MindGym Philippines

It’s been a year since MindGym Philippines alumni Jean Millare took the Licensure examinations and made it as Top 1 in her batch.  Though very busy doing her dream job of “teaching teachers” in the University of Southern Mindanao, Jean took time to share these final tips for LET takers this September 2011.

“Hi.  It’s a week away and I hope you’re doing well on your review.  I wrote some tips for the April 2011 batch, which I’m sharing to you below:

• Take time analyzing the test questions. Make sure the option you choose answers the question. Meron kasing ibang statements na totoo naman, but they do not necessarily answer the questions.
• Make sure you have the right understanding of terms. Take note of keywords. Be wary of choices with extreme words such as always, never, only…
• Double check the letters you shade – make sure you really shade your choice option. Ako dati sinulat ko muna sa questionnaire yung answers ko and every 5 or so items, I shade.
• Take your time if you have the luxury to. Be patient and not give up so easily at each item. Every question is important. Ako sinagad ko talaga yung time. I was not even halfway done yet when some test takers started giving back their answer sheets already. Nung time na my proctor had to tell me to submit my paper. I did not mind. I wanted to make the most of my time.
• Other tips from a friend [Benedict Barayuga] who topped the April 2009 LET:  ”develop being “test-wise” or “test-clever”; you don’t have to know everything; use common sense to get through to the best answer; do elimination; look for cues or hints; connect each option to other clearer concepts in your mind; do language / word analysis; unlock the meaning of words / terminologies. Sleep well just before the exam day; avoid carbohydrate-rich food because glucose tends to make you sleepy; take nuts or protein-rich food. Be in the moment — walk around the testing site — just relax and see the humor in the experience!”
• Trust God and focus on thoughts that are beautiful and true.

Hope you have a very meaningful and extraordinarily great experience on Sunday;o)”

With these tips from two LET Top 1 (April 2009 and September 2010), how can you miss making it to the TOP and succeeding in the September 2011 LET?

In two months, you’ll be taking the Licensure Examinations for Teachers. Have you started your LET preparation yet? Are you still looking for a LET review center or materials to use in your self-review?

Are you staying far from our Quezon City center? Or can’t meet our center review schedule because of work, school, or family commitments?

Then study and review online for the Licensure Examination our My Review Coach!

All you need is computer access, an internet connection, 2-3 hours of daily learning a day, and of course personal discipline, analytical and study skills, and motivation to study by yourself.

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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

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.

by JedCee
September 3, 2010

It is barely three weeks before the Philippine Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET), yet I am still far from attaining 80% mastery of the teacher education courses. I’ve learned several mistakes. I should have done certain actions that efficiently bring out success in the actual board exam.

I learned that a goal’s success is a matter of personal discipline and is largely determined by how you answer the following questions:

What exactly do you want?

Why do you want it?

How do you get what you want?

What do you need to get what you want?

After you answer these questions, it’s gonna be easier for you to start your preparation. While I was trying to get ready for the LET, I realized that there are things we do that help very little in achieving our goals. I am going to share with you some of these insights. You might have experienced or might be experiencing the same predicaments so it’ll be helpful if you read throughout.

Prepare early

Start reviewing immediately after you decide to top the LET. While still in college, some of us dream of becoming a licensure exam topnotcher yet, most of us start preparing only a month or two before the actual exam. Manny Pacquiao spent so much time training before a boxing match. He did not allow other issues to distract his attention from his preparation. Pacman’s physical discipline is no different from the mental discipline we need to top the LET. Discipline teaches us to become bold and resolute when it comes to our decisions.. Read more

Are you taking the LET this September? How do you plan to go about reviewing? Are you reviewing by yourself? with a study partner? or with your college chums? Or are you currently attending a review class at MindGym or another center?

Do you know what specific topics to cover in your review? Which topics are your strengths? or weaknesses? Have you allocated time for a daily or weekly review? What review materials are accessible to you? Are these materials adequate and reliable?

It’s barely 3 months or 87 days to go before the 26 September 2010 LET (Licensure Examination for Teachers). By this time, you would have thought about or done your LET review plans. You may probably have started refreshing your stock knowledge with the use of a commercial reviewer, your old university references and notes or MindGym’s intensive coaching materials (if you’ve joined us last May 15). You may have received hand me down LET reviewers and study tips from family and friends. So the ball is in your hands.

The coaches at MindGym still have 2 groups of reviewees to coach starting July 17 and 18. Our reviewees would surely find reviewing effective, meaningful and fun — with us. Although we want to enable as many entry-level teachers aiming to pass the LET, we can not yet reach as far nor accommodate as much in our La Casa MIA center. We have yet to gather enough resources to meet varying demands of LET takers. We have yet to make our reviewers more attuned to a bigger and more heterogeneous group. We have yet to “clone” ourselves to make sure that our LET reviewers are cared for by equally committed newer and younger coaches.

In the meantime, we want to share what we have on hand, through this series of FREE online LET work outs — mainly for the benefit of the many aspiring teachers all over the country whose only means to hurdle the LET would be to self review and get a little guidance from their remote kapamilya at MindGym. May these workouts also serve all others reviewing for the LET in their journey towards becoming professional teachers.

This July 1, we’ll start what is supposedly the easiest subject for many LET takers: English.

For the LET, English would comprise 20% of the General Education (GenEd) competency or roughly 30 items. Based on the Professional Regulatory Commission Board of Professional Teachers — Table of Specifications for the LET), English would cover and have weights relative to total GenEd items as follows:

Study and thinking skills 6%

Writing in the discipline 5%

Speech and oral communication 3%

Philippine literature 4%

Master works of the world 2%

So, here’s the English quickie for today.

1. Your mother is paying for your plane ticket, ___________?

A. isn’t it C. isn’t she

B. is she D. aren’t you

2. The words “inappropriate, illegal, irresponsible, and unaware” have prefixes which are classified as _________.

A. positive C. negative

B. common D. neutral

3. Which among these words has the “z” end sound?

A. Maps C. Laughs

B. Jokes D. Buys

4. What figure of speech is in the following line from the poem “The Brook”?

The second time it was a tiny snake.”

A. Personification C. Simile

B. Metaphor D. Apostrophe

5. The person in the lines below could be characterized as __________.

Do not go gentle into that good night,

Old age should burn and rage at close of day;

Raged, against the dying of the light.

-Dylan Thomas

A. pessimistic C. courageous

B. violent D. strong

We hope you find these exercises a good warm up for the succeeding MindGym work outs you’ll have to accomplish. Answers will be posted tomorrow.

What can you say about these warm up items in English?