To many parents' delight, one of Japan's renowned and critically acclaimed right-brain training centre, Heguru is finally setting foot on our sunny island. Never mind that Shichida has been the big bro claiming a chunk of the market share for years, parents are still enthusing and flocking to the new establishment. Well, I must admit that I'm one of them:p
It all started with right-brain cardinals such as Glenn Doman and Prof. Makoto Shichida vehemently advocating the theory of right brain activation at a tender age. Their claim was supported by years of solid research on brain-based learning which makes sense to me. The frenzy of sending kids to such centers really began when the Shichida Method School extended its franchise here. Since then, other right-brain training schools ( wannabes or unorthodox or hybrid ones) started springing out at various locales.
I attended a briefing session conducted by one of the three Heguru centres. Turns out that the centres are run by different franchisees. However, the fees are fixed across the centres and is the only constant variable. The quality of teachers and materials are very much under the mercy of the respective managements. Since the brand is making its debut and with such inconsistency, I was not comfortable in giving it a go at this moment. Furthermore, the credentials of the trainers are somewhat unconvincing. Some of them were ex-MOE teachers with a few teaching in the Secondary level while the rest are from the corporate sector. Being an ex MOE teacher myself, I cannot really agree that we have a strong grounding and ample experiences in educating very young children, let alone administering right brain activities. The exposure is very different - these trainers may be accustomed to mainstream and domain specific teaching. Perhaps it's just myself, I am not really comfortable... Oh, the exorbitant fees further justified and reinforced my decision not to join in the bandwagon. I guess I will just wait out until the establishment matures before I decide to enrol ILT.
Meanwhile, I will probably find out more about right brain training and its merits. I need to ascertain its benefits vis-a-vis the hype. For now, I'm inclined to the idea for I would rather teach my son how to fish than to give him the fish. This is akin to seizing teachable moments to inculcate lifelong values as opposed to sending him to expensive mathematics or phonics classes. Similarly, the idea of right brain activation sounds logical and why not? I should probably give it a try because I cannot afford to miss this window of learning.
Oh... What I have just shared are merely my humble opinions. You are free to have yours too! Do also feel free to enlighten me...
"Prince of Peace" or "PoP" in short, captures all the experiences encountered along my journey as a new mum. Encapsulating the different facets of a mum's emotions - the beliefs, fears, motivations, aspirations, disappointments, joy etc. of raising a child in Singapore and more aptly, in today's world.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteChanced upon your website. You should check out the Heguru Centre located at Eunos. This centre has a very experienced head teacher who has 10 years of experience teaching young children right brain education.
Many mummies whom I know has very good reviews of the teachers and lessons at this centre.
Just a suggestion, you may want to check them out.
Hi Cheryl
DeleteThanks for sharing! Are you referring to Paige? She's a very nice teacher indeed! Am considering enrolling my boy there but it's quite way off from my place.. anyway, u enrolled your kid with the centre?
Hi Cheryl,
DeleteOne of my friend who is with Eunos commented that Paige has lost a lot of weight ever since she started teaching. From my understanding, the only main teacher teaching right now with the principal and the other teacher assisting. Not sure how long she can last.
Heard from my SAHM friends who are attending Heguru Fusionopolis that they like the Principal Agnes and teachers there very much. According to them, Agnes is extremely knowledgeable in early childhood and right braining training and very patience and prepared to share her knowledge.
Heguru Fusionopolis is so popular, with many parents on the waiting list, that they are opening their second classroom in March. All the teachers including the Principal herself are involved in teaching.
I am glad Heguru is doing well in Singapore. Timely wake up call for SM. :)
Yup, agreed. Communicated with Agnes too. Personally found her to be sincere and not too pushy. Think she's currently pursuing Masters in Childhood Ed. Also, the rest of the team seem to be more qualified.
DeleteAre you sending your kid to Heguru? I might consider sending my boy over to the fusionpolis one since my church is in that vicinity...
Hi Mandie, chance upon your blog about Heguru.
ReplyDeleteAre you currently attending Heguru? Any feedback about Heguru?
Wanted to find out more about Heguru Eunos as I am staying in the East. Saw on their website that their main teacher is Paige which you mentioned.
I previously had a very good teacher for my daughter at Happy Train but unfortunately as the teacher was overworked and overstretched by the Principal with many classes back to back, her standard of teaching dropped. Not sure if Paige, being the only main teacher at Heguru Eunos, is able to cope with so many classes back to back especially for weekend classes.
Any idea if the principal himself is teaching? Wondering how good is a male teacher with kids?
Hihi,
ReplyDeleteI'm not with them YET.. am seriously considering too:) if I'm not mistsken, there are 2 other teaching staff besides Paige where one of them is the Principal himself. Conversed with the Principal personally and find that he's sincere and a strong proponent of right brain training, very understanding and accomodating too. He also boasts an impressive education snd career records (PSC scholar), however, I have my reservations on his instructional skills and pedsgogic understanding in teaching young children. In any case, the quality of instructions is definitely independent of gender of the teacher. I thought at least the teacher should at least be qualified or have some foundational understanding in teaching kids; be aware of how kids learn, notwithstanding being trained in the Heguru method.
Hi Mandie, thank you for your input. Got a feedback from another blogger, Ms Leona, that Paige is currently teaching all the classes at Heguru Eunos.
ReplyDeleteVery concern that what has happened to my daughter at Happy Train may repeat again at their centre as Paige may be overworked and overstretched. Should she burn out or fall sick, all the children may be affected.
Ps: If you want to join them, go for the morning class if possible as she will be very tired after the first two class. ;)
Hmm...seems like Violet has shed some light in the current situation over at Heguru Eunos. It must be really tough for them to solely rely on one main teacher. No wonder they are actively recruiting trainers to shore up their estabs.!
DeleteSo June, do you still intend to send your girl there or you have already done so? ;p Alternatively, you may try the one at Fusionpolis. Sounds good over there though.
Hmm..By the way, think we left out the outlet at Goldhill Centre. Not much hype over there though...Anyone has any info. abt. that centre??
ReplyDeleteWill check out Fusionopolis. They have a Parent Information Session this Saturday at their centre. Hopefully, I can still get the time slot I want for my daughter. :)
ReplyDeleteBest of luck to you June:)
ReplyDeleteHi there, I was alerted to this thread because my name was mentioned in the comments! Wanted to come by and add, as I told June Lim, that Heguru Eunos has been actively recruiting teachers all this while and teaching days are restricted to Thu-Sun. Now they have more teachers and have opened more classes. They also limit the number of classes for each teacher, so there is no issue of burnout. In any case, I'm sure all the Heguru centres in Singapore take good care of their teachers. :)
ReplyDeleteCheers, Leona
Yup, I think that's the right way to go. Think educators have to be mindful of the teacher-student ratio as well as the workload involved to optimise learning :)
DeleteI have been attending Heguru at the Eunos centre since they open. So far I have been very happy with the lessons and centre. I can see that there are many more teachers and classes now.
DeleteMy daughter used to be taught by Teacher Paige. I didn't feel she was overworked or burnt out. She hadn't missed any of the lessons before. I must say she is really good. My daughter likes her a lot. However, due to a conflict to my schedule, I had to shift to another class by another Teacher Rhian. She is very good and I am very impressed as well. I must both teachers have different teaching styles though. But both are dedicated and sincere in teaching is very important, at least to me. I would highly recommend both teachers.
good to hear that your daughter is benefitting from the class and that they are expanding the fleet!
DeleteHi all,
ReplyDeleteI am looking for a right brain training school for my child.
Was looking at Heguru Education’s website (www.hegurueducation.com.sg) and realized that they were recently awarded “Best Enrichment and Learning School 2013/2014 in All-Round Intellectual Development ” by Parents World.
Can award given out by magazine be trusted? Was told by friends in the publishing and advertising industry that as long as the school is willing to pay for media package they can get the award.
Really surprise that Heguru Education which is such a new establishment (less than 1 year in business) can get an award like this when Shichida (http://www.shichidamethod.com) which is a more established school does not even have this award.
Please enlighten me.
Hi Linda
DeleteI recently came across a couple of parents who are sending their children to Heguru. Like yourself, I'm intrigued by the pull factors as well. Like many parents, I would usually look at the accolades as the initial point of reference before deciding if I should enroll my boy. However, after having attended a couple of much raved-about enrichment classes, honestly, I personally am not impressed by some. I would discontinue the programme if I felt that the standard is subpar.
Point I want make - No harm trying out the enrichment classes; we always have the prerogative to pull out if they are not worth the effort and money after all :)
Thanks for your advise.
ReplyDeleteIt has long been observed that an adult is more often than not the result of his or her childhood experiences. If child is exposed to violence, then he or she is likely to be violent when it gets to be a fully developed adult.
ReplyDeleteilchi lee brain education
Hi QueenAurora, great to have bumped into your blog. This statement of yours struck my attention: "Being an ex MOE teacher myself, I cannot really agree that we have a strong grounding and ample experiences in educating very young children, let alone administering right brain activities. The exposure is very different - these trainers may be accustomed to mainstream and domain specific teaching. Perhaps it's just myself, I am not really comfortable…"
ReplyDeleteI agree with you to a certain extent. We're now homeschooling up through Kindergarten using Montessori and Shichida methods. Dr. Maria Montessori also mentioned before that traditionally-trained teachers need to unlearn before they can observe children and carry out the Montessori method well.
I'm planning to pursue my passion in the preschool education industry. Interested in training (future educators) and developing didactic apparatus, Am now thinking whether a Master in Education (specialising in preschool and giftedness) would be valuable. I'm also interesting in getting a Diploma in Montessori Method. Since time and money are limited resources, I'm weighing which one to go for first, and seem inclined towards Montessori. Any thoughts you can share?
Thank you in advance and all the best!
Cheers,
MieVee
MummysHomeschool.com (Singapore & Malaysia)
Hi MieVee
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear from you! I must say that you are one big patient super mom! Really heartened to know that you are painstakingly involved in every single bit of your kids' physical and even cognitive development.
Well, as for pursuing further studies to deepen expertise in your area(s) of interest, I would say - go for it! It took me much contemplation and conviction to finally step forth to pursue a Master in Ed. and really, no regrets for that. I think we need more proponents in the education sector who not only are practitioners in their own right, but committed individuals who wish to make a difference to the education scene. I'm glad that you have harboured the intention and what's left now is for you to take a leap of faith forward.
Cheers,
QueenAurora
Great post! Thanks you so much for the share. It is indeed a helpful one.
ReplyDeleteEarly Childhood Education | Early Childhood Enrichment Programme