Introducing My expertise

 Welcomes back to my blog site where I share my knowledge about educational issues, learning and parenting skills.

The blogsite has received tremendous support from all of you and I would like to let you know how much I appreciate you reading the articles I put out fortnightly. If there are topics that you are interested in specifically and would like me to discuss it, pls leave me a comment and also please click to follow so that you never miss out on a new article.

For the last 24 years I have been an active learning support tutor and have had the opportunity of also running a learning centre. These days, I find myself more inclined to teaching a wider set students by providing learning support through ONLINE sessions. This enables students from all over the region to access my expertise and gain more successful learning outcomes no matter what their current ability levels.

I offer support, and conduct assessments for exam access arrangements for programs such as the IGCSE, IB, Canadian pre-u, and A-Level exams. I offer support in subjects such as English, IELTS prep, Business studies, Psychology and Sociology. 

Students with learning difficulties thrive when taught using more creative and innovative methods. Additionally, removing all the unnecessary components and keeping sessions straight to the point, yet engaging works best. I adopt a method of teaching where the content is broken down into manageable chunks and each area of then linked together so that in makes sense and becomes relevant to my students.

Typically, my students start with me doing poorly at school, getting E's and F's on exams and classwork. This is simply because traditional methods of teaching do not align with the way they think and understand content. By manipulating the content, I am able to teach in a way that they understand and so, attaining A's and B's is no longer something daunting for them. With their motivation levels increased, and the confidence to believe that now they are able to understand subject matter better, great results are inevitable! With online sessions, I work with students from age 9 years to 18 years.

I can be contacted via enquiries@srirafelsia.com and am available for consultations online as well. For those of you who use whatsapp, my contact number is +60123710372. I do look forward to working with your children in the near future! 

Assessments in Special Education - Part 3

  Let me walk you through the essential parts of a top-notch psycho-educational assessment. This assessment covers five important domains that give us an in-depth understanding of a student's educational progress and personal well-being. Let's dive into these components and see how they create a comprehensive overview and differ from computer generated assessments, observational assessments and teacher/school assessments.

Firstly, we have to assess the student's ability. This means we examine their intellectual capabilities by looking at things like reasoning, problem-solving, memory, and attention. Intelligence tests come in handy here as they provide valuable insights into the student's strengths and areas that might need extra support.

Next, we evaluate their cognitive skills. These skills, like attention, processing speed, memory, and executive functions, play a big role in learning. By understanding how a student's cognitive abilities affect their learning process, we can customize interventions to optimize their learning experience.

Of course, we can't forget about academic achievement. This part involves measuring the student's performance in specific subjects like reading, writing, and math. It's all about figuring out their current academic standing, identifying areas where they excel and areas where they might need a little extra help.

Moving on, especially in this post-pandemic era, we have to consider their mental well-being as well. Emotional and psychological factors have a significant impact on learning. That's why we include an assessment of their mental well-being to uncover things like anxiety, depression, ADHD, or other concerns that might affect their academic performance. This way, we get a comprehensive understanding of their overall well-being and can provide the right support if needed.

Last but certainly not least, we come to the psychologist's interpretation and reporting skills. This is where the magic happens. The psychologist takes all the information gathered from these different dimensions, considers the student's unique context, and presents it in a logical and systematic report. It's all about highlighting the student's strengths, areas for improvement, and offering personalized strategies to support their academic growth and personal development.

By bringing together these five components in a psycho-educational assessment, we get a complete picture of the student's educational journey and personal situation. This empowers teachers, parents, and support teams to create targeted interventions, accommodations, and strategies that promote academic success and overall well-being.

 So while two students may be classified as having literacy delays, one may have a processing difficulty while another a comprehension difficulty, a third, poor vocabulary and reading ability. This is why a one-size fits- all approach seldom works. Learning support, and intervention has to ALWAYS be developed for an individual. So running a "box" program will not work! The level of training and competence of the special education teacher will also dictate the efficacy of learning outcomes. A psychology graduate who has no teacher training background will not understand how content and subject matter should be modified in order too meet the needs of the learner.

Remember, every student is unique, and a thorough assessment helps us tailor their educational experiences to foster growth, resilience, and a positive learning journey. With being unique the specific set of difficulties or combination of strengths and weaknesses will differ from one to the next.

Embracing the Art of Reading: The Importance of Patience and Repetition

 I wonder why some private tutors and parents insist on rushing the whole process of reading? Is the idea of teaching reading to prove a personal point or is it to instill the ultimate love for the written word? I have seen this so often especially with learners who face reading difficulties. Private tutors entice parents by telling them their children will read in 3 months. Parents get over anxious when their child starts to show some progress in reading acquisition.

Effective reading instruction has to cover a range of pre-reading activities and tasks. Instead, in Malaysia, its about how fast a learner can complete the Peter & Jane series or some other commercial phonics series. What everyone fails to realize is that these pre-reading activities are just as important. Laying a good foundation will support more complex reading later on.

My advice is not to rush this process. After all, there is reason why they say, "Rome was not built in a day!" 

Here are some reasons why rushing isn't the best way forward and why many reading teachers only succeed at teaching the first stage of reading - what is known as reading at c/v/c level. Teaching reading by rote, is also a terrible way of helping learners enjoy books and learn to read at more advanced levels. 

Why Rushing Isn't the Key

Have you ever wondered why learning to read takes time? Well, the answer lies in the intricate nature of this skill. Reading is a process, a journey not a destination! Just like a painter carefully blends colors to create a masterpiece, learning to read requires patience and nurturing. Rushing can hinder this beautiful process.

Building Fluency and Automacy

Imagine trying to ride a bicycle for the first time without training wheels. Would you instantly be able to pedal with confidence and grace? Probably not. Similarly, reading requires practice to become fluent and automatic. By giving children ample time to practice, we help them develop a smooth reading rhythm, enabling words to flow effortlessly off the page.

Repetition is key here! Repeated exposure to words, phrases, and sentences helps children build a solid foundation. Think of it as a puzzle: each piece is essential in forming the complete picture. As young readers repeatedly encounter familiar patterns, their brains become more adept at recognizing and decoding words swiftly. They should also be exposed to a variety of similar patterns so that skill transfer occurs.

Pattern Recognition for Accurate Reading

Did you know that words often hide patterns within their letters and sounds? It's like discovering secret codes in a treasure hunt! By taking the time to understand these patterns, children can unlock the mystery of reading. Rushing through this process might lead to confusion and missed opportunities for deciphering words effortlessly.

As children learn to identify patterns, they gain confidence in their reading abilities. Imagine reading a story and suddenly realizing that you can predict what comes next simply by recognizing patterns in the text! It's like having a superpower that lets you uncover hidden meanings and dive deeper into the story's magic. It is a very rewarding and exciting experience.

The Ultimate Goal: Comprehension

Now, let's ponder the true purpose of reading: comprehension. Imagine yourself standing at the entrance of a grand castle. Would you be content with merely gazing at the majestic exterior, or would you yearn to explore its secrets and unravel its tales? Reading comprehension allows us to unlock the gates of knowledge and delve into the realms of imagination. Imagination leads to creativity. It forms the foundation for analytical thinking, and enriches the way people express themselves.

By not rushing through the earlier stages of reading, we ensure that children have a strong foundation for comprehension. When fluency and automacy are established, young readers can dedicate their mental energy to understanding the meaning behind the words. Comprehension opens up a world of possibilities, igniting curiosity and fostering a lifelong love for reading. It also increases vocabulary and sets the foundation for future writing skills.

Remember that reading is a journey with no set time limit. Rushing through the early stages can rob a child of the magical moments that await. Embrace repetition, pattern recognition, and the ultimate goal of comprehension, and you'll help the reader unlock the door to endless knowledge and imagination.

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Did you know that... 

Exploring Qualities of three programmes: IGCSE, IB and Canadian Matriculation

 International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), International Baccalaureate (IB) and Canadian Matriculation program are three popular international educational programs for high school students.

IGCSE:

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is a two-year program designed for students ages 14-16. It was established in 1988 as an international alternative to traditional British GCSEs. In addition, the curriculum emphasizes practical skills that can help students develop their employability in the future. 

Content: The IGCSE curriculum covers a wide range of subjects including mathematics, science, history, geography, languages, and the arts.

Benefits: The IGCSE program emphasizes on development of practical skills, critical thinking and problem solving. It is recognized by universities worldwide and provides a strong foundation for further education.

Differences: Compared to other programs, IGCSE has a broader syllabus, less emphasis on theory and more on practical applications and is assessed through both coursework and exams.

International Baccalaureate (IB):

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program is a two-year curriculum aimed at preparing students aged 16-19 for college or university studies. The emphasis of this program is on developing an understanding of global issues through interdisciplinary study of six subject groups: language, mathematics & science; social studies; individuals & societies; arts & electives; experimental sciences; and language acquisition. In addition, students must complete a Creativity Activity Service (CAS) project to graduate from the program.  

Content: The IB program offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes the arts, humanities, sciences, and mathematics.

Benefits: The program aims to develop students into well-rounded individuals by encouraging creativity, critical thinking and independence. The program is also recognized by universities worldwide and has a strong focus on global perspectives.

Differences: The IB program is more focused on theory and independent research, and assessments are based on both internal and external evaluations.

Canadian Matriculation Program:

The Canadian Matriculation Program (CMP) is a one-year high school completion program that prepares graduating high school seniors for college or university studies in Canada or abroad. The curriculum focuses on English Language Arts, Mathematics & Science, Social Studies & Humanities and Physical Education/Career Planning courses as well as elective courses such as drama, music or art. CMP also offers college prep courses such as SAT/LSAT preparation classes in order to ensure that students are adequately prepared for post-secondary education.  

Content: The Canadian Matriculation program covers a wide range of subjects including mathematics, science, humanities, and languages.

Benefits: The program prepares students for post-secondary education by emphasizing critical thinking, problem solving and independent learning. The program is well-respected by universities in Canada and internationally.

Differences: The Canadian Matriculation program has a strong emphasis on national curricula and provides a balanced education that includes both academic and practical subjects.

To further elaborate, IGCSE, IB, and Canadian Matriculation program all offer different approaches to education and cater to different types of learners. For example, IGCSE may be a good fit for students who thrive in a more hands-on, practical learning environment, while the IB program may be a better fit for students who enjoy independent research and a strong focus on theory. The Canadian Matriculation program provides a balanced education that is well-suited for students who are looking for a broad-based curriculum that prepares them for university.

In terms of university recognition, all three programs are well-respected by universities both nationally and internationally. IGCSE and IB are recognized worldwide, and students who complete either program are well-prepared for further education. The Canadian Matriculation program is particularly well-regarded by universities in Canada, and students who complete this program are well-prepared for post-secondary education in Canada or abroad.

Ultimately, the choice between IGCSE, IB, and Canadian Matriculation program will depend on the individual needs and goals of each student. It is important to consider factors such as student learning style, future educational and career plans, and personal interests when making this decision.

Another important aspect to consider when choosing between these programs is the school environment and the level of support that is available to students. For example, some schools may have a strong emphasis in one program over the others, and may have more experienced teachers and resources to support students in that program. It is important to research schools and programs thoroughly to ensure that the right fit is found.

The IGCSE, IB, and Canadian Matriculation program all offer unique benefits and opportunities for high school students. By carefully considering the content, benefits, and differences of each program, students can make an informed decision about which program is best for them.

Kaedah " homeschool"- Sesuai untuk keluarga anda?

 Persekolahan di rumah boleh menjadi pilihan yang sangat baik untuk banyak keluarga. Walau bagaimanapun, seperti mana-mana pilihan pendidikan, terdapat kelebihan dan kekurangan untuk persekolahan di rumah. Dalam artikel ini, kami akan meneroka kebaikan dan keburukan homeschooling dan mempertimbangkan situasi di mana homeschooling mungkin pilihan terbaik untuk keluarga anda.

Kelebihan Persekolahan Di Rumah

Salah satu kelebihan utama persekolahan di rumah ialah keupayaan untuk menyesuaikan pendidikan anak anda. Sebagai ibu bapa homeschooling, anda mempunyai fleksibiliti untuk menyesuaikan kurikulum anak anda mengikut kekuatan, kelemahan, minat dan gaya pembelajaran individu mereka. Ini boleh menghasilkan pengalaman pendidikan yang lebih diperibadikan dan tahap pencapaian akademik yang lebih tinggi.

Satu lagi faedah persekolahan di rumah ialah keupayaan untuk mewujudkan persekitaran pembelajaran yang selamat dan menyokong. Kanak-kanak bersekolah di rumah boleh mengelakkan banyak tekanan sosial negatif dan gangguan yang boleh timbul di sekolah tradisional. Persekolahan di rumah juga membolehkan ibu bapa menerapkan nilai dan kepercayaan mereka kepada anak-anak mereka dan untuk mengajar mereka kemahiran hidup penting yang mungkin tidak ditekankan dalam persekitaran sekolah tradisional.

Persekolahan di rumah juga boleh menyediakan lebih banyak peluang untuk pembelajaran berasaskan pengalaman. Kanak-kanak bersekolah di rumah boleh mengambil bahagian dalam aktiviti praktikal, lawatan lapangan dan pengalaman dunia nyata lain yang boleh meningkatkan pendidikan mereka dan memupuk rasa ingin tahu dan kreativiti mereka.

Keluarga dengan ibu bapa yang pekerjaannya melibatkan banyak perjalanan juga akan mendapat manfaat daripada persekolahan di rumah, kerana mereka akan dapat meluangkan masa bersama anak-anak mereka sepanjang masa dan ke mana sahaja mereka pergi. Perjalanan juga, mengajar kanak-kanak tentang budaya lain dan dapat mengalami pengalaman itu sendiri adalah pendidikan itu sendiri.

Keburukan Persekolahan Di Rumah

Walau bagaimanapun, terdapat juga beberapa kelemahan yang berpotensi untuk persekolahan di rumah. Salah satu cabaran terbesar ialah jumlah masa dan usaha yang diperlukan oleh ibu bapa. Persekolahan di rumah memerlukan komitmen masa dan tenaga yang ketara, dan ibu bapa mesti bersedia menumpukan diri mereka untuk pendidikan anak mereka setiap hari. 

Cabaran lain ialah potensi pengasingan sosial. Kanak-kanak bersekolah di rumah mungkin mempunyai lebih sedikit peluang untuk berinteraksi dengan rakan sebaya dan mengembangkan kemahiran sosial yang penting. Ini boleh dikurangkan melalui penyertaan dalam koperasi sekolah di rumah, pasukan sukan, dan aktiviti ekstrakurikuler lain, tetapi ia memerlukan usaha proaktif daripada ibu bapa.

Akhirnya, persekolahan di rumah boleh menjadi mahal. Walaupun ia boleh dilakukan mengikut bajet, persekolahan di rumah memerlukan pembelian bahan kurikulum, bekalan pendidikan, dan mungkin teknologi. Selain itu, persekolahan di rumah mungkin memerlukan ibu bapa untuk melepaskan pekerjaan sepenuh masa, mengakibatkan kehilangan pendapatan.

Persekolahan di rumah memerlukan ibu bapa yang bersekolah di rumah itu teratur dan mampu mengatasi keperluan untuk merancang pelajaran yang berbeza untuk setiap kanak-kanak dan mengetepikan masa yang diperlukan untuk pendidikan berlangsung. Ia juga memerlukan kreativiti dan menganggap bahawa ibu bapa mempunyai tahap pencapaian pendidikan tertentu sendiri. 

Bila Perlu Pertimbangkan Persekolahan Di Rumah

Jadi, bilakah ibu bapa harus mempertimbangkan persekolahan di rumah? Terdapat beberapa situasi di mana homeschooling mungkin pilihan terbaik untuk keluarga anda.

Jika anak anda mempunyai keperluan pembelajaran yang unik, persekolahan di rumah boleh memberi peluang untuk arahan yang diperibadikan dan kurikulum yang disesuaikan. Homeschooling juga boleh menjadi pilihan yang baik jika anak anda mempunyai keadaan kesihatan yang memerlukan jadual yang lebih fleksibel atau jika anda tinggal di kawasan luar bandar dengan pilihan pendidikan yang terhad.

Persekolahan di rumah juga mungkin sesuai jika anda mencari pendidikan yang lebih berasaskan nilai untuk anak anda. Persekolahan di rumah membolehkan ibu bapa memasukkan nilai dan kepercayaan mereka ke dalam pendidikan anak mereka dan menyediakan persekitaran pembelajaran yang menyokong dan selamat.

Kaedah "homeschooling" mungkin merupakan pilihan yang baik jika anda mencari lebih fleksibiliti dalam jadual anda. Homeschooling membolehkan ibu bapa menetapkan jadual mereka sendiri dan menggabungkan pendidikan ke dalam aktiviti dan pengalaman harian.

Homeschooling boleh menjadi pilihan pendidikan yang sangat baik untuk banyak keluarga. Walau bagaimanapun, ia memerlukan komitmen masa dan usaha yang besar daripada ibu bapa. Sebelum membuat keputusan untuk homeschooling, ibu bapa harus mempertimbangkan dengan teliti kebaikan dan keburukan homeschooling dan menilai keupayaan dan kesanggupan mereka sendiri untuk menyediakan pendidikan berkualiti untuk anak mereka. Dengan berbuat demikian, ibu bapa boleh membuat keputusan termaklum sama ada persekolahan di rumah adalah pilihan terbaik untuk keluarga mereka.

Homeschooling: Yay or Nay for your family?

Homeschooling can be an excellent option for many families. However, like any educational choice, there are both advantages and disadvantages to homeschooling. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of homeschooling and consider situations in which homeschooling might be the best choice for your family.

Merits of Homeschooling

One of the primary advantages of homeschooling is the ability to customize your child's education. As a homeschooling parent, you have the flexibility to tailor your child's curriculum to their individual strengths, weaknesses, interests, and learning style. This can result in a more personalized educational experience and a higher level of academic achievement.

Another benefit of homeschooling is the ability to create a safe and supportive learning environment. Homeschooled children can avoid many of the negative social pressures and distractions that can arise in traditional schools. Homeschooling also allows parents to instill their values and beliefs in their children and to teach them important life skills that may not be emphasized in a traditional school setting.

Homeschooling can also provide more opportunities for experiential learning. Homeschooled children can participate in hands-on activities, field trips, and other real-world experiences that can enhance their education and foster their curiosity and creativity.

Families with parents whose jobs involve lots of travel will also benefit from homeschooling, as they will be able to spend time with their children all the time and anywhere they go. Travel also, teaches children about other cultures and being able to experience that first hand is educational in itself.

Cons of Homeschooling

However, there are also some potential drawbacks to homeschooling. One of the biggest challenges is the amount of time and effort required of the parent. Homeschooling requires a significant commitment of time and energy, and parents must be willing to devote themselves to their child's education on a daily basis. 

Another challenge is the potential for social isolation. Homeschooled children may have fewer opportunities to interact with peers and develop important social skills. This can be mitigated through participation in homeschool co-ops, sports teams, and other extracurricular activities, but it requires a proactive effort on the part of the parent.

Finally, homeschooling can be expensive. While it can be done on a budget, homeschooling requires the purchase of curriculum materials, educational supplies, and possibly technology. Additionally, homeschooling may require a parent to forgo a full-time job, resulting in a loss of income.

Homeschooling requires that the parent who is homeschooling be organized and able to cope with having to plan different lessons for each child and setting aside the time required for education to take place. It also requires creativity and assumes that parents have a certain educational attainment level themselves. 

When to Consider Homeschooling

So, when should parents consider homeschooling? There are several situations in which homeschooling may be the best choice for your family.

If your child has unique learning needs, homeschooling can provide the opportunity for personalized instruction and a tailored curriculum. Homeschooling can also be a good option if your child has a health condition that requires a more flexible schedule or if you live in a rural area with limited educational options.

Homeschooling may also be a good fit if you are seeking a more values-based education for your child. Homeschooling allows parents to incorporate their values and beliefs into their child's education and to provide a supportive and safe learning environment.

Finally, homeschooling may be a good choice if you are seeking more flexibility in your schedule. Homeschooling allows parents to set their own schedule and to incorporate education into daily activities and experiences.


Homeschooling can be an excellent educational choice for many families. However, it requires a significant commitment of time and effort on the part of the parent. Before making the decision to homeschool, parents should carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of homeschooling and evaluate their own ability and willingness to provide a quality education for their child. By doing so, parents can make an informed decision about whether homeschooling is the best choice for their family.