Pusat Perkembangan Minda Anugerah (PPMA), Jalan Gasing, Petaling Jaya

As a parent, what goes through your mind when you realise that your child either cannot catch up in his/her schoolwork, or he/she has lost all desire to study? Apart from being one of the many consequences left behind by the pandemic, children falling behind in school is something that has been troubling many families for a long time. Let’s not forget too, that failing or not doing well in important exams can leave children feeling demotivated. The good news is, there is a worthwhile solution, one which countless parents are starting to feel thankful for.

As a parent herself, Madam Sangeetha has experienced her own share of astoundment at how some of the big names in tuition and enrichment locally have turned out to be severely disappointing in their delivery. “I could hardly believe it when I realised that my daughter did not fare as well as she should have, especially since I had spent a lot of money, and had expected due results,” she shared with Kiddy123 in a recent interview. In a way, Sangeetha knew that if she really wanted to see some changes in her children’s education, and of course help other families as well, she had to take some radical steps.

And she did.

Building the foundation in Math and English 

By setting up what is known today as Pusat Perkembangan Minda Anugerah (PPMA), she helped open the door for better educational experiences for children, simply because she believes that children deserve to understand what they are being taught, enjoy their lessons, and feel smart, fulfilled and accomplished, so to speak. Sangeetha knew that when children fall back in their studies, it’s not about the ‘weak’ or ‘least favourite’ subjects that are to blame’, but rather, it is the way they are taught, as well as the way children learn.

With the main focus on Mathematics and English, she decided to offer Eye Level Math and English programme to students.

Madam Sangeetha was excited explaining the superiority of the Eye Level Math programme. Eye Level Math programme encompasses both foundation math (Basic Thinking) and math application in problem solving (Critical Thinking). Being a Production Engineer by profession, she was enthralled to see that the Critical Thinking workbooks taught students seven (yes, seven) different methods for Problem Solving and also covers both Visual Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning.

The Eye Level Math syllabus is designed to help weak students to master math in a systematic manner, i.e. building on the foundation of the lessons mastered earlier. In this way, students are not stressed and are able to cope with math. For students competent in math, Eye Level Math syllabus helps them to advance through topics. Our students score A’s in Math for local and international exams. Madam Sangeetha says, "Math is easy to understand if it is taught correctly."

The Eye Level English syllabus is a first language English programme with emphasis on developing Reading, Comprehension and Writing skills. Unlike a second language programme, its comprehension questions test if the student comprehends the passage and if they can foresee the possible outcome of the passage they read. There are also guided Writing workbooks that develop students’ writing skills.  

It is safe to say that students who attend Eye Level Math and English programmes have less problems when facing their exams in school. Students find themselves immersed in their learning adventure, which becomes much more enjoyable and fulfilling simply due to having the right tools, mindset as well as motivation to perform their best. They are nurtured to become independent learners.

Due to the pandemic, many students have lagged behind in their studies and are stressed. There are also students with learning difficulties that have suffered more during the pandemic. Kiddy123 was fascinated with PPMA’s workshops to help students bridge their learning gaps and workshops for students with learning difficulties. The “Study Plus+” cognitive on-line workshop is held after school, in the convenience of the students’ home.

“Study Plus+” – Utilising the power of neuroscience for cognitive reconfiguration

Study Plus+ online workshop provides cognitive exercises to enhance students’ learning capacity. Utilising the scientific concept of Neuroplasticity, Study Plus+ cognitive exercise is able to improve the overall performance of students in terms of comprehending what they are taught. Cognitive exercises strengthen the student’s thinking power to achieve peak performance in exams and even sports! In many ways, this programme is akin to a valuable key to the immense potential of a student’s brain, allowing him or her to utilise it in ways they have not done before. Needless to say, the results are awe-inspiring, especially when children realise that they are actually smarter and more capable than they had thought they were before!

More added value for the benefits of students

Countless students of all ages today suffer in silence as their parents may not necessarily realise what their child is feeling, or going through, be it stress, bullying, morale issues, etc. Here’s where PPMA stands out with its latest offerings which is Counselling and the Bars Therapy.

Counselling

Counselling using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), has been found to be of great help to students who are experiencing low morale, are depressed or at the verge of it, and also for kids who are lacking motivation to learn or study. It is an effective psychological treatment which gives new hope to students who are feeling hopeless and unmotivated.

The Bars Therapy

Stress, whether we like to admit it or not, doesn’t affect only adults, for children may also suffer the consequences of it. Children can feel stressed for many reasons, be it family issues, lack of motivation to learn, falling behind in school. If left unaddressed, childhood stress may lead to depression and a poor quality of life. This special 30-minute therapy involves stress-relieving measures carried out by a therapist, as well as the enforcing of positive, self-enriching suggestions or affirmations to help de-stress and rejuvenate the child.