Private Home tutor from 2013 till present. Experience in teaching students in all disciplines of sciences (Pure Physics, Pure Chemistry, Combined Science (Physics/Chemistry/Biology)) across all streams (IP / Express/ Normal (Academic)).
I joined MOE as a secondary school teacher in year 2006. Specialised in teaching Chemistry and Physics. With over a period of 4.5 years (excluding NIE training) school experience in teaching of science disciplines in both Chemistry, Physics and Lower Secondary Science.
One Pure Science O Level student achieved B3 for Physics and Chemistry.
Three of my tutee who took O level in 2014 have obtained more than satisfactory results -
one achieving A2 for Pure Physics and Pure Chemistry (her results was around B before tuition), one achieving A2 for Science (Physics/Chemistry) (her results was D7-E8 when she was under Pure Sciences) and one repeated O level private candidate achieved B3 for Science (Chemistry/Biology) (he jumped from D7 to B3).
Available to tuition as long as schedule permits (e.g. not having other appointments with other students) during critical moments near examination. At the moment I am mainly doing 1-1 home tuition due to venue constraints and will continue to commit 1-1 till my students graduate.
My current and ex-students can vouch that I am approachable and have built good rapport with them. I will try spice up the tuition by making discussion on topics when I spot teachable moments if the student raises a question and will make cross-references back to the topic she/he learns in the subject.
I once coached a sibling for different subject back-to-back, if one sibling was not able to make it for lesson, the other would always want to "take over" the time to have tuition with me. Although at times it was frustrating when students postpone the tuition at the last minute (especially when I was already on my way), I was still able to apprehend as being an ex-teacher I am aware the commitment they had in school. I think my students are very appreciative that I am able to accommodate to their last-minute schedule.
I also encourage my students to contact me if they have any difficulty when studying. Sometimes, they took photos of questions they urgently require guidance and ask for tuition support over text messages as long as it is viable to explain through texting. Delighted that they are willing to seek guidance after tuition hours, I would try my best to respond as soon as I can get hold a paper and pencil to work out the solutions. There was once, one student text me at 1 am but I was still awake and responded almost immediately. Although I would deeply appreciate that I have some private time, I am glad that they are thankful of those guidance received beyond the tuition hours.
I give updates to parents on their child's learning and parents seek my opinions on subject-related decision making .
Rapport Building
My current and ex-students can vouch that I am approachable and have built good rapport with them. I will try spice up the tuition by making discussion on topics when I spot teachable moments if the student raises a question and will make cross-references back to the topic she/he learns in the subject.
I once coached a sibling for different subject back-to-back, if one sibling was not able to make it for lesson, the other would always want to "take over" the time to have tuition with me. Although at times it was frustrating when students postpone the tuition at the last minute (especially when I was already on my way), I was still able to apprehend as being an ex-teacher I am aware the commitment they had in school. I think my students are very appreciative that I am able to accommodate to their last-minute schedule.
I also encourage my students to contact me if they have any difficulty when studying or Sometimes, they took photos of questions they urgently require guidance and ask for tuition support over text messages as long as it is viable to explain through texting. Delighted that they are willing to seek guidance after tuition hours, I literally respond as soon as I can get hold a paper and pencil to work out the solutions. There was once, one student text me at 1 am but I was still awake and responded almost immediately. Although I would deeply appreciate that I have some private time, I am glad that they are thankful of those guidance received beyond the tuition hours. Of course, I would not be able to respond as soon if I am already sleeping.
I give updates to parents on their child's learning and parents seek my opinions on subject-related decision making . At times when opportunity arises, I spend some time to discuss about their child/children progress with their parents. If I find that it has been quite some time after my previous meeting with the parents, I will send text message to furnish them with updates.
All in all, the tutor, the child and the parents, each have a role to play in ensuring that the child makes progress.
Keeping Up with Curriculum
The syllabus has not changed much since I left teaching in MOE Secondary School. I have also being in contact with ex-colleagues who are still teachers in secondary school whom I can understand more about curriculum in school. Also, having tutoring experience right after leaving service in MOE till now have allowed me being able to upkeep with changes.
As a Good Tutor
I think given a class size of about 40 in school, students have limited opportunity to have dedicated help from their teachers. Some students are easily distracted and affected by peer influence in class.
A good tutor has to be approachable because he/she is the next best person who the student can turn to. Being approachable, students who are embarrass to ask questions in school will 'dare' to ask questions and approach the tutor for help.
