If the PSLE got you stressed, you’re not alone. Every year, parents and students across Singapore feel the pressure of this crucial exam. In an exclusive interview with theAsianparent, Emil Lim, Founder and CEO of First Principles Education, shared his insights on a smarter approach to PSLE preparation. “Instead of stressing out over more hours of tuition, it’s time to learn how to study more effectively,” he advises. So how can students study smarter and avoid the overwhelming stress that often accompanies PSLE? Let’s dive into Lim’s approach.

What Does Studying Smarter Mean?

For Emil Lim, studying smarter means shifting the focus away from traditional methods that emphasise memorisation and endless practice papers. Instead, he encourages students to focus on learning how to learn. “A lot of students are taught what to study but rarely how to study,” Lim explains. This is a fundamental issue, as it can lead to students feeling lost and stressed when their usual methods fail to yield results.

What is First Principles Education?

First Principles Education stands apart from traditional tuition centres. Rather than focusing solely on improving grades, it encourages students to “learn how to learn.” By prioritising essential skills and lifelong learning habits, students are better equipped to succeed academically and personally. The emphasis here is on independence, critical thinking, and problem-solving, all crucial for thriving in today’s ever-evolving world.

Image from First Principles Education

At First Principles Education, students are taught skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and how to break down complex problems into manageable parts. These techniques, Lim believes, are more effective in the long run than simply cramming for exams. “We want students to develop lifelong learning habits that will serve them well beyond PSLE,” he adds.

How Does It Differ From Traditional Tuition?

Unlike traditional tuition centres, which often rely on rote learning, First Principles Education leverages a data-driven approach to personalise learning. Emil Lim, the founder and CEO, explains that their teaching methods are rooted in proprietary research, ensuring students receive the best strategies proven to work in Singapore’s competitive academic environment.

Lim’s philosophy focuses on character building and resilience. He believes that education should nurture adaptability and the ability to apply knowledge in real-world situations. This personalised approach not only aims for academic success but also fosters well-rounded individuals.

Personalised Learning Plans: A Key to Success

One of the ways First Principles Education helps students study smarter is through personalised learning plans. Each student undergoes an assessment that highlights their strengths, weaknesses, and preferred learning styles. “It’s not about just following a fixed curriculum,” says Lim. “We customise learning plans to fit the student’s needs, which allows them to focus on areas where they need the most support.”

Image from First Principles Education

By creating tailored study plans, students can tackle their unique challenges head-on, rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach. This method not only improves academic performance but also reduces stress. Parents, too, are involved in this process, ensuring that they are aware of their child’s progress and aligned with the learning goals.

Building Confidence and Resilience

Aside from academic strategies, Lim emphasises the importance of character development in reducing PSLE stress. “It’s not just about achieving good grades,” he explains. “We want to build resilience in students so they can handle challenges, not just in exams but in life.” This approach helps students see setbacks as opportunities for growth rather than failures. With resilience, students are more likely to stay calm and focused, even under pressure.

Image from First Principles Education

At First Principles Education, students are also taught stress management techniques, such as breaking tasks into smaller, more manageable steps and setting realistic goals. These strategies not only make the study process smoother but also help students maintain a positive mindset during stressful periods like the PSLE.

Real Success Stories: How Studying Smarter Works

Lim’s approach has already made a significant impact on many students. He recalls the story of a P5 boy who struggled academically and expressed his frustrations through anger. “We worked on his mentality and study habits, and within six months, his grades improved, and his attitude changed. He now approaches challenges calmly and logically,” Lim shares. The boy’s transformation is a testament to the power of studying smarter, not harder.

Another success story is of a P6 girl who was overwhelmed by poor time management and stress. Despite numerous tuition sessions, her grades remained low, and arguments with her parents became frequent. “We taught her how to prioritise her work and manage her time effectively,” says Lim. As a result, she gained the confidence to study independently, improved her PSLE score significantly, and entered her dream school.

A Holistic Approach to Education

Through its holistic approach, First Principles Education has helped many students transform their academic and personal lives. By focusing on both academic success and character development, the school has become a leader in fostering independent, confident learners.

First Principles Education believes in empowering students to take ownership of their learning journey. This is achieved by helping them cultivate the best study habits and a proactive approach to education. Lim’s vision of “learning how to learn” equips students with the tools they need to succeed not just in school but throughout their lives.

Is It Time to Rethink Tuition?

For many parents, the natural response to PSLE stress is to increase tuition hours. However, Lim encourages parents to think twice before taking this route. “Tuition can be helpful in clarifying concepts, but it shouldn’t be a crutch,” he advises. Instead, students should learn to take responsibility for their own study schedules and revision plans. This independence is a crucial skill that will serve them well throughout their academic careers and beyond.

According to Emil Lim, studying smarter isn’t about putting in more hours but making those hours count. By focusing on essential learning skills, personal growth, and stress management, students can not only excel in their PSLE but also develop the resilience needed to face life’s future challenges. As Lim puts it, “When students know how to learn, they can achieve more with less stress.”

Final Thoughts

If PSLE got you stressed, consider adopting Emil Lim’s approach. By focusing on smarter, more personalised study methods, your child can not only improve their academic performance but also reduce stress and build skills that will benefit them long after the exams are over.

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