Mind Champs

[tigger2]

Has anyone has any experience with mind champs programme?
Is it effective?

[sundaymorningstaple]

I put my son in it around 5 years ago while he was in Sec 2 or 3. Spent all the money, went to all the meetings and he failed that year anyway. Personally, I think it's a total waste of money (it was for me anyway). I'm sure there are some that found it good, or they wouldn't still be in business I'm guessing.

[ksl]

Has anyone has any experience with mind champs programme?
Is it effective?

It's very expensive and only useful if motivated to learn the technique. My opinion is not many students will adapt it, unless they are regimental in their thought process, not many kids are, so it's just wishful thinking, that their is a easy way to learn and remember!

The only way is practise, my own observation is that we only learn what we are really interested in, my daughter is more creative for example and just average at maths, so the creative side of the brain takes over.

I have found reward is much more effective, for the challenge, I gave her a new guitar for the 3 A's she achieved. I know my daughter would rebel if we tried too hard in encouraging her.

So we attempt to let her make her own mind up, by offering her a carrot, to reach her target!

[sundaymorningstaple]

And those that are regimental in their thought processes probably don't need it anyway! It's just their kiasu parents put them there just like they force their kids to learn the violin, piano, and dog knows how many other "enrichment" classes that the kid doesn't really give 2 sh*ts about.

[ksl]

And those that are regimental in their thought processes probably don't need it anyway! It's just their kiasu parents put them there just like they force their kids to learn the violin, piano, and dog knows how many other "enrichment" classes that the kid doesn't really give 2 sh*ts about.

Yes I have to agree, with you on that one! My sister in law sent both her sons to mind champs, one was motivated, the other actually told me he fails on purpose, just to wind them up.

They was far too strict, even my wife is a little too enthusiastic for me, when it comes to her study, so occasionally i step in and take the reigns and tell her to ease off, simply because i know my daughter better than her mother, I have raised her, and know damn well she will rebel, if pushed too hard. My daughter is a leader type, though a little too clever for her own good, but still needs the space to be a child. I guess she takes more after myself

[Vaucluse]

I put my son in it around 5 years ago while he was in Sec 2 or 3. Spent all the money, went to all the meetings and he failed that year anyway.

Bummer that he inherited your genes on this issue!

[sundaymorningstaple]

...would that he had. It was, unfortunately, a bass guitar that caused the problems.

[Brian Caswell]

My name is Brian Caswell and I am head of research and program-development for MindChamps. I know this forum is a month or so old, but it was just drawn to my attention, and I would just like to comment on a couple of points:

To sundaymorningstaple I am sorry to hear that you were disappointed in your son’s results – but I am more disappointed that there was not some further follow-up between us at the time. It is MindChamps’ policy to be open to all students and their parents at all times, and if there are some challenges with applying the learning strategies – or some issues beyond the strategies, which are affecting performance – we are pleased to consult one-on-one with individual students to help them achieve their potential. If you were not made aware of this policy, then it is a disappointing communication error.

In a recent survey of parents, 98% declared MindChamps trainers and facilities to be either Excellent or Good. We are pleased with this – but it still means that there are 2% - like sundaymorningstaple who are less than satisfied – and for me, personally, that is 2% too many.

ksl raises two important issues: cost and motivation. Education is not cheap – as we all know - but the right approach mastered early can be seen as short-term pain for long-term gain. Our hourly rates at MindChamps are comparable to most tutoring / enrichment centres – but I firmly believe (a belief backed by over 30 years in education at all levels) that what we offer – once internalised – prepares a child for life in the 21st Century better than anything else. Of course, I would believe that, wouldn’t I? Unless I am a cynical profiteer – a label which no one who knows me as either an international author of over 40 books, or a dedicated educator, would entertain! Mine, however, is a belief based on research and experience – not assumptions.

As for motivation – the only effective motivation is internal motivation, and this an important part of what we do. If a child does not maintain his/her motivation to learn, there can be many external factors at play – like the ‘bass guitar’ - and, again, we cannot get to the bottom of them and help, if we do not have communication.

So, I make this offer to any parents who have children in MindChamps programs – or whose children have attended in the past. If you have any issues – disappointing results / attitude etc., rather than feeling let down, contact me on my personal email ([email protected]) and I will respond personally – as well as referring your communication to one of our team who can help further.