The short answer is: It depends. Tuition isn’t a must for every student, but it can be a big help for some.
In Singapore’s competitive education system, where exams like the PSLE and O-Levels play a major role in a student’s future, many parents turn to tuition to give their children an edge. However, whether tuition is necessary really comes down to a child’s individual needs.
At Descartes Learning Centre, we’ve worked with countless students and parents – and one of the most common questions we here is – does my child need tuition?
Based on our experience, we thought of answering this question, and when it might be worth considering private lessons. We’ll also share practical tips to help you decide what’s best for your child.
Sound good?
Is Tuition Necessary in Singapore?
To answer this, let’s break down the pros and cons of tuition in Singapore.
Pros of Tuition Lessons
Personalised Attention
In a typical classroom, teachers may not have the time to address every student’s individual needs. Tuition allows for a more tailored approach, helping students grasp difficult concepts and work on their weaknesses – catered to their learning style.
Exam Preparation
Tuition can provide targeted practice and revision materials, which are especially helpful for high-stakes exams like the PSLE or O-Levels.
Confidence Building
For students who struggle in school, tuition can be transformative, helping them to build confidence and develop a positive attitude toward learning.
Smaller Class Sizes
Many tuition centres, including us at Descartes, keep class sizes small to ensure each student gets the attention they need.
Cons of Tuition Lessons
Financial Cost
Tuition can be expensive, and not all families can afford it. The cost of private tutors or premium tuition centres can add up over time.
Risk of Over-Reliance
Some students may become too dependent on tuition classes, neglecting self-directed learning and problem-solving skills.
Potential Burnout
Attending tuition after school can be exhausting, especially for younger children. Balancing school, tuition, and extracurricular activities can lead to stress and burnout.
The Verdict?
The answer is – it depends, but we believe tuition can be an asset for students, allowing them to reach academic success with individual guidance that they may not receive otherwise. This is especially beneficial for students who may struggle with learning difficulties, offering them the extra support they need to succeed.
When is Tuition Necessary?
1. For Students Who Struggle with Core Subjects
Tuition can be an important tool for students who find core subjects like maths, science, or languages challenging.
For example, primary math is a foundational subject where gaps in understanding can snowball over time.
Similarly, science requires strong analytical and problem-solving skills, which some students may need extra help to develop.
Tuition provides personalised attention, which allows students to work on their weaknesses and build a stronger foundation.
2. For Exam Preparation and Stress Management
High-stakes exams like the PSLE, and O-Levels are a major source of stress for students and parents.
Tuition can offer the focused preparation needed to excel in these exams. Tutors help students master exam strategies, manage their time effectively, and tackle challenging questions with confidence.
Plus, tuition centres like our own at Descartes provide valuable resources like past-year papers and mock exams, which have consistently helped our students reach A1 grade results!
3. For Subjects Requiring Specialised Skills
Subjects like coding, advanced math, or creative writing may not be covered extensively in school – especially at the primary school level.
Tuition helps students develop these critical skills, which are increasingly important in today’s world.
For example, coding builds computational thinking and problem-solving skills, something we pride ourselves on instilling with our programming classes.
Tuition provides the specialised instruction and hands-on practice needed to excel in these areas.
4. For Students with Unique Learning Needs
Tuition can be particularly beneficial for students with unique learning needs. Gifted students, for example, may require more challenging material to stay engaged and motivated.
On the other hand, students with learning disabilities may benefit from tailored teaching approaches that address their specific challenges.
Thus, attending tuition lessons offer the flexibility and individualised attention that many students need to excel.
5. For Building Confidence and Motivation
Last but not least, for students who struggle academically, tuition builds up their confidence, reigniting a love for learning.
Underperforming students a lot of the time feel discouraged, but with the right support, they can turn things around.
So, tutors not only help students improve their grades but also encourage them to take ownership of their learning. This boost in confidence can have a lasting impact on their academic journey.
How to Choose the Right Tuition Centre or Tutor
Here are our top tips for students in Singapore to find the right private tuition:
Tutor Qualifications
Look for tutors with relevant experience and a track record of helping students improve. At Descartes Learning Centre, our tutors are not only experts in their fields but also passionate about teaching.
Our founded – Dr. Danny, has been an educator for over a decade, specialised in a hands-on approach that yields results!
Class Size
Smaller class sizes allow for more individualised attention. We keep our classes here at Descartes, ensuring that every student receives the support that they need.
Curriculum
Make sure that the the tuition programme aligns with your child’s school curriculum and exam requirements.
Location and Schedule
Choose a tuition centre or tutor that is convenient and fits your child’s schedule – quite a few parents overlook this, taking their child to classes that are not the most convenient for their schedule.
Final Thoughts
While tuition can provide much needed guidance, it is not a one-size fits all solution. Many students thrive with the additional support, which we at Descartes Learning Centre provide.
Ultimately, the goal is to foster a love for learning, while equipping children with the skills they need to succeed.
If you would like to learn more, contact us today
