Ultimate Guide To Choosing Group Tuition For Your Child
Tuition in Singapore is often considered beneficial for a child's education and learning experience. With examinations getting increasingly gruelling, students often find themselves overwhelmed academically without the aid of tuition - tuition is now, more than ever, a necessity. For this reason, choosing the right tuition centre can sometimes come with a lot of pressure for many parents.
It is vital to understand what to look for when searching for a tuition centre to solidify a child's learning, on top of bridging any gaps that may have accumulated during school. However, selecting the best fit can be an overwhelming process, and many parents may find it a struggle to decide on which teacher to engage, as well as whether their children should be attending private tuition or group tuition sessions.
LK Academy is a leading tuition centre in Singapore, and this article looks into the reasons you should consider group tuition for your child, and all you need to know about selecting the right tuition centre to support their academic journey.
Benefits of Group Tuition Classes
Group tuition classes refers to tuition given to a group ranging from 3 to 15 students whereby the teacher will explain key concepts on a specific topic in a subject. While frequently seen as the low-cost alternative to individual tuition, the wealth of benefits group tuition comprises is so much more than that.
Perhaps you are an anxious parent looking into primary school tuition, or considering secondary Science tuition to better equip your child for their upcoming examinations - we explore the various advantages that group tuition classes come with, that may provide a different perspective when picking the best learning environment for your child.
Opportunities for Discussion and Learning
Some students thrive in a more engaging environment where they are able to interact and discuss their assignments among classmates. As the focus of the lesson isn't solely on one child, this allows them more time to digest information, as well as presents opportunities for learning through discussions and brainstorming sessions.
Questions raised by other students also enable your child to learn more than he or she would have if tutored alone, and encourages them to consider other angles to a question which might otherwise be missed. This promotes critical and analytical thinking skills, on top of opening the horizons of your child to a particular subject matter.
Furthermore, group tuition sets the stage for collaboration through team exercises during science tuition and math tuition classes for instance, presenting an excellent way of motivating and engaging young minds. Students are also given the privilege to learn from one another when school exam papers are reviewed in class.
Moral Support and Motivation
Being able to study alongside peers can be a great source of encouragement and motivation on their academic journey. This is due to the fact that learning together encourages pupils to form a supportive bond. Oftentimes, students may find themselves struggling in certain difficult areas of a subject. Knowing that they are not alone as others attending tuition are likely facing similar challenges, can be reassuring especially for those who aren't performing as well as their classmates in school.
Seeing the progress of others can motivate children to adopt a positive attitude towards mastering challenging subjects. This boost of motivation can help students to become active learners and provide increased enjoyment in the process of acquiring knowledge through lessons.
More Affordable
Many parents are often put off by the high costs of individual private tuition; group tuition at a tuition centre on the other hand, can offer an affordable alternative with cheaper hourly rates as compared to individual lessons. This can be applied especially for parents with more than one child. Despite being a more cost-effective option, that is not to say that group tuition classes are any less beneficial than one-on-one private tuition.
Simulated Exam Settings
Is your child sitting for their oral examination anytime soon? If so, fret not. With group tuition, primary school students and those attending secondary English tuition will get the chance to practise simulated exam settings. Having such an experience will benefit your child and prepare them to face their actual oral exam with confidence.
Encourages Independence
Apart from learning to travel down to the tuition centre for a scheduled class, students attending group tuition may find that more of their learning depends on them taking charge.
A potential downside of individual tuition is that it is incredibly easy for children to become overly reliant on their teacher; there is the risk that they may become 'spoon-fed' in their learning with always having someone to prompt and guide them through tasks. While it could appear as if these students are making progress in the short-term, parents might find that they could lose the ability to think for themselves in the long-term. With group tuition however, students are required to speak up and ask questions when in doubt, omitting that risk and helping them to develop independent learning skills rather than just 'parroting' the teacher. This could seem daunting for students who are more introverted at first, but it may also help to improve on their social skills with time to come.
Makes Tuition A More Enjoyable Experience
Some students may not prefer one-to-one tuition as it could feel like a daunting and scary experience. Group tuition however, encourages students to interact with one another and have meaningful conversations during lessons. This would make tuition less stressful and more enjoyable for your child, allowing them to learn in a more joyful and collaborative environment as compared to a school environment.
Improves Communication Skills
During group discussions, students will learn to effectively communicate their thoughts in a way that their peers can understand. This helps to develop the communication skills of a child, and their linguistic abilities at the same time.
Factors That Make A Good Teacher
Deciding on the right teacher can be an intimidating experience for parents of school-going children. There are plenty of factors to consider when on the search for the best teacher for your child's needs - considerations such as teaching style and qualifications often make it a challenge to find the perfect fit. What then, should parents take note of when it comes to finding a teacher for their children? We identify the attributes that make the difference.
Qualifications
Qualified and knowledgeable educators who are attuned to the individual needs of students is a key aspect that distinguishes a tuition teacher from the rest. Take the time to communicate with your child's teacher and take note of their teaching expertise. Having qualifications in teaching, or education could be a good indicator of a teacher's skill sets such that the learning process can be a seamless one for one's child.
Such teachers are also equipped with different methodologies and approaches to keep students engaged in the learning process. Consider also whether the teacher has expertise in the subject area your child needs help with. This becomes a more important aspect with advanced subjects such as statistics in math tuition for example.
Teachers With Good Communication Skills
Apart from the competencies to impart knowledge, equally important, though, is a teacher's ability to communicate with their students. Communication skills are an important requirement of the job. Teachers with these skills have the expertise to effectively break down complex concepts and information such that students are able to understand them.
That said, communication doesn't end when a teacher stops talking. Effective listening skills help the teacher understand their students on an individual level. Good teachers are also able to pick up on things the student doesn't say. Perhaps the child has had a bad experience in the past with a certain subject, such as math, and struggles to learn new concepts. Identifying these unspoken concerns gives educators the opportunity to instil self-confidence in the child during the learning process.
Patience and Empathy
Closely tied with communication are the qualities of patience and empathy. The best teachers understand that every child learns at different paces. What comes easily to one, may not be so easy for another; a good teacher never tries to rush the learning process, and is calm, patient and empathetic when it comes to the learning struggles of their students.
In addition, a patient disposition allows teachers to communicate well with parents about their child's progress. They are willing to listen as parents express concerns, while doing their best to understand where they're coming from.
Able to Keep Students Engaged In Class
A teacher with all the knowledge in the world won't be effective unless they can keep their students interested and engaged. Good educators have a strong classroom presence that effectively holds on to their students' attention. This might be done through real life experiences that will inspire students to believe in themselves and prepare them for the real world, creating a positive classroom environment where the students enjoy what they're learning.
Passion for Teaching
An educator who is passionate about teaching is also key in helping your child develop a love for learning. Studies have shown that passionate educators have a direct link to a student's willingness to learn and experience new ideas. Therefore, we recommend keeping a lookout for teachers who are passionate about education and the subjects they teach. To evaluate this, arrange for an interview with the teacher to get an understanding of their motivations behind teaching. This can be the differentiating factor between a child who dreads going for tuition, and one who embraces the opportunity to learn and possesses a thirst for knowledge.
The goal of a great educator teaches students not only to survive, but to thrive. At LK Academy, our educators are committed to going a step further beyond academics, to best support the development and learning needs of every child.
Keeps Parents Engaged With Feedback
The support of a parent can play a vital role during a child's educational development. It is crucial that a teacher communicates regularly with the parents for a chance to further understand how their child is learning. Parents are also able to offer useful insight into their child's character that a teacher may not be able to reach, such as learning styles that they know could benefit their child. This can allow a teacher to better understand each individual's requirements.
Communication between parents and educators is essential for ensuring that students are getting the most out of every session. This is particularly beneficial for those who might require assistance with their homework, as learning is a continuous process that is not limited to just the classroom.
Things to Keep In Mind When Choosing A Tuition Centre
With the increasing number of students wanting extra help beyond school lessons, more and more tuition centres have also emerged to offer their services. Most claim that they can deliver the best results for their students. But with the myriad of tuition centres to choose from, what are the few considerations you'll need to keep in mind in order to pick the best tuition centre for your child? To help you make the right choice, here are some factors you should consider when selecting a tuition centre.
Request For An Overview of The Syllabus
One aspect that is often overlooked by parents when choosing a tuition centre is the quality of its teaching material. During your first visit to a tuition centre, request if you can have a look at the centre's syllabus. Although it's almost impossible to evaluate the curriculum within this short amount of time, it could provide an idea of how a tuition centre explains concepts and produces answers. It is also beneficial to ask about the programme's outline to have a better understanding of what your child gets to learn in the event he or she enrols.
Gauge How Connected Your Child Feels To The Teacher
After leaving the centre, check in with your child how he or she felt about the teacher. It may not be obvious, but you can observe how comfortably your child behaved and communicated when around the teacher. This is important in the later stages of the learning journey as an ability to connect builds trust and confidence, helping both the student and teacher to work in tandem as an effective team.
Get A Sense of The Tuition Centre's Credibility
The last thing you want is for your child to be enrolled in a tuition centre that is not adequately qualified. Therefore, researching a tuition centre's credentials before engaging them is a crucial step to take. This includes the teaching experience of the centre and how they cater to their different educational needs. Look into the backgrounds of the teachers such as relevant certifications. Doing so allows you to gauge if the teachers with a tuition centre are qualified educators and will feel more assured entrusting them with your child's academic advancement.
Conducive Learning Environment
The overall environment provided by a tuition centre is a factor that is of utmost importance. Creating a conducive environment for study helps to maintain focus and increases the effectiveness of learning. Ideally, you would want a tuition centre in a location with few external distractions. While it is important to ensure that students are focused on their work, the centre should not be built in a way that makes the student feel confined.
Teaching Style
Children have three main learning styles namely visual, auditory and kinaesthetic. Understanding what your child's learning style is will provide the ability to pick a tuition centre that best fits your child's needs. If your child is a kinaesthetic learner for instance, he may prefer more hands-on activities. If your child is a visual learner, he may prefer drawn explanations such as infographics, animations, videos and more. Auditory learners on the other hand, will benefit greatly from a teacher who can verbalise and explain concepts clearly. Since the visual learning style tends to be the most common one, it should be your first focus. A great tuition centre usually has all three covered, such that each and every child will benefit, regardless of their learning style.
Learn more: Understanding the Different Learning Styles of Young Kids
Testimonials
A tuition centre may provide you with information that looks good on paper, but what we're really interested in is whether they can actually deliver. This is where testimonials come into play - what better way to learn about a centre's effectiveness than to read what other parents and students have to say? In this way, we learn about specific attributes that make for a satisfactory experience for both parents and students alike. Alternatively, you may also consider speaking to parents whose children are already enrolled with the tuition centre to find out how they feel about the classes.
Signs Your Child Could Benefit From Signing Up With A Tuition Centre
For many students in Singapore, the time spent in school is sometimes just not sufficient to help them meet the requirements of their school curriculum. For these children, attending tuition ensures that they are able to keep up with the rest of their class, on top of attaining their desired results. That said, how would you know whether your child is one such student? This section shares some signs you might want to take into consideration as a parent.
Consistently Falling Behind
Sometimes, students find they simply cannot seem to do well in a particular subject despite putting in all of their best efforts. This is not due to a lack of trying, but generally because they have a weak foundation of the subject, or significant gaps in their learning. Such occurrences suggest that the time spent on the subject in school is not enough to meet their learning needs.
Consistent underperformance is a strong signal your child could do with some academic assistance. With more attention and structured blocks of time to tackle their individual learning gaps, most students usually see an improvement in their performance shortly after enrolling for tuition classes.
Lack of Motivation
It is easy for a child to get distracted by their thoughts or surroundings in a classroom setting or even when studying at home without supervision. In the absence of constant guidance, they may lose focus and fail to put in enough time to master a subject. However, tuition isn't just about education. It's also about building up discipline and enforcing it. The latter is something that a lot of students struggle with; some are smart enough, but simply don't have the right amount of discipline to study consistently. If your child is lacking motivation to study, a group tuition class might just be the solution.
You Have to Take On More Responsibilities At Work
Parents are sometimes too busy at work to provide the educational guidance a child requires. A tuition centre can help to take on some of your load in providing extra academic support for your child.
Questions You May Have
We conclude this guide with some questions you might have with regards to group tuition classes for your child.
What is your average class size?
The average class size at LK Academy is a group of 10 students per class.
My child is shy around strangers - is group tuition still suitable for them?
Many of our students are first-time attendees of group classes. While some may be shy initially, most tend to warm up in a short period of time with the aid of our teachers who are skilled in managing classroom dynamics.
Do you have holiday programmes at your tuition centre?
Yes, our holiday programmes are aimed at providing a holistic education for your child to best suit different academic needs. Past holiday programmes have included Maths and Science Workshops, Composition Bootcamps, Creative Writing and Public Speaking Holiday Workshops.
Conclusion
Group tuition offers a livelier, more stimulating and varied environment which contributes to making learning more enjoyable and interesting. We hope this guide has provided you with a better understanding of group tuition, and will be useful in making the most informed decision for your child.
LK Academy is an extension of our preschool programmes, LoveKids. We believe that learning can be achieved through many forms, with emphasis on EQ and confidence embedded into our primary tuition and secondary tuition classes. Our tuition centre's mission to instil EQ in children ensures they grow up confident, well-rounded individuals equipped with good interpersonal skills. This unique teaching methodology comprising a mix of IQ and EQ provides students a stress-free learning track at our learning centre.
Our primary tuition and secondary tuition programmes are designed to equip students with the confidence to succeed! To find out how we can help your child, speak to our friendly team at 62880508, whatsapp to 97722265 or email us at info@lovekids.com.sg.