Struggling to keep pace with the subjects in school in J1? Or feeling pressed for time and do not know where to begin when it comes to revision in J2?
Here is some good news – you are not alone. Over the years, there have been plenty of others like you, but with the right external help and support, they managed to overcome the challenges to ace their A ‘Levels. Yes, we are talking about tuition here.
“But how do I pick the right tuition centre?”, is a common question that students new to seeking external help might ask.
Here is a helpful guide of some important criteria that many students and even parents look out for to help you along.
Tutor Credentials
A good tutor is vital to the learning experience that a student can get out of tuition classes. And as such, it is key to seek out tutors with relevant, and specialized academic backgrounds and teaching experience.
For instance, at New Dawn Learning Studio, our tutors are specialized in specific subjects – like Maths, Physics, and Chemistry – have taught the O to A’ Level’s curriculum for the past 14 years.
Why are specialization and experience essential? Tutors who have taught the same subject for over several years would be more equipped with the knowledge of past year papers and well-honed teaching techniques.
However, most practically, apart from credentials, it is also essential that the teaching style is something that matches well with your learning style. So, make sure you go down for a trial session to experience it first-hand.
Teaching Materials
Apart from the tutor’s teaching abilities and style, another key aspect to consider would be the teaching materials.
Do you need to take down your own notes? Are there detailed notes with breakdowns of each topic prepared for you? Are there specially curated practice questions to help you hone your understanding of the concepts taught in class?
As with tutor credentials, the quality of teaching materials differs from one tuition centre to another – so do request to take a look at a sample of their teaching materials to see if it suits you.
Location
Given how regularly you will need to attend tuition classes (at least once a week), a convenient or easy to get to location is simply a practical consideration.
Finding one located near an MRT station, near your home or school, can be helpful in your weekly journey to class.
Where possible, call ahead to book a tour of the centre (most will allow that!) so you can head down yourself to take a look.
Affordability
Keep in mind that tuition is an additional expense for your parents. Depending on how many subjects you may require additional help in, the costs could add up.
Some ways to keep tuition affordable include:
- Opting for group tuition instead of one-to-one tuition
- Choosing the subject that you are the weakest to start working on instead of going for multiple subjects.
- Attending quarterly review workshops provided by tuition centres as a start
Important Tip: Make sure you clarify the fee structure and ensure there are no hidden costs!
Learning Environment
If you are already not keeping pace in school, learning in an environment set up just like school is not going to help. Instead, look out for an environment that best suit your learning needs.
Want to succeed? Make sure you look for a tuition centre that can provide you with the right and conducive learning environment.
At New Dawn Learning Studio, we have a 4-prong strategy to help our students enhance their learning:
- Detailed topical breakdown in specially curated lecture notes with step-by-step examples
- Tutorials to practice and refine the understanding of topics reviewed in class.
- Opportunities for consultations to clarify any questions
- Helpful summary sheets for more effective revision
Feeling uncertain? Our recommendation is to head down for a trial class to get first-hand experience on how classes are conducted and determine if it works for you.
Track Record and Testimonials of Past Graduates
Last but not least, a clear indication of whether the tuition centre has been effective in helping your peers ace their A’ Levels is to take a look at their track record of past graduates.
Apart from just results, it is also helpful to review the testimonials of past graduates to understand how exactly the tuition centre has been helpful in their learning journey.
Here are some excerpts from ours:
- The summary and formula sheets provided were super helpful when I was doing last-minute revisions for my O levels.
- The environment is very cosy and homey as they have spaces where students can rest, relax and study.
- Tutors made many concepts much easier to understand and remember.
Want to hear more about what our graduates have to say about us? Head over to our testimonial wall to learn more!
Choosing the Right A’ Levels Tuition Centre for Yourself
Everyone has different learning styles, so do not be surprised if the best tuition center for your friend in school may not be the one for you.
Do yourself a favor and do some homework (pun intended!) by considering the above-mentioned factors and shortlist some tuition centers that would work well for your own needs.
Need a one-stop-shop for your A’ Level’s preparation? At New Dawn Learning Studio, we focus on the trifecta of the hardest subjects for A’ Levels – Maths, Physics, and Chemistry and we look forward to being able to help you to succeed in your studies!
Head over to our website and discover all we have to offer for your learning needs!
