I remember receiving a v special phone call from a mum last March. She has a home-schooled daughter who wants A Math tuition. Sounds like a normal request right? Well, the tricky part is she hasn’t learnt A Math before, no idea how difficult it will be and she planned to take the O level in 8 months’ time. Not just that, she did her E Math O level the year before and got a C5. That means she was going to retake her O’s.
When I heard of her situation, I was not keen to take her in. I need to teach her everything in 8 months when the subject is meant to be covered over 2 years, and her math foundation didnt seem to be strong as reflected in her E Math grades. In addition, the mum asked for a discounted rate for the 1-1 lesson and I know her budget can only allow 2 hours lesson per week. Nothing more.
Strangely, I didn’t know what came over me that day. I actually agreed to help her. Perhaps something in me wants to do the impossible. Something in me wants to make a difference, not just to people who can afford tuition fees but also to those who can’t. I want to believe education is not about dollars and cents but making a difference.
So, I said yes to a challenge and started on this roller coaster journey. Knowing there are financial constraints, I turned creative and spilt the 2h 1-1 lesson to 2 x 1h lesson a week. After every lesson, I got her to stay back in my group class for free for another 1h just to allow her to ask me any questions if she had. This allowed her enough time to absorb new concepts and practise them before we move on to something new.
There were times during lessons when we were both very frustrated. She could do up to 6 full A4 pages of work and get everything wrong. I saw the frustration in her because it was undeniable that she put in a lot of effort. I got frustrated coz I had to go through all her 6 pages of working steps so that I know where her learning gaps are. There were a few times, she cried in anger, in front of me and wanted to give up. Sometimes she went to the extent of tearing up her papers. But each time, I had to compose myself and tell her... “It’s ok, girl. You are having difficulties because you are learning something new. Don’t give up and keep going. I’ll always be here for you. Come, let Ms Phoebe give you some snacks to cheer you up.” Some coaxing did help to cool her down. So little by little, both of us worked hard towards our goal.
Before the O levels, I felt she wasn’t very ready. All I could do was to pray for her.
The day when the O levels results was released, I texted her and her mum. Sadly, both didn’t reply me. In my mind, I was like... “Sigh, must have done badly.” Amazingly, after a week or so, she replied me and told me she got a B3 for her A Math. I was so happy! Well, she didn’t feel that happy. But I told her that she started a lot later than most candidates who took that same paper. So, her grades are not as bad as she thinks. There are many students who gave up because they couldn’t take the A Math pressure. The fact that she did the A Math exam, it is commendable.
She came by today to visit me and bought me gifts to thank me for helping her. She was spot on to get the tidbits I like(coz I will always buy that for myself and will share it with her last time) and also my fav “we bare bear”! Awww, so sweet right!
She got posted to a baking course in Poly today and she was happy about it. Before she left me, I told her that she may never apply and use those A Math concepts again, esp in the course that she will be going for. However, never forget the struggles, the moments you had wanted to give up while doing A Math. You kept at it, you forced yourself to take yet another step forward, you never lose hope. This is what I want you to remember. In the future, when you feel those intense emotions again, when you are met with difficulties that seem insurmountable, always remember that you are a conqueror and overcomer.
This student is indeed special. More than me helping her, she has helped me to be a better teacher. She challenged me to be more sympathetic. I am not the most patient person. Though not often, I do snap at my kids. But each time, my kids allowed to regulate my emotions and learn to be cool about what’s before me. They love me just the same. It’s funny how we can still joke and laugh after I get upset. I guess or rather hope that they know I will always love them and I’m only just human. Well, she also challenged me to be more creative and work within limitations. It used to be a session of 2 hours until we change it to twice a week session of 1 hour each. She never fails to make me reflect and think how I can make my teaching more effective and efficient for her, without compromising the focus on mathematical skills and understanding of concepts.
As she is home schooled, she doesn’t get the chance to take exams and be evaluated on how she is doing. There wasn’t any progress report or whatever. I must say her parents really trusted me as I was the only source of A Math help to her. A few times, I was tempted to not care as much and just go through the motion. Anyway, no one will know right? But God will always remind there’s a purpose why He brings people into my life. Ok fine, God, You win. And when God wins, He provides His all-sufficient grace and abundant joy. So, I’ll just gladly let God win everytime.
I know I’m MAD.
Yeah, Making.A.Difference
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