While in Poly, I supported myself through school by giving tuitions. It would be safe to say that I have approximately three years of experience dealing with children across all ages.
My first foray into the tuition world was at Maire Claire Enrichment Centre. I first taught students from Lower Primary subjects such as English, Math and Science to gain first hand experience. Within the first few months, the owner of the centre, Marie Claire handed me private tuition assignments as she believed I was extremely capable at my job. My next venture was two brothers whom I personally coached over two years. During that time, the mother recommended me to her friend and I started to teach them too. Through word of mouth I had a chance to have private Upper Secondary and Lower Primary lessons.
Lower secondary level - English Mathematics Science
Upper secondary level - E Maths English
Commitment / Other Details
I am currently a student enrolled in NUS Business Administration. Additionally, I am also a member of the dragon boat team.
Hence, I am free in the evenings on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday.
As I will be studying for four years, I am confident I can commit for FOUR years :)
Rapport Building
To be very frank, I was not a good student growing up. I flunked my PSLE, and O levels. I know what it is like to be at the lowest of low. But I managed to get my act together and right now I'm on my way to a honours program in NUS business. If I can do it, then any student who is failing, any student who is below average, any student who feels they're not good enough has no excuse.
I will motivate them because I was once like them. I know what it is like to be them. I know how to make them respond. I was once there. And when people know there is hope, a second chance, they gravitate towards it. I am that guy for them. Building trust is very important.
A raffles junior college student can teach the best methods but if a student feels he's not good enough or that the teacher is too smart for them, no matter how the tutor tries, when the exam comes about, the student will fail. How do I know this? Because I was once like them. Let me be the guy that helps these students!
Keeping Up with Curriculum
My sister has been teaching at a secondary school for over 2 years, so I normally refer to her curriculum notes and plan accordingly. I cant go wrong as the syllabus is updated every year and I am in the know of the changes because I get first hand information.
As a Good Tutor
Tutor must be approachable, funny, engaging, and knows where to draw the line between being a friend and a teacher.
