Physics provides the quantitative and analytical skills required for data analysis and problem solving in important sectors such as the following: medicine, sciences, engineering, economics, management, law, and public policy.
Focus on understanding rather than memorising
O Level Physics / IP Physics entails a lot of equations and formulas. Blindly memorizing simple equations can only secure a decent grade of B4 to C6. However, the more difficult challenge is to make the breakthrough towards A1 and A2. That is only possible if the students understand the logic behind the equations and have a strong grasp on the underlying theory. Therefore, the key for obtaining distinction in O Level Physics / IP Physics is not memorizing, but truly understand the subject.
Unfortunately, most Physics materials are crafted to teach students to simply memorise facts and equations, often resulting in them failing to truly understand the underlying concepts. This lack of understanding often results in misconceptions. Students are therefore unable to apply their knowledge and methods correctly when tackling higher-order Physics examination questions.A good set of Physics notes not only list down formulas and equations but shows the step-by-step derivation along with in-depth explanation to help students connect the dots and fully comprehend the theories. Questions must be carefully crafted and pitched at the appropriate difficulty to help students transit from one level of understanding to the next.
Identify and master the challenging O Level Physics / IP Physics topics
Topics that students often struggled with:
1) Kinematics (Voted “hardest topic” for Upper Secondary Physics)2) Thermal Physics 3) Wave Properties
Kinematics is arguably the hardest Physics topic, to an extent that it may singlehandedly causes some students to consider dropping Physics. Concepts like speed and acceleration are abstract and not easily visualized. Students who are lacking the proper guidance are often left frustrated and helpless.
To master O Level / IP Physics, students are required to break down complex phenomena into different micro-concepts and to be able to clearly identify the difference between them. For instance, secondary Physics students are often confused between the concepts of Kinematics (where we are interested in the position and velocity of a particle over a specific time duration) and Dynamics (where we are interested in the forces acting on the particle).
Gather constant review and feedback on areas to improve
Doing well in O Level / IP Physics requires a range of skill sets, such as the ability to use keywords precisely in explanation questions, to use the correct method for calculation questions, and to present their answers properly. Often, students write lengthy answers, but their answers are not what the examiners are looking for. As such, constant review and feedback from teachers / tutors are valuable to pinpoint the weakness of students and guiding the students towards improvement before their subsequent exams.
Through years of rigorous development and trial-and-error, our experienced Physics Tutors have put together a solid curriculum, which allows for most, if not all, of the students under our belt to improve by at least 2 grades with a high rate of distinction. Many of our students also gain newfound interest and pursue Physics at a higher level.
With more than 7 years of tutoring experience under his belt, Mr. Leong has much to share with his students. Understanding that many students may not use Chemistry in their future, he constantly ponders about how he can value add to his students as a partner in education. As the saying goes “give a man a fish, you will feed him for a day; teach a man to fish, you will feed him for a lifetime”. One of Mr. Leong’s guiding teaching principles is to teach students how to learn. Undoubtedly, learning is now a necessary life skill. Not just only knowledge, Mr. Leong aims to demonstrate how the vital skillsets in Chemistry (such as comparison, inference, critical thinking, problem solving, analysis) can be applied to their future education, training students to be independent lifelong learners.
Mr. Leong’s lessons are often touted by students to be fast paced yet clear and concise. From the likes of common careless mistakes students make (so you will not make them) to tips and tricks up his sleeves to maximise score in exams, students will always exit the classroom feeling that they have absorbed knowledge that they did not pick up in school. Why not give yourself (or your child) a chance to experience a different kind of learning today?
The teaching approach here focuses on higher-level thinking by challenging us with application questions which helped me to improve my results. Within a term, I was able to improve from failing to topping the class!
Joining Making Sense is easily one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life. I was blown away in that one lesson by the ease in which you helped us to realise concepts, link topics together and remember things. I think it’s safe to say that if you lectured in a school, no one would be skipping lectures ever again.
