I have taught my cousin for one year when he was sec 4. During that year, I tried my best to make Chemistry concepts as simple to comprehend as possible and less daunting. I gave him a lot of practice papers (that I got from my juniors and friends from other schools) and compiled common questions, even coming up with the suggested structure and approaches to those questions, This is because I am a strong believer in practice since practice would make one very familiar with the concepts often tested. He told me that he was benefited greatly from my help and his exam results showed a steady improvement throughout the year(from B3 in his end of year exam to an A1 in the O'levels). I have confidence in my techniques, as I too have used them for my O'levels and have gotten an A1 too.
Upper secondary level - A Maths Chemistry E Maths Physics
Commitment / Other Details
I am able to start tutoring anytime, and I am able to commit to a tuition assignment for year, until the student's major exams are over. I can conduct one-to-one lessons at the student's house.
Rapport Building
I normally like to first understand the student's schooling history, including his/her performance and studying habits. From there, I hope to know his strong points and weak points, so that I can see things in his point of view and help him along better. I believe that this will make me appear on the same ground same my student and that we are working together, and through that, build rapport with my student. Of course, I believe that informing and updating parents on the child's performance is of utmost importance in building rapport with the parents.
Keeping Up with Curriculum
I frequently read up on my secondary school topics while helping my other cousins who are struggling with their subjects. Also, having studied Chemistry, Physics and Math in JC, I am still rather familiar with the subjects, and I believe that these subjects do not differ much in JC or in Secondary schools. However, I am fully aware of what is required in Secondary Schools, and not bring in unnecessary topics or concepts. Hence, I believe that I am still in touch with the secondary school topics.
As a Good Tutor
As a good tutor, I believe patience is very important. For me, admittedly, I too, need time to fully grasp concepts. I have also attended tuition lessons that are very fast-paced, causing me to become very stressed and inferior to my other peers. Thus, having these experiences, I am fully aware that of how some students feel and so I wish to adjust a pace that is most comfortable to the student. I am also a strong believer in consistent hard work, so I wish to have constant practices and small "tests" that will help the student to be familiar with the subject, because I feel that being familiar with the subject will help the student overcome his/her fear and gain confidence in the subject, the first step in doing well.
