Tuition in Singapore is a thriving industry with parents spending more than $500 a month per child on tuition. According to a study by independent research company, Black Box, 80% of Singaporean parents believe that tuition is beneficial to their children’s education, especially for average students.
The Kiasuism mentality continues to fuel the strong tuition culture in Singapore. But for students who need help to strengthen their understanding and learning of core subjects, tuition is a necessity. Two of the most sought-after subjects for tuition in Singapore are Maths and Science.
Before you rush to sign your child up for tuition, do ask yourself this question: does my child require tuition?
Difference between Group tuition and Private tutoring
If your child will benefit from the extra tutoring, consider your tutoring options – group tuition or private tutor.
What is the difference, you ask?
We break it down for you.
How it works
Group tuition:
Group tuitions usually take place in a tuition centre with a group of students. The centres usually have a team of tutors to man each class or different subjects.
Private tutor:
Private tutoring usually involves the tutor and your child in a one-to-one setting, held in a residential environment that is either your home or the tutors’.
Class Size
Group tuition: 2 to 8 students per session
Private tutor: 1 student per session
Benefits
Group tuition:
- Group study allows kids to share their knowledge, discuss the problems, find solutions, and work in teams.
- Encourages friendly competition.
- Improves social skills as the students can do peer learning, find common topics to bond and share the learning experience.
- Perfect for quick learners or those with extraordinary grasping power
Private tutor:
- Offers personalised attention so your child can study at their own speed.
- Flexible schedule and saves precious time if no traveling is required.
- Helps to identify weak areas for improvement and focused ways to help them with customised tutoring and exam preparation.
- Emotional support and motivation.
- Allows you to monitor the progress of your child.
Disadvantages
Group tuition:
- Same issues that students face in school classroom are reflected in tuition centres.
- Your child’s ability to concentrate may be reduced if the group size is too big.
- Shy or introverted kids may feel unable to clarify their doubts or ask questions.
- Those with weak grasping power will not get the extra attention they need from the tutor.
- Slow learners may have trouble maintaining the same learning speed as the rest of the class.
- Parents cannot observe/monitor their child’s progress.
Private tutor:
- Potential waste of money as the tutor may not be a good match or a certified teacher.
- Over-reliance on private tutor and lack of incentive to self-learn.
- Safety concerns if your child has to travel to the tutor’s home or be left alone with the tutor.
- Methods taught by tutors differ from the student’s school teacher.
Fees starting price
Group tuition: Fees start from $30 per hour (Primary School), $40 per hour (Secondary School) and over $55 per hour (Junior College).
Private tutor: Fees begin at $120 for primary one student to $500 for Junior College students. Lesson time usually ranges from 1.5 hours to 2 hours.
How to Find the Right Tuition Fit for Your Child
Whether you choose group tuition or private tutor for your child, consider the following factors to find the best fit for your child.
1. Suitability to your child’s learning
Some children fare better in groups while others require individual attention. Your child’s progress will also depend on his/her learning aptitude.
2. Check the educational background and experience of the tutors.
Are the tutors former teachers in our local schools? How many years of teaching experience do they have? These tutors understand the MOE curriculum and will be able to impart knowledge quickly and efficiently. They also command more money as private tutors.
3. Testimonials or references
Get to know the teachers before you hire them. Ask other parents with kids of the same level and who have achieved good academic results who their tutors or tuition centres are.
4. Types of Notes offered by the tuition centre or tutor
Check to see if the private tutor or tutors at the centres offer any notes or study hacks.
5. Tutor connection and plan of action
Have a trial (group or private) to see how the tutor connects with your child. Does your child feel encouraged or motivated?
Check also that the tutor can correctly assess your child’s weak points and are able to come up with an action plan to address or transform these weak points to strengths.
6. Teaching Style of Tutor
Does the tutor employ the three main learning styles to teach your child? Is your child engaged in learning during the tutoring lessons?
7. Transparent policies and process
Have a chat with the tutor or the administration of the tuition centre on the terms of engagement (eg. fees, payment process, termination notice etc.).
Do you have other tips to find a good tutor for your child? Share with us your recommendations.
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