About Vivienne Kai
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Hi, I am Vivienne, the co-founder of Math Lobby.
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I have 11 years of experience teaching secondary math which includes A Math and E Math since 2013. Before COVID, we partnered with the Family Services Centre (FSC) to support students.
Thereafter, we established Math Lobby with a focus on personalized learning, providing our own carefully crafted notes and handouts for students.
At Math Lobby, we believe in:
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There are no such thing as a "Math Person"​​​​
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We believe that anyone can excel in math. Through our teaching, we help students develop a "growth mindset" — the understanding that their brains can adapt, learn and grow. Being "bad at math" is not a fixed trait - with the right approach, every student can improve and succeed.
A growth mindset encourages resilience. Students with this mindset see challenges as opportunities to learn rather than reasons to give up. Studies show that students with growth mindsets have more active brain engagement, especially when facing complex problems.
As educational psychologist Carol Dweck notes, those with a fixed mindset may feel discouraged when they don’t immediately understand something, assuming they lack the ability to improve. On the other hand, students with a growth mindset believe they can gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed, transforming every challenge into a learning experience.
In a world where students face mounting academic pressures, nurturing a growth mindset can be a powerful asset in their educational journey.
At Math Lobby, we’re here to support that journey, building confidence and resilience in every student.
2. Math Is Not One-Size-Fits-All
At Math Lobby, we believe there are many ways to approach a math problem — solutions don’t have to follow a single, rigid path. We encourage students to explore their own methods of solving problems, guiding them through the steps needed to earn full marks without insisting that one method is superior.
Our focus is on understanding core concepts rather than rigidly enforcing rules and methods. Math can be creative and flexible, allowing students to discover their unique approach to problem-solving.
3. Making Math Visual and Memorable
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At Math Lobby, we embrace visual learning in math to make complex concepts easier to understand and remember. Research in educational psychology shows that mathematical thinking activates two visual networks in the brain, making visual tools essential for effective learning.
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We use creative visuals like number lines and hand gestures to illustrate key concepts. For example, we demonstrate functions such as and y=ln(x) using the palm to reinforce understanding. We also utilize number lines to clarify positive and negative values, as well as comparisons. By integrating these visual techniques, we aim to make math both dynamic and memorable for every student.
4. The Power of Mistakes in Learning Math
At Math Lobby, we see mistakes as a powerful part of the learning process. Making and analyzing mistakes can transform understanding, helping students build stronger connections between math concepts. Our brains are natural prediction machines, constantly forming expectations. When we make a mistake, it disrupts these expectations, creating a valuable opportunity for deeper learning.
Recognizing that the brain is wired to make connections and spot patterns, we often simplify or generalise to understand a problem. However, these shortcuts can sometimes lead to errors. Rather than viewing these errors as setbacks, we consider them as stepping stones to greater clarity and understanding. By analyzing and discussing errors, students can refine their problem-solving skills and develop a more nuanced understanding of mathematical concepts.
To leverage the benefits of learning from mistakes, Math Lobby encourages open discussions on mistakes. After each assessment, we’ll review common errors and explore the underlying reasons. This practice not only helps students learn from each other but also reinforces the idea that everyone can learn and grow from mistakes.
5. Reinforcing Understanding Through the Power of Questioning
The best way to reinforce knowledge is through these 3 steps:
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Convince yourself that the answer is correct
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Convince your friend that your answer is correct
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Convince a skeptic that your answer is correct
Explaining an answer helps students test their knowledge and exposes gaps in their understanding. This “skeptic framework” pushes students beyond superficial comprehension and strengthens their foundational knowledge by addressing potential errors or misconceptions head-on.
Many students feel reluctant to question things openly, fearing that it might reveal a lack of knowledge. However, embracing the skeptic mindset fosters courage, helping students challenge ideas and methods they don’t fully understand. This approach empowers them to dive deeper into their learning and to find strategies that work best for them, rather than simply adopting the quickest or most commonly accepted method.
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As such, at Math Lobby, we encouraging self-questioning. Teachers will model self-questioning techniques, such as, “Why do I believe this answer is correct?” or “Could there be another way to look at this problem?” By consistently asking themselves these questions, students learn to evaluate their own thinking.
By embedding the skeptic framework into our teaching practices, we equip students with essential skills in critical thinking and self-reflection. This approach not only solidifies mathematical understanding but also instills a lifelong love of inquiry and learning.
For personalized assistance with our math lessons, feel free to reach out to us at 96322202. We’re here to help and answer any questions you may have!
Reviews And Testimonial From Vivienne's Students And Their Parents
