Teaching P6 Science & Math and H2 Economics since last year. Improved Econs grade from U to 21/25 on essay. I am very patient and emphasis on nurturing thinking out of the textbook.
Primary level - Chinese English Higher Chinese Higher Maths Mathematics Science
Lower secondary level - Chinese English Higher Chinese Mathematics Science
Upper secondary level - A Maths E Maths
Junior college level - Economics
Music - Piano - Theory (Advanced), Practical (Advanced)
Commitment / Other Details
Start anytime and will commit for as long as needed. Currently have lessons sporadically distributed throughout times of the week, and free for most evenings and afternoons, both weekdays and weekends
Rapport Building
I believe that empathy is my strongest virtue, thus giving birth to my patience. I feedback to the parents every 2 weeks of tuition, letting them know what I have worked on with their child and what can be done on their side. I also make sure to engage in conversation with parents if they are at home during the time of the tuition.
With my students, I like to ask about them to prompt them to share about themselves. After all, in a 1-to-1 tuition setting, it is much easier to understand their thoughts and get used to their learning habits in order for more efficient lessons. I also have an idea of what their commitment levels are like (especially for the p6 child who is very caught up with his other tuition lessons and swimming classes), and give them less homework when I know that they are busy with other things such as my JC students having to attend orientation. This small gestures are appreciated by my students, creating a bond of trust between us and making them feel more comfortable asking me questions to clarify their doubts. This includes non-academic questions, about university, about family etc which I am more than happy to answer. Because this means that I am able to teach them not only academic knowledge, but also share with them my experiences and give them advice if needed.
Keeping Up with Curriculum
I have a hobby of going into the Popular bookstore to read and attempt assessment books. To be honest, I have even dragged my friends there many times and test them questions printed on the books, where we would then have a good laugh reminiscing about the times when we were pulling our hair trying to answer those questions.
During lesson time, I will take 5 minutes to read and familiarise myself with the textbook and content tested while setting some work apart for them to complete. I also take time, about 20 minutes before each lessons while travelling to read up on syllabus requirements on internet.
Lastly, I am not hesitant to clarify with my students if the concept that I am teaching is familiar and if it has been taught by the teacher.
As a Good Tutor
Asides from my patience and empathy, I am also a very determined individual. In my J1 Economics promotional exams, I was literally placed at the bottom of the class. The disappointment encouraged me to work on my weakest subject throughout the holiday, which saw me passing to March Common Test next year, to topping the class since the Common Tests in July. I then became the person my friends consulted with to clarify concepts, critique their essay and debug misconceptions.
I have told my students of my hard journey in Economics, and relayed to them that failure does not mean nothing, and encouraged them to work even harder the next time round. With many tutors around now boasting record-high grades and never experiencing a low, I believe this difference of mine would be easily relatable my students and strengthen our bond and trust even further.
