I came to Singapore at the end of 2009 as a Ministry of Education's ASEAN Scholar. During my time studying here, I have helped a lot of my friends during their O levels and A levels, so I know generally what kind of mistakes / misconceptions students commonly have. I also volunteered to teach my fellow schoolmates during night classes before so it would not be a problem conveying my knowledge to students. Besides, I also believe in helping students really understand concepts rather than pure memorizing. However, if there are exams coming close I'm also flexible and help to remind students of key concepts / questions that need to be memorized.
Upper secondary level - A Maths Bio/Chem Biology Chemistry E Maths Geography History Physics Physics/Bio Physics/Chem Social Studies
Junior college level - Chemistry Maths Physics
University Entry Exams - SAT1 Mathematics
Commitment / Other Details
I can start from 12 March 2014. I can work anytime from then until end of July.
Rapport Building
I will talk personally to students to understand more about their backgrounds, hobbies, preferences to find the best way to communicate. For example, if the student is a sport fan, I will try to include examples of how Physics concepts can be applied in those sports. It would be nice if the students and I share common interests, in which case I would spend a little time talking about those interests to build a good relationship with the student. My opinion is that each student is unique and I need to get to know them personally. I also believe in the power of encouragement so I will try to always stay positive and give students as much encouragement as possible.
Regarding relationship with parents, I will be polite and listen to their wants and needs in my tuition of their children. I will keep them updated with the progress of their children and give them words of encouragement as well.
Keeping Up with Curriculum
I am a fresh A level graduate so I still keep frequent contacts with my teachers. Besides studying the SEAB's syllabus documents carefully, I will forward my doubts to my teachers if necessary. I can also talk to my secondary school teachers to get clarifications regarding changes in O level syllabuses. Ten year series and schools' prelim papers are also great sources to understand what is tested in the curriculum and I can get my hands on these materials.
As a Good Tutor
Respect, Patience, Charisma
Respect is the uttermost important quality for a tutor, in my opinion. I believe that teaching is most effective if the teachers respect the students as a rational being, having their own views and opinions, whether these opinions are right or wrongs. Only when the tutor understands this can he/she convey knowledge effectively to the students, by pointing out the students' misconceptions and give them guidance on the accurate knowledge.
Patience is also a must for a good tutor, as students' abilities may vary widely, sometimes the same student can grasp a concept with ease but struggle at others. Knowing that the tutor's help is the most important in areas where the students struggle, I think it is not going to be easy to help the student understand, but a good tutor will be patient and keep on trying different methods to convey the knowledge to the students.
Lastly, charisma helps to keep students engaged in learning. When students are engaged, they can understand and remember more effectively. I have seen how my class was totally absorbed in learning history during my secondary school years as my teacher was just so brilliant and creative. He had his way of managing the class, making mini-games during the class time and tell us interesting jokes / things related to our topic. Yes, charisma can help to convey knowledge very effectively.
Accept Below Average Rate?
No
Handle Special Needs Children?
No
Age
30-39
Parent/Student Comments
Assignments Taken
Secondary 4 Social Studies & Geography tuition - Apr 14
Secondary 3 Physics & Chemistry & A Maths tuition - Mar 14
Secondary 4 Chemistry & Biology tuition - Mar 14
Secondary 4 Social Studies & Geography tuition - Mar 14
