A study conducted by the National University of Singapore concluded that the tuition industry in Singapore has ballooned to S$1.4b. Should we have been concerned? In 2017/18, tuition expenses rose to 1.4 billion dollars.
Yeah, it’s billions of dollars folks, not millions of dollars!
This amount consists of fees paid to tuition centres in Bishan, private tutors and centres of enrichment. Why is it that we spend so much? And is tuition really required?
Here are six key factors why tuition is required in Singapore
1. A tutor may share specific knowledge or methods that may not be taught in sufficient detail during regular school hours. The tutor can also answer questions that your child may be too embarrassed to ask in school in front of his/her classmates.
2. Due to the high student-teacher ratio, a tutor can identify the weak areas of each student and concentrate on teaching these specific areas that a school teacher is unable to do.
3. A teacher can provide street-smart approaches to address exam questions, identify topics to concentrate on and tips on how to remember certain formulas, especially when it comes to difficulty and equation rich subjects such as IP chemistry.
4. One-to-one focus is the principal value of home tuition. The teacher will pay close attention to the vulnerable areas of your child with a one-to-one tutor to student ratio and apply the necessary teaching strategies or solutions.
5. Having a home tutor will mean less time to drive, as the tuition is carried out at the home of the student. After a long day at school, the time spent travelling could be better expended in studying a little longer, planning for lessons or relaxing.
6. Compared to a tuition centre that has set timetables, home tuition schedules are much more flexible and easier to customize.
How will tuition enhance my child’s grades?
It is necessary to set realistic goals that the child is willing and able to accomplish in order for the tuition to be most successful. Do not expect your child to achieve the same as when the topic is currently failing.
For example, set a goal to raise grades from a D to a B or C.
Do not expect overnight miracles to happen. Before hoping to see any significant outcomes, give the tutor and student 1-2 months. The return on investment in the tuition of your child can be maximized to the fullest with continuous monitoring of the progress of your child and set of reasonable goals.
This decision ultimately determines the potential educational path of your child and the opportunities for a successful career. Home tutors can offer several kinds of advantages which are not sufficiently apparent.