OUR STORY
Programme
Mastermind (ages 4 - 14)
how do cognitive skills affect the way we learn
Studies have shown that learning difficulties are linked to poor fundamental cognitive skills. Cognitive skills are core skills the brain uses to process thoughts. Some of these skills include attention, short and long-term memory, auditory and visual processing, logic and reasoning and problem solving. Children with poor cognitive ability are unable to process information effectively and thus struggle to do well in school. We provide the high-quality cognitive development required for students to become effective and efficient learners.
about our programme
The Mastermind programme consists of a wide range of training exercises and physical activities and is conducted in a class of seven students at maximum, ensuring each student’s attention and participation. Each exercise trains the different underlying cognitive skills required for the various academic subjects taught in school. We do not teach academic subject content directly. There are progressive levels of difficulty for each exercise, keeping the brain challenged at all times and working at its optimum performance. Our exercises and activities are also designed to be fun and engaging so as to secure a child’s interest, effort and full participation. With proper cognitive development, students will be able to:
• Maintain a high level of concentration for long durations
• Retain and recall information from memory when required
• Understand concepts better through logical thinking
• Solve problems through critical thinking
• Process auditory or visual data quickly
how it works
1
We first identify the strengths and weaknesses of your child’s cognitive ability through a test. This allows us to plan activities according to his or her needs.
2
Your child will then undergo several modules over the following months, with emphasis on activities which help him/her overcome their weaknesses while bolstering their strengths. This gives them the confidence to tackle their weaknesses head on and not be reluctant or afraid when doing so.
3
We constantly update parents on their child’s progress, giving them a sense of ease and understanding. We will also try to identify and discuss solutions for any external factors which might affect your child’s learning ability.
FAQ
What is cognitive training for children?
Cognitive training strengthens skills children use to learn and solve problems, such as memory, concentration, processing speed, logical reasoning and critical thinking. At Mastermind Studios, these skills are developed through targeted activities rather than conventional academic drilling.
What age group is the Mastermind programme suitable for?
The programme is desgined for children aged 4 – 14. Activities are adjusted according to the child’s age, ability and stage of development, with an increasing challenge as the child progresses.
How is cognitive training different from tuition?
Tuition focuses on subject knowledge, while cognitive training develops the thinking and learning skills children use to understand, memorise and apply what they learn.
What specific skills do you aim to develop in your students?
Our programme has been successful in developing better memory, concentration, processing speed, logical and analytical thinking, critical and creative thinking, strategic and lateral thinking, comprehension and inference, mind mapping, communication and presentation skills, as well as a focus in building confidence and perseverance in our students.
Does Mastermind Studios teach school subjects?
We are not a conventional tuition centre. Instead we aim to develop and strengthen high order thinking skills that children can apply across different learning situations.
What happens during a trial lesson?
A trial lesson allows us to assess how a child chooses to approach various tasks and also their learning abilities. After the 90 minute session, we share our observations with their parents and discuss suitable actitvities for the future.
Do parents sit in during the trial lesson?
Parents do not usually observe the trial lesson so that the child is given a chance to respond independently.
How are lessons conducted?
Lessons include a variety of structured activities, puzzles, games and problem solving tasks. Students are encouraged to attempt challenges, explain their thought proccess and try different strategies. This way they are able to form intellectual independence and confidence in themselves.
Will every child follow the same programme?
The programme mostly follows a structured progression through modules, but the difficulty, guidance and pacing will be adjusted to fit the needs of each child.