I do not have much formal teaching experience academically.
However, I did tutor my peers in English and General Paper during my years in JC when our class had a buddy tutoring system.
Lower secondary level - English History Mathematics Science
Upper secondary level - Biology Chemistry E Maths English
Music - Piano - Practical (Beginner, Intermediate)
Commitment / Other Details
I can start ASAP.
I may have to stop tuition before entering the University around August but will try my best to ensure the child understands what learning truly is so he/she can continuously improve without the tutor.
Rapport Building
I would first find out the personality of the tutee (Child). For example, those in Sports or dance CCAs, usually learn best when corrected on the spot when he or she makes a mistake. They are also better in memorizing skills and therefore i would prepare notes for that particular student to memorize.
Secondly, I would ensure that the parents know what is going on every lesson and tell the parents what homework I have assigned the child each week (if needed) so the parents can keep track of the pace of tuition (i.e. what the child is learning) and also ensure discipline in the child attempting his or her homework on non-tuition days to maximize efficiency.
In addition, I would come up with a schedule every month and try to meet the schedule so the child has ample time to revise. I truly believe that this will enable the child to learn time management skills that will definitely come in handy not only now, but also in the future of the child's life.
Lastly, as the lessons progress, I would observe what kind of learner the child is (e.g. kinesthetic, visual etc.) and thus alter my lesson plans and way of delivery of content according to the child's needs and best suited learning method. This is to ensure the child learns most efficiently and maximizes his or her time during tuition.
Keeping Up with Curriculum
I usually keep myself updated with the cirriculum through my younger cousins (in secondary and primary schools). During family gatherings, i would sometimes help them with their school work and thus, know what the curriculum is like. It has not changed drastically since I as in secondary or primary school.
As a Good Tutor
I definitely believe that the qualities of a good tutor is patience and helping the child understand what he or she is learning. When I was in secondary school, I myself had to attend tuition. This was because I did not understand what the teachers taught in my school as well as because my class was always very rowdy. Instead of throwing materials at a child to memorize, I believe that learning comes through understanding, and understanding helps maximize the length such knowledge is retained. Also, a good tutor will be able to impart skills like time management to his or her tutee that can be used in the future helping the child to become an independent learner who can slowly wean off tuition in the future.
