Past Pear Tree Beneficiaries
The testimonials are from students who have benefitted from the regular English Language courses at The Pear Tree in the past, the students and teachers who were involved in our Founder's research on The Literature-Driven English Curriculum and from those who had participated in our various workshops. Only a select number of testimonials are printed because of space constraints.
Regular Classes
2013 'O' Level
`My experience with Dr Pereira was a life-changing one. It was six months till my 'O' levels that I started taking classes with her because I was still failing my English subject... (At) that moment I didn't have the drive to study and also my love of learning was lost. As the months went by, I've learnt that English language is way beyond what Cambridge examiners was testing me. On top of that, she taught me skills that are valuable not just for my examinations but to my everyday life. She gave me an all-rounded education.' - Roxy
`I was failing in my Literature but after attending lessons at The Pear Tree Centre for Education, I got an A2 for my 'O' level' - Hui Zheng who attended 'O' Level Literature classes for 5 months
Students attending Other Levels
`I actually find the class very fun. It is a new type of Way where we actually learn while enjoying the class. Like the movies, the reading out loud and more. Every time we get to meet, we always learn something new. The following lesson we improve on it. The group is small so we get to ask our doubts boldly' - Suvathi
`I found the class very good. I improved in my vocabulary and grammar. My grades have improved too. The class is a small group, so it is very useful' - Navin
Students' Workshops
`I enjoyed the two lessons on oral. I was able to learn... about variation of tone, pauses, emphasis, etc... This course had not only helped me in my oral examinations but in my speech too. I never really got a chance to learn how to write and say a speech. I am interested in speeches now after watching some videos of people making speeches like Martin Luther King. Overall, this course helped a lot and it is 100% worth it.’ - Thomas
`The lesson was helpful as it teaches you how to write a summary and even before you write a summary, what must you do. The different methods that was (sic) taught would be helpful for my examination so that I can write a good summary. Overall this workshop is good and helpful.’ - Nicholas
`Now, I know how to answer question I don’t know how to answer. Learnt contextual clues. Thank you, Teacher. ’ – Maithily
Teachers' Workshops and Seminar
Workshop on 'Action Research' conducted in Singapore.
`Dr Pereira herself has done research – so it was from a practitioner’s point of view. Dr Pereira is knowledgeable in the field of research and with our local education scene as well. Able to elaborate and give examples – helped clarifying and made the content clear’
`Lots of interaction between participant and instructor. Questions are answered well. Hands on + discussions on research questions helped to clarify many doubts.’
`Small size!’
Workshop on `Student Profiling and Instructional Strategies' conducted in India.
`This is useful to motivate the teacher who is ready to change the existing methodology and their teaching styles.'
`This seminar gives new ideas about different teaching aids, modes of learning techniques, presentation of a concept before the students based on their individual differences.'
`This seminar helps me to teach in an interesting way. Instead of lecture notes tackle the students with a new method. It also helps (us learn how) to teach the... new generation'
Research Participants
Student 1: Understanding was strengthened because of this discussion we did.
Student 2: Also the presentation and group work, it somehow makes us improve in
our oral presentation skills when we present our work in front of the class.
Student 3: At the same time also, it lets us share our views so we understand better.
(Male students from Class 11, School 2)
`I think like we learn better, as in, the things get screwed, stick in your brain longer.’
(Female student from Class 20, School 3)
`I learnt that it was not just quantity but quality of the work… even though the sentences are shorter but they have a greater impact on the person that’s reading it.'
(Male student from Class 8, School 1)
`(The programme) managed to convey to the students how the changes in the structures will change the focus or emphasis of the narrative writing, so they were aware of it.’
(Teacher G, School 2)
`The one I remember most clearly is the activity where they had to change Lenny’s character and situation based on the story, so he is no longer, you know, the way he is. They had to change him completely and see how it affected the rest of the story and it was fantastic, they enjoyed it completely and they did a really good job of twisting him around, so that was fun.’
(Teacher M, School 4)