Some subjects require a lot of memorization. One way to remember is to use humour. It’s easier to remember a funny joke than a long list of facts or figures

9. Excercise to release stress

Treating our body makes it easier to recall and process information better. Exercises help increase oxygen to our brain and may reduce the risk of memory loss.

10. Don't forget to sleep!

Getting enough rest is crucial. It’s difficult to remember (anything) when your kid is sleep-deprived. Subjects dealing with creativity, problem-solving and critical thinking require their brain to operate at full speed. Besides, sleep is necessary for memory stabilization. Memory enhancing activity occurs during the deepest stages of sleep, allowing them to remember clearly what they’ve learnt during the day. Don’t let them burn their midnight oil. Get them to bed early and wake them up early as well to continue what they’ve left off the night before.

All credits to the original writer and to http://sg.theasianparent.com/10-memory-techniques-for-studying/?utm_source=theAsianparent+Singapore&utm_campaign=fc50e075e7-TAP_Newsletter_25_Jan_2013&utm_medium=email 

The Power and Wonder of Spelling!

A short and rather amusing post :)

As teachers, we always emphasise the need to learn how to spell accurately. Doing so enables students to correctly convey what they want to say and bring across their intended meanings. We want to communicate clearly and not be misunderstood! 

Let's take a look at these:

ULTRAVIOLENT rays! *Oh My Goodness! Can you visualise them? I can!!* --> Ultraviolet rays

RELIVE stress!! *Faints! Why would one do that?* --> RELIEVE stress

Cash VULTURES!!! *Cash What?!?!* --> Cash VOUCHERS 

And a very dear man introducing his wife-to-be as.... my FINANCE! *Laughs Out Loud! Not exactly wrong though, if you get what I mean?* --> my FIANCÉE :)


Are your sides aching by now from all that laughing?

Thus, we can see that spelling correctly is not a trivial matter! Get it right or get laughed at! :) Have fun going through your spelling lists! 

One of The Most Easily Monetized Skills in Singapore

The Power of Mastering Language

I believe that most of us are awed by people who are the whole package. With regard to today's post, people who possess the 'whole package' are those who can speak well and write well.

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Language is one of the most easily monetized skills.

The following are a list of benefits, that comes from speaking any one language well. Not even being Shakespeare, but just speaking a language well:

• You are able to convince people, because your statements make sense.
• You can at least appear professional, in almost any job
• You can read better, and you won’t be confused by complex e-mails, manuals, etc.
• There is an almost universal need for content (technical manuals, websites, scripts, etc.)
• There is a strong market for translation (especially Mandarin to English, or vice versa)

Language also has  the side-benefit of improving career options. It makes a better salesman, a potential copywriter, and a
fantastic liarfuture Public Relations expert.

The best part is, many companies are able to subsidise workplace literacy programs. You may end up paying the princely sum of $30 (after most subsidies) for the upgrade of a lifetime. Pick business English.

If your company doesn’t provide this course, enrol yourself.

{All credits to: http://sg.finance.yahoo.com/news/most-easily-monetized-skills-singapore-160000858.html for above information :)}

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Basically, what this author is saying is that a strong command of (any) language, particularly English Language, will get you further in life. After all, as aforementioned countless times, English IS the Lingua Franca.
Remember, the 'whole package' is important. You've got to 'look the part, speak the part and write the part'! Makes perfect and lucrative sense to hone your English language, right now! :) 

{A lingua franca (or working language, bridge language, vehicular language, unifying language) is a language systematically used to make communication possible between people not sharing a mother tongue, in particular when it is a third language, distinct from both mother tongues.^[1]Lingua francas have arisen around the globe throughout human history, sometimes for commercial reasons (so-called "trade languages") but also for diplomatic and administrative convenience, and as a means of exchanging information between scientists and other scholars of different nationalities.}

{All credits to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lingua_franca}

10 study tricks to score in exams

I have just come across 10 useful study tips that parents and of course, students can use before and during the examination period. I have highlighted the ones that I find particularly useful by changing the font colour :)

Take note of these tips the next time the exams approach! :) All the best!! After all, CHANCE AND SUCCESS FAVOURS THE PREPARED!! :) 

10 study tricks to score in exams

By theAsianparent.com editorial team | December 21, 2012

http://sg.theasianparent.com/10-study-tricks-to-score-in-exams/?utm_source=theAsianparent+Singapore&utm_campaign=c252c9bccc-TAP_Newsletter_21_Dec_2012&utm_medium=email# [All credits to original sources and sites.}

Exams are a crucial part of every child's education but some children struggle with them. Here are some valuable study tips which will help your child prepare better for their exams.

Exams are an integral part of society’s way of gauging an individual’s capabilities. Some children are able to cope with this requirement and perform well, but there are a good percentage of children who falter during this seemingly very crucial stage. Most parents actively research ways to help their kids, do better in exams, and there is certainly a whole reservoir of information available in many forms to assist in this important area. Here are 10 different ways that can be explored in the quest, to help your child study and score better in exams:

·        Understanding your child’s learning style is very important in ensuring the time set aside for studying is not wasted. Auditory, visual and tactile are just some of the more common styles used.

·        Encouraging you child to make short notes will help to jog their memory. Encouraging your child to carry around these short notes and refer to the notes when they are “killing time” is a good habit to instil.

·        Doing past year exam questions is one of the best ways to help your child not only get a good idea of the test style but will also help your child identify the more popular topics. This is invaluable, as the fluency and skill in answering such questions will be refined through experience.

·        Doing a lot of questions and exercises is also another way to train your child to cope with the eventual pressure of writing the exam. There are many workbooks available to help your child in this area. These workbooks can assist your child is timing themselves and building confidence.

·        Analyzing your child’s past exam experience and answer sheets together may help identify weaknesses and work towards making improvements.

·        Some children tend to leave studying to the last possible minute. If this style works for you child, you may not want to be too zealous in attempting to change this routine, however, you could set aside discussion times with your child way before the exam, where facts on a particular subject is extensively discussed. This is one way of getting your child to put in some study time, earlier instead of at the last minute.

·         Encourage your child to spend a little time going over the test when it is presented and then work on the sections that he/she is most comfortable with first. It is important to remind your child to remember to go over the whole test carefully to ensure nothing is left undone.

·        Quizzing your child a few days before the actual test could be a fun way to help ensure high scores. You must remember to make these quiz session fun.

·        New studies have shown that drinking a glass of water just before the exam is said to help the brain cells, calm nervous and enhance concentration.

·        Diet can also play a part in boosting better exam results as certain foods such as nuts, berries, fish and whole grains are considered good “brain foods”.

Marilyn Monroe...

Random meaningful quote...
I have come to realise that, really, you have to live life and be a sensitive soul to have such epiphanies... 

“This life is what you make it. Not matter what, you're going to mess up sometimes, it's a universal truth. But the good part is you get to decide how you're going to mess it up. Girls will be your friends - they'll act like it anyway. But just remember, some come, some go. The ones that stay with you through everything - they're your true best friends. Don't let go of them. Also remember, sisters make the best friends in the world. As for lovers, well, they'll come and go too. And baby,  I hate to say it, most of them - actually pretty much all of them are going to break your heart, but you can't give up because if you give up, you'll never find your soul mate. You'll never find that half who makes you whole and that goes for everything. Just because you fail once, doesn't mean you're going to fail at everything. Keep trying, hold on, and always, always, always believe in yourself, because if you don't, then who will, sweetie? So keep your head high, keep your chin up, and most importantly, keep smiling, because life's a beautiful thing and there's so much to smile about.” 
― Marilyn Monroe

[More epiphanies at -- http://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/82952.Marilyn_Monroe. All credits to this site.] 

Primary 6 Results 2011 and 2012

Having taught so many students from different levels (P1 to S4) for so many years, I have amassed a whole lot of scores and I am stumped as to how to 'display' them all... 

After deliberation, I have decided to focus on what's current... :) 

I am pleased to announce with great teacher's pride, the wonderful scores (for English Language) of Primary Six Class 2011 with 11 students -- 4A*s and 7As.

And, Primary Six Class (A) 2012 with 9 students -- 3A*s and 6As. 

Also, Primary Six Class (B) 2012 with 7 students -- 2A*s and 5As. 

Hearty congratulations to these students who have tried their utmost and I wish them all the best for 2013!! 

I'll end this entry with 2 awesome quotes to fuel the desire for further success and progression:“What is success? I think it is a mixture of having a flair for the thing that you are doing; knowing that it is not enough, that you have got to have hard work and a certain sense of purpose.” -Margaret Thatcher
“Knowing is not enough; we must apply. 
Willing is not enough; we must do. -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

[http://studentsuccessacademy.com/awesome-student-success-quotes-ever/] 

ONE of 4 must-have job skills in 2013: 

Clear communications (Spoken & Written)

Whatever their level, communication is key for workers to advance.

“This is really the ability to clearly articulate your point of view and the ability to create a connection through communication,” says Holly Paul, U.S. recruiting leader at PricewaterhouseCoopers, the accounting and consulting firm based in New York.

For job seekers in particular, clear communication can provide a snapshot of their work style to employers. “I can walk away from a five-minute conversation and feel their enthusiasm and have a good understanding of what’s important to them,” Paul says.

As office conversations increasingly move online, some workers are losing or never developing the ability to give a presentation, for example. Others may be unable to write coherently for longer than, say, 140 characters.

“Technology in some ways has taken away our ability to write well. People are in such a hurry that they are multitasking,” and they skip basics such as spelling and proofing, says Paul McDonald, senior executive director of Robert Half International, a Menlo Park, Calif., staffing firm.

Point to Note: Regardless of how technology advances and changes and so on, the fundamentals remain the same. And, what are the fundamentals? A strong command of the English Language is key. It is crucial to be able to speak well and write well in order to progress.  

[All credits to: http://sg.finance.yahoo.com/news/must-job-skills-2013-140423361.html]