Singapore family in Lima, Peru

"It has been a wonderful 1 month stay in Peru. We have learnt so much about the culture and it has been a great exposure for the kids." commented the family of four from Singapore.

Dr Joshua Kok and Dr Audrey Lee, both medical doctors, came to Peru for their June vacation with their kids, Zachary and Faith, 13 and 12 years old respectively.

1. What do they do usually in Math class in school?
Kids: There would be mental sums almost every week. The teacher would come to class and teach us the concepts. After that, there would be exercises, more exercises and more exercises. And we have homework too! :(

2. What do they do after school?
Kids: Usually we have to stay back in school for remedial classes or extra curricula activities. Sometimes, it is difficult for the teachers to cover everything in class so we have to stay back after school, at least once a week for extra classes.

Zachery and Faith have private tuition classes during some weekdays and the weekends. They literally spend most of their Saturdays studying with their tuition teachers especially during the exam season.

3. What do you think about Spore Math?

Dr Audrey: Things have changed in Singapore Math since I was in Primary school. Today, the Math is very much more difficult than before and students in Singapore are required to work through problems that I had not seen until I was in Secondary school. The model method is very interesting and extremely useful once you know how to use it.

Kids: Math is sometimes really tough and sometimes really easy. Sometime it is really fun but we prefer Disneyland!

It wasn't just pure vacation in Peru. This family contributed their efforts together with us and with some local volunteers in running a Medical Project in Huaycan for 39 kids from 3-5 years old.

Singapore Math Consultancy

It has been enjoyable going to Monterrico Christian School for the 4th time together with Julian Lee, main consultant. The exchanging of ideas and development of the Peruvian students and American teachers on the application of Singapore Math has been enlightening. Their enthusiasm in learning has been encouraging too.

As a Singaporean, I could still imagine that education had been smooth sailing for many in the past. I remember the times that learning wasn't as complicated as it is nowadays. Maybe kids nowadays are the ones that require the education system to be adopted.

My last trip, Jan 2007, back to Singapore has revealed a lot about Singapore education and it's advancement. Lots have changed and improved. Watching my nieces and nephews working hard to complete their homework has revealed how competitive the society has became.

At the same time, I am proud of the development of the education system in Singapore. Singapore Math is a clear example. A good friend of ours, who is a Peruvian math teacher, commented that he is amazed at the depth of foundational build up within the practices in Singapore Math books. In addition, other Peruvians commented that it is genius that kids at a young age are being taught math properly for their future.

Another good friend, consultant to the Ministry of Education here, believe that there is a future for Singapore Math in Peru and he has sent his young son to Monterrico Christian School.

There are still many challenges here- raising awareness and knowledge of Singapore Math. However, it will not undermine our efforts to share and teach Singapore Math to those who want to be champions of Math here.