Ang Mo Kio, Bishan, Bukit Timah, Central (City), Clementi/West Coast, Queenstown, Toa Payoh, Yishun, Yio Chu Kang, Buona Vista, Dover, Harbourfront, Marina Bay, Outram Park, Tiong Bahru, Braddell, Farrer Park
Qualification
A' Levels
Tuition Background
Part-Time
Tuition/Teaching Experience
While i do not have prior tutoring experience, I think teaching (or tutoring) is ironically a good learning experience for the teacher (as well as the student), and you have to start somewhere.
Primary level - English Higher Maths Mathematics Science
Lower secondary level - English Language Arts Mathematics Science
Commitment / Other Details
I am able to start immediately, and can commit until early July (still not sure which day of July exactly)
Rapport Building
Rapport building is perhaps just as important as being well-versed in the content that you are teaching, because if you do not have a good relationship with your student, the teaching process is not going to be effective at all. It is also important to build trust with the parents, so that they can be assured their child is in good hands and that their money is not going to waste. With regards to building rapport with the student, it's all about communication. Talk to the student, try to understand as best you can what kind of a person the student is, what he or she likes and does not like, and at the same time let the student know he or she can feel at ease with you, and can talk openly and freely with you. Getting feedback and advice from the parents on what kind of teaching style or method might best suit their child would be good too, as that allows the child to be tutored in the way that is best for them, which would be good for the teacher-student relationship. When it comes to the parents, it is my belief that being able to produce results is the best way to get them to believe in you. But even before getting results, there is a need to reassure the parents that you are serious and committed to helping their child develop. Some ways in which one could demonstrate a serious attitude and commitment would be to show up punctually, come prepared for lessons with a lesson plan and worksheets/workbooks but at the same time be flexible and open to their feedback.
Keeping Up with Curriculum
One good way would be to go to Popular to peruse the various practice books and text books there, and I can make use of my younger sister's school material as well (she is currently secondary 3) to keep up to date with primary and lower secondary curriculum.
As a Good Tutor
Patience is the most important quality for a tutor. While certain basic things such as knowledge of the curriculum, fluency in English and some degree of problem-solving capability are important, these form only the foundation of what makes a competent teacher. Above this foundation, qualities such as patience (and understanding and acceptance which are necessary for it) are just as important. There are all kinds of kids out there, and you never know what kind of student you might get, but regardless of the nature of your student, a good tutor should always maintain his or her composure and seek to understand the student, find the best way possible of teaching that particular child and never lose hope or feel like it is impossible to tutor the student. It is also important to be aware of one's own limits. Sometimes it might be more prudent to seek advice from the parents on how they would like their child to be taught, as well as to ask them how they would like you to handle the child if he or she is being difficult. There should always be a frank and open dialogue with the parents throughout the teaching process so that parent and teacher can share ideas and feedback to establish the best way to get the child to improve.
