Good tuition should make learning easier, and in so doing reduce student stress and frustration.

Tutoring started out as a way for weaker students to catch up in their studies. Over time, this objective has evolved with a greater focus on individualised attention. For students who would otherwise be lost in class, the stress of learning can be extremely demoralising. On the flip side, for students who are academically gifted, the lack of a challenge in class can induce boredom and disinterest.

It is thus extremely important that a tutor provide challenges that are not beyond what the student is able to achieve, but are on the verge of what they’re capable of, so that students still have to try hard. There is a fine line between too difficult, and too easy. By providing personalised attention to each student, which can good tutoring helps them to understand concepts more easily. A tutor can tailor their approach to the student’s learning style and pace, making it easier for the student to grasp difficult material.

The quality of tutoring significantly impacts a student’s learning experience and performance. Quality tuition provides personalised learning experiences, targeted feedback, and guidance tailored to students’ unique needs and learning styles. This approach helps students feel more comfortable and confident in their abilities, providing a more accessible and enjoyable learning experience. Furthermore, a well-designed curriculum and lesson plan provides for interactive and engaging classes that utilises varied learning resources and methods, which can boost a student’s motivation to learn. Ultimately, quality tuition helps students develop the necessary skills and confidence to enjoy a subject.

Nevertheless, there is a concern amongst some parents that sending children for classes might risk pushing them towards a level of knowledge beyond what they are capable of, which could adversely affect their curiosity and interest in learning.

Typically, though, tutors don’t set expectations for students. Expectations tend to be set within a school setting, or based on examinations. Certainly, when a student is struggling with a subject, it can be very stressful. A good tuition environment should help to alleviate this stress by providing support, encouragement, and a positive attitude. A well-designed curriculum also helps to break down complex topics into simpler, more manageable pieces, which can reduce the student’s anxiety and sense of overwhelm. The tutor should also help build each student’s confidence by providing positive reinforcement and celebrating their successes. This can help the student to feel more self-assured and motivated to continue learning.

At Academia, students’ well-being, both mentally and physically, is always a priority. No client would want their child to be stressed out or demoralised. Many of us at Academia are parents ourselves, and we are here to create an affirming and positive experience for children outside of school. In our decade of experience tutoring, we’ve also found that a positive environment translates well into educational and testing outcomes, as demonstrated in our students’ top-of-class results in standardised examinations such as the PSLE, O-Levels, and the General Paper.