West, Bukit Batok, Bukit Panjang, Choa Chu Kang, Clementi/West Coast, Jurong East, Jurong West, Queenstown, Buona Vista, Commonwealth, Dover, Harbourfront, Redhill, Farrer Park
Qualification
A' Levels
Tuition Background
Part-Time
Tuition/Teaching Experience
I've been teaching underprivileged secondary school kidsat Faithacts (a non-profit organisation) for 2 years. I organised a June programme at Faithacts and taught a class of 20 primary school kids
Primary level - English Higher Maths Mathematics Science
Lower secondary level - Art Geography Mathematics Science
Upper secondary level - A Maths Bio/Chem Biology Chemistry E Maths
Commitment / Other Details
I'll still be teaching at Faithacts this year. My timetable is flexible and timings can be arranged.
Rapport Building
I am patient with slower learners and children with short attention spans due to experience with the kids in Faithacts (who are very rowdy). I am good with explaining a single concept in many different ways, and repeat myself for students to grasp it.
I am also a confident and articulate speaker, thus I am good at communicating with both parents and students. Furthermore, I can explain difficult concepts in simple ways, making learning easier. Being outgoing, extroverted, and friendly, I get along with many people and do not cause conflict.
I like to teach using diagrams, visuals, and analogies instead of simply through words and writing. As I studied art, my drawings are adequate and I can draw examples and pictures to help them understand better. I can also use 3D models or imageries if a child requires that to learn.
I build rapport with students by first getting to know them, their interests, and their learning styles. This helps me gauge how I should tweak my teaching style to their comfort. I also strongly believe in treating all children with respect. Most children and youth respond extremely well to adults treating them in a mature manner. During the June education programme I conducted, a boy was extremely disruptive and threw a tantrum. Instead of scolding him (which was what the staff were doing and I noticed it wasn't the least effective), I pulled him aside and spoke calmly to him, asking what was wrong. He eventually opened up and shared his problems while I gave advice. This helped build a mutual sense of understanding, respect, and trust. He became very cooperative and sweet to me afterwards.
I build rapport with parents by notifying them of their children's progress and performance. I am proactive and take teaching seriously, showing parents/guardians that I care about the child and their results.
Keeping Up with Curriculum
I still have my secondary school textbooks and TYS for reference. My brother just ended secondary school, thus we still have his Raffles school notes which will be good for reference. If required, I'll also visit the bookshop to new books and TYS on the subject I'm teaching. I personally like to also read through or do the TYS just as practice before tuition.
I will also ask the student to continuously update me on what they'll need for the next lesson so that i can prepare for it. I'll also ask about school and what their teachers have gone through recently. Furthermore, I'd need to look through the student's own notes and school notes as each school has a slightly different manner of teaching.
Students are also free to ask me questions outside of tuition time so that I can prepare before hand or simply answer their queries. If they have any questions regarding things beyond the syllabus, I am also happy to teach them and find out more myself.
As a Good Tutor
I believe that a good tutor is one that truly cares about a child and their mental health. To me, grades are not the main goal but a byproduct of good education. I believe that good tutors need to make classes interesting and inspire a child, instead of simply harping on results and pushing the child only for the sake of good grades. Instilling passion for a subject and a trust between student and tutor can be very effective in nurturing independent learning that will benefit a student in the long run.
I also believe that a good tutor is one who does what they believe is best for a child. I have seen parents push their children to the breaking point, and as a tutor, I believe it's my responsibility to stand up for the child and remind parents that it's not just about grades. Good grades come when a child understands and appreciates what they're learning.
I also believe that a good tutor is one who is proactive, such as taking the initiative to buy exercises for the student instead of relying solely on school material. A good tutor will also update parents on a child's progress and get to know the student better.
