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LUMEN | PROGRAMMES
Mastering Math
Through Masterclasses
Mathematics contributes to the development and understanding in many disciplines and provides the foundation for many of today ’ s innovations and tomorrow ’ s solutions . Secondary education is a stage where students discover and reinforce their strengths and interests .
In late 2021 , at the invitation of Mrs Lorraine Vastel , a Math teacher , a series of masterclasses was designed together with her fellow educators to encourage , excite and engage our students in the art and practice of mathematics , particularly Algebra . These consisted of five hourly online sessions that were taught by a different “ Master ” teacher , on five separate mornings during the December holidays . These sessions introduced students to various aspects or applications of mathematics which are not usually covered in the school curriculum . Mrs Vastel wanted the students to be able to master Algebra as she believes , “ algebra is a skill which can be perfected through a deeper understanding of its complexity and repeated exposure either through sharing or practices . It is the building block for all Math to come .”
Through various learning experiences with the use of videos , interactive manipulatives , hands-on activities , and mini-challenges , the teachers shared the history , the dos and don ’ ts , the tricks and the pitfalls of maths . To complement the students ’ learning , each session had a set of worksheets to consolidate their understanding and skills .
The themes of the Masterclasses were :
Finding the X - Factor in Algebra ! by Ms Tan Hui Fang We explored using multi-modal representations to make connections between Area and the Algorithm (“ Rainbow ” or “ FOIL ” Method ) to the underlying principle of Distributive Property in Expansion and Factorisation .
A ( algebraic ) fraction too much friction ? by Mr Colin Toh We looked at the mathematics behind fractions and algebra and why some students , even adults , have problems manipulating algebraic fractions .
Using Rhymes to Solve Algebraic Fractions by Mrs Lorraine Vastel We learnt how to learn math formulas , or commit to memory a complicated to-do list , by trying some “ Rhythm and Rhymes ”.
Finding the roots to ( quadratic ) problems by Mr Alan Chan We tried different methods and ways of solving quadratic problems , why these methods work , and which method works best on the different types of quadratic equations .
3-2-1 Strategy for Indices - by Mr Thomas Yeo “ Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory . Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat .” ~ Sun Tzu . We discussed some strategies to defeat that indices question !
The feedback from the participants was positive . Students enjoyed the engaging sessions and found that the Masterclasses taught them new ways to simplify and solve problems , and renewed their confidence in these topics . Nguyen Thien Minh Tuan ( FN403 ) said , “ I have further enhanced my ability to manipulate fractions . I also feel the TEDtalk video was really eye-opening as I haven ’ t seen that aspect of Maths before .” Adarsh Kumar Vatsa ( LE403 ) added , “ I really enjoyed the lesson and learnt a faster method to tackling algebra and help me fear algebra less .”
MS TAN Teaching Expansion & Factorisation
MR TOH Teaching Algebraic Fractions
MRS VASTEL Teaching Subject Formula
MR CHAN Teaching Quadratic Equations
MR YEO Teaching Indices