MindGym Philippines

Subukan niyo naman ang sample ng ilang Filipino items nagyon.

1. Alin ang paksa sa sumusunod na pangungusap? Ginagawa niya ang pagdarasal araw-araw.

A. Ginagawa

B. Araw-araw

C. Pagdarasal

D. Niya

2. Ano ang kayarian ng pangungusap na ito? Kulang daw tayo sa pagtutulungan at pagdadamayan bilang magkakabaranggay.

A. Hindi karaniwan

B. Karaniwan

C. Payak

D. Hugnayan

3. Alin sa mga sumusunod ang naglalaman ng posisyon o paniniwala ng isang pahayagan tungkol sa isang napapanahong isyu?

A. masthead

B. kartung pang-editoryal

C. balitang banner

D. larawan sa pangmukhang pahina

4. “Ang iyong mga mata ay waring mga bituin sa kalangitan.” Anong tayutay ang ginamit dito?

A. Pang-uyam

B. Personipikasyon

C. Pagwawangis

D. Pagtutulad

5. Alin ang kahulugan ng “kahiramang suklay”?

A. Kaibigan

B. Kakilala

C. Kalahi

D. Karibal
Higit bang madali ito kaysa sa English items kahapon, na nasa ibababa ang mga tamang sagot?

1. B. would

2. C. were

3. A. Simile

4. B. Without much persuading

5. D. Replace “death’s” with “deaths”.

Kung hindi ka pa nakakapili ng review center na makakatulong mo sa iyong pagiging licensed teacher, subukan ang FREE diagnostic test namin sa MindGym.  Sa January 7 na ang simula ng live coaching.  Pero kung nais mong makapag-review sa sariling oras at piling lugar, mag-register sa aming LET online sa www.myreviewcoach.com

Here’s a quick exercise you can do before you go out on a weekend gimmick.

Did you get these correctly in Day 2’s LET questions for Science:

1. D. Muro-ami

2. C. Stroke

3. A. Adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D

4. B. typhoons

5. D. Producers

English items in the LET comprise 20 percent of the General Education module. Give these items a try:

1. “No one was prepared for the oral examination. We _____ have read the exercises last night.”

A. ought

B. would

C. can

D. should

2. If I ________ your parent, I would ground you for a month for your misbehavior.

A. should be

B. am

C. were

D. was

3. What figure of speech is used in these lines from Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales? “His eyes rolled, they never seemed to settle, / And glittered like the flowers beneath a kettle”

A. Simile

B. Hyperbole

C. Metaphor

D. Personification

4. What is meant by “two pins” in this sentence? For two pins I could have hit him on the nose.

A. With a second course of action

B. Without much persuading

C. Given a second chance

D. With an alternative response

5. What correction should be made to this sentence? Most fire-related death’s result from household fires, yet many people do not have fire extinguishers in their homes.

A. Remove the comma after “fires”.

B. Change “have” to “has”.

C. Change “result” to “results”.

D. Replace “death’s” with “deaths”.

Watch out for more exercises to get you ready for March 11.

by Edleen Guanko

It’s quite normal to be nervous before an exam, and even after the exam, while waiting for the results. Anyone who ever went to school must have experienced this at some point. I’m sure you would all agree that board exams, such as the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET), cause more anxiety than any exam we ever took in college.

A little anxiety is good, because it means you care about the results of the exam. If you care, it means you will work hard to get good results. Too much anxiety, however, will cripple you mentally by making you unable to concentrate, have mental blocks, and maybe even chicken out of the exam. You have to be conscious of your anxiety level, how it is affecting you, and what steps you can take to manage it.

Here are some suggestions to help you combat LET-induced anxiety.

PREPARE. One of the biggest causes of anxiety is being unprepared for the exam. Don’t rely on stock knowledge, no matter how smart you think you are. The soldier who goes to war unprepared will most certainly end up dead. So load up on knowledge, get as much review material as you can and study them. Organize your schedule and set aside time each day for review. This will help you conquer that seemingly insurmountable mountain of readings, and eliminate the anxiety caused by cramming.

BELONG. Another cause of anxiety is the feeling that you’re alone in this endeavor and you have no one to go to for advice or help in studying. So acquaint yourself with other people taking the exam. This is easy if you’ve enrolled in a review center, where you will not only have fellow examinees but also coaches who can help you achieve your goal. Belonging to a group is important for exchanging ideas and asking questions, but the most important thing is the encouragement you give to one another.

ASK. Filipinos often worry about looking dumb if they ask questions, even if it’s as mundane as asking for directions. A difficult topic or problem also causes anxiety, especially if you are one of those who do not like to ask questions. But remember this:not asking questions only result in ignorance. So if there’s a topic that you don’t understand, never hesitate to ask your mentors or classmates for clarification. Chances are there are others in your group who will benefit from that clarification.

BREATHE. Discover what things or activities calm you and do these when things get a little too much. When you feel like you can’t absorb any more information, or you find yourself unable to concentrate, take a break and breathe. Taking some quiet time to let your mind breathe can reinvigorate you not just mentally, but also physically. Relaxation techniques can be as simple as taking a leisurely walk, listening to some soothing music, taking a hot bath, lighting scented candles, or just sitting quietly and taking deep breaths. The key is finding out what works for you and knowing when to use it.

UNDERSTAND. The LET is a very important exam, as one’s teaching career may well depend on its outcome. This, of course, is a source of worry for teachers and would-be teachers. For some, failing the exam is synonymous to the end of the world. The LET, as important as it is, is just an exam. It is good to acknowledge the exam’s importance and do your very best to pass it, but understand that failing does not make you a lesser teacher, or a lesser human being. Do not beat yourself up if you don’t do well. As long as you do your best, you can hold your head high and try again next time.

Edleen Guanko is Top 11 of  the September 2010 Licensure Examination for Teachers.  She is a graduate of the University of the Philippines B.S. Education, major in Special Education.  She took intensive coaching for the LET at MindGym Philippines.

It’s 17 sleeps to go before the LET but it’s not too early to prepare for other requirements for the day, aside from a well exercised mind full of education-related and LET-relevant knowledge, a happy and hopeful heart, a fighting spirit.

PRC requires that examinees bring the following to their testing sites:

1.  Notice of Admission.  The small piece of paper torn out of your application form.  Contains your LET application number which you need to write on your exam documents)

2.  PRC Official Receipt

3.  Two or more sharpened Mongol No. 2 pencils. Though I’ve seen other examinees during my LET day using technical and other branded pencils, I suggest you bring the prescribed brand.  Who knows if Mongol No. 2 has been the proven brand and model of LET topnotchers and passers in the past?)

4.  Ballpens with BLACK ink only (You’ll need this to write your personal data and “nondisclosure” oath.)

5.  One piece meter-stamped window envelope (Any envelope from the bookstore or grocery would do but just to play it safe, bring the envelope you bought with the PRC return address stamp on the upper left-hand side)

6.  One piece long brown envelope (For you to keep your answer sheets during LET.  Use your black ballpen to write your name on the envelope)

7. One piece long transparent, non-colored plastic envelope (You’ll need this to keep your precious things with you inside your exam room while your bag is out of the room.)

8.  Calculator (to facilitate Math computations.  Get any of the PRC prescribed models preferably one which can show displays or fractions, percent and can do the short cut for computing quadratic equations)

Together with the above items, prepare your attire for LET.  If possible, try on your white polo or blouse or t-shirt before LET day.  Make sure that it is comfortable to wear for one whole day:  not too tight nor too loose; neither made of synthetic material (which will make you perspire if  you get assigned to a non airconditioned room) nor flimsy cotton (which may make you or your seatmate shiver in a cold room).  PRC doesn’t require any particular type of bottoms so ladies may wear slacks or skirts and gentlemen slacks (not shorts please).  Wear comfortable footwear (no slippers if possible).

If you have poor eyesight, make sure you have spare glasses or contact lenses on hand.  And, it you are taking medications for general well-being, take them with you.

Did I forget any item/s that you still need to bring on LET day?  What is it?

Till next post!

(a plug:  MindGym LET reviewees taking the mock LET tomorrow, remember to bring all of the above.  Sleep early.  Pray.  See you)

Looking for a high performing review center for April 2011?

Aiming to top the LET? or to work on passing the LET once and for all?

Balancing time between work, home, and school and wanting to squeeze in time to review to guarantee topping and passing the LET?

Preferring a cozier, friendlier, and more personal review environment?

Learning best in small, cooperative group settings?

Just wanting to brush up and polish LET knowledge and skills?

Close to Quezon City?

If yes, then MindGym’s intensive coaching for LET is for you.

MindGym’s track record since it first offered LET coaching for the September 2009 (Ondoy days) LET until the recent September 2010 LET includes nine topnotchers:

• September 2010:  Jean Millare (Top 1), Aicel Mior Alcantara (Top 5), and Jayson Calventas (Top 7)
• April 2010:  Ma. Adeinev Reyes (Top 3), Melane Manalo (Top 3), Noel Carena (Top 6), and Rona Lumba (Top 7)
• September 2009:  Ma. Angelica Villafuerte (Top 4) and Sheryl Raquipison( Top 5).

Passing rate for first timers in the September 2010 LET was 92%, a commendable mark relative to the national average of around 22% for both elementary and secondary levels.

MindGym’s LET coaching consists of:

• 17 full days of LET refreshers in General Education, Professional Education, and selected specializations, inclusive of 3-day final coaching ;
• Educational, efficient, and fun-filled interactive class presentations;
• Comprehensive, relevant, and easy-to-read LET review materials;
• Frequent LET-patterned test and drills; and
• Special memory tools and study techniques.

MindGym’s LET reviewers are caring, committed, and (generally) young  coaches with the penchant to share their knowledge and skills in their area of expertise to empower LET reviewees not only to top and pass the LET but to become good teachers in their own communities.   Majority are LET topnotchers in their own batches; hence, freely sharing with reviewees their winning strategies for the LET.  Leading MindGym’s pool of reviewers is Albert A. Basa, Top 3, April 2009 LET.  Other LET MindGym topnotchers handling special topics are:  Ma. Adeinev Reyes, Melane Manalo, Angelica Villafuerte, and Rona Lumba. Glenn Gilongos, Top 1, 2005 LET serves as final coaching resource speaker for Mathematics.  UP professors and honor graduates, other subject experts, and selected top LET performers of MindGym also contribute their talents in rounding the MindGym LET coaching experience.

MindGym’s uniqueness comes mainly from its caring, and unselfish desire to help its LET reviewees reach their goals of topping or passing the LET  as it attends to particular needs of each reviewee to the best it can — in a homey, friendly, and comfortable atmosphere.

April 2011 LET review registration now going on.

Schedule of review:  every Saturday and Sunday, 9a.m. to 6p.m.

Batch 1:  January 8, 2011

Batch 2:  January 15, 2011

Batch 3:  January 23, 2011

3-day Final Coaching:  March 18, 19, and 20.

MindGym accepts a limited number  of  reviewees to ensure that each reviewee can freely ask questions, closely interact with peers and coaches, and be attended to adequately during the review.

Sessions are conducted at MindGym, La Casa MIA Building, 219 J. P. Rizal, Project 4, Quezon City (accessible by jeepney from Cubao.)

For inquiries and reservations, contact 4375880 or 984-0944 or text 09278770800 or 0939-8999989 or email – mindgym.inc@gmail.com.

Before deciding to enroll at MindGym, take our FREE LET diagnostic test to know your readiness for LET.

Join us at Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mindgymphilippines for updates

Here’s more for Math majors from Glenn Gilongos.  Other majors can learn by doing these drills, too.  Answers below.

1.  How many minutes after 2:07 pm will the hands of the clock form 126 degrees for the first time?

2.  A can do a job in 8 hrs while B can do the same in 10 hrs. A has already worked for 1 hr when B came and together they worked for another 40 mins. A left B, how many more minutes will B finish the remaining work?

3.  Find the equation of the line that passes thru pt (8,6) that will make the triangle (formed by the line and the positive x and y axes) with the minimum area.

4.  Find the domain and range: y = sqrt(12 + x – x^2)

5.  What is the area bounded by y = x^2 + 4 and y = 20?

Answers to September 18 drills:

1.  42
2.  117/125
3.  22
4.  (2x^4 – 3y^6 + 5x^2y^3)(2x^4 – 3y^6 – 5x^2y^3)
5.  4 2/3 days

Answers to the above drills:

1.  26 9/11 mins
2.  435 mins
3.  x/16 + y/12 = 1
4.  domain is [-3, 4] and range is [0, 7/2]
5.  256/3 sq units

***

We’re now offering an online-based LET review. Click here to know more.

by Glenn Gilongos

Almost every education student dreamt to be a PRC board exam topnotcher someday and I am one of those students who had a great thirst to top the 2005 LET. I made it first  place in the 2005 LET out of more than 129,000 examinees nationwide, with a record breaking rate of 93.4%). Here are some of tips and secrets about how what I did and how you too could make this seemingly “Mission Impossible” feat achievable

1. Accumulate as many reviewers as you can.

I can’t remember the number of  reviewers I had back then when I was reviewing for LET.  Take the advice of Sir Albert Basa, Top 3, April 2009 LET, who said:  be an OC (obsessive compulsive) as you gather LET review materials. As much as possible, I did not buy reviewers; I only had them photocopied to minimize my expenses.  But, my copying costs were still substantial though nothing compared to the fulfillment I got in achieving my dream.

2. Spend as much time in mastering all available reviewers.

I recorded all the scores I got in answering review materials I’ve gathered, monitored stats carefully and made sure my scores were increasing.  I noted them increasing, reaching almost 100% as the LET grew  closer and closer.  I answered all reviewers not only twice or thrice but even four or five times for subjects where I got low scores. I  set a personal passing mark of 85% and target average mark of 95% to top knowing that LET and other PRC board topnotchers had  90%++  ratings.

3. Do better than others.

If you really want so much to top the board exam, your review style should be better than the rest of your fellow LET takers.  I believe that you should spend more time than your average classmate; answer more challenging test review items; and exert more effort than the rest.  Remember that out of hundreds of thousands who will take the LET, there are hundreds or even thousands of them who are also striving very hard to top the LET.  Outbeat them in your test preparation and passion.

4. Sweat it out.

Success is said to be 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.  Find great inspiration. It can be anybody or anything. During my LET review, I had three sources of inspiration: my bedridden father, my beloved mother and my 2^nd child (who spent his 1^st whole month battling for life inside the pediatric ICU.  Imagine how tedious reviewing was for me as I took care of my second child in the hospital.   My bestfriend  Victor Emmanuel Cuarto, 3^rd placer, LET 2000, gave me extra inspiration plus tips when I consulted him.

5. Take good care of your health

Eat healthy food, exercise regularly, have enough time to relax and play, and have sufficient and sound sleep.  A healthy body, a well trained mind, and a positive overall disposition are key ingredients in topping the LET.

6. Strengthen your faith

Despite our best efforts of doing what may seem unthinkable for others, we still have to face a lot of risks and challenges on LET day:  unreasonably strict proctors, a non conducive testing place, or even unanswerable or poorly worded test items.  When these unexpected happen, remember to call for Divine guidance and interventions. Pray before, during , and even after the LET.

Remember, to top the LET, you need: inspiration, dedication, determination, discipline, and faith.

I had all these and I topped the LET in 2005.

Any other things that you did or are doing to ensure a place this September 26?

Thanks to Glenn who wrote this article to share his techniques to aspiring MindGym topnotch candidates and passers.  Glenn has been a permanent reviewer for Mathematics, General Education and Professional Education since MindGym started its first Intensive Coaching for LET for the September 2009 (Ondoy days).  He has been coaching in various colleges and review centers for the past 10 years.

Today, give some literature-related items a try. Here’s an easy starter.

1. “Nothing happens in this world by chance, it is all part of a grand design.” The author speaks of one’s _________.
A. ambition
B. luck
C. destiny
D. dream

2. The Master said:
“Only one who bursts with eagerness do I instruct. Only one who bubbles with excitement do I enlighten.”

These lines give one the idea that true learning ________.

A. makes man a disciple of instruction
B. involves patience and a dash of lethargy
C. is capable of making man
D. comes with commitment and passion

3. Which of the following line is a simile?

A. “Holding wonder like a cup”
B. “Eyes that love you, arms that hold”
C. “Life has loneliness to sell”
D. “Buy it and never count the cost”

4. Read the following lines:

“Midnight, not a sound from the pavement
Has the moon lost its memory
She is smiling alone
In the lamp light the withered leaves
Collect at my feet
And the wind begins to moan.

These lines means:

A. Confusion
B. Optimism
C. Eagerness
D. Loneliness

5. “Life is but a walking shadow, a pun player that struts and frets… And is heard no more.”

In this line, life is portrayed as:

A. Passing
B. Goes by stages
C. Has its end
D. eternal

Answers to yesterday’s (July 3) drills:
1. D
2. A
3. A
4. B
5. C
6. C
7. D
8. D
9. C
10. C

After the warm up drills in English, here’ s another round of multiple choice items to keep you going in your review for LET.

1. Wise people can _________ with frustrations.
A. cope up
B. cope on
C. cope in
D. cope

2. My grandpa had some “lucid moments” before he died. He was ____________.
A. thinking clearly
B. sad
C. confused
D. ambiguous

3. The measure of choosing well is whether or not a man likes what he __________.
A. has chosen
B. is choosing
D. choose
C. chose

4. All except this one word sounds like the “wh” in “when”?
A. While
B. Whole
D. Whiz
C. Whine

5. Which does not belong?
A. Foot
B. Kilometer
C. Centigrade
D. Mile

6. I saw a nasty _______ between two cars this morning.
A. happening
B. damage
C. accident
D. danger

7. What correction should be made to this sentence?

Most fire-related death’s result from household fires, yet many people do not have fire extinguishers in their homes.

A. Remove the comma after fires
B. Change result to results
C. Change have to has
D. Replace death’s with deaths

8. Which passage is expressed effectively and without structural error/s?
A. Having called the other students and they, the secretary went home.
B. Having called the other students and ourselves the secretary went home.
C. Having called the other students and we, the secretary went home.
D. Having called the other students and us, the secretary went home.

9. ________ not making the most of _____ opportunities.
A. You’re – you’re
B. You – your
C. You’re – your
D. You’re – you

10. The seatwork is difficult for Alfonso and _____
A. Myself
B. I
C. Me
D. Himself

Answers to yesterday’s (July 1) drills:
1. c
2. c
3. d
4. b
5. c

Most achievers we know have certain habits they’ve sworn their hearts to that makes them thaaat good in doing what they do. Success is not all “talent”– it’s also diligence, faith in self, and discipline. Hmm.. Let’s put concrete steps to those seemingly giant concepts!

MindGym’s very own Coach Albert garnered a top spot at the LET while keeping his sanity, day job, and numerous career stints. In his speech below to students of his former review center (Manila’s MET Review Center, September 2009), he shares specific things one could do before-during-after “exam time”.

While doing what he did may not guarantee a topnotcher’s position in the LET, it could spell the difference between succeeding or passing the LET at first take and retaking the licensure all over again next time. What could those tips be? Read more