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    Self tutor or Outsource??

    Scheduled Pinned Locked Moved Academic Learning & Enrichment
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    • A Offline
      atrecord
      last edited by

      it's not easy for us as DD is not focused, and tends to be distracted by everything. Or rather, perhaps it's because she cannot concentrate...


      As a result, it's been frustrating. DW, who handles most of the coaching, is often screaming at DD, who has also developed a temper and easily throw tantrums 😢

      We're toying with the idea of sending her to tuition, hoping that she'll pay more attention when being taught by someone else...

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      • C Offline
        cherrygal
        last edited by

        Yes, the problem with coaching them ourselves is the discipline. Kids don’t usually listen to parents but they pay attention to teachers (external party).


        When my hubby tells him to do work, he will dawdle. If we want him to budge, I would need to use my stern tone. I also find myself getting agitated when he shows me a blur face.

        But he does his work very quickly at childcare or enrichment centres. He derives pride from being #1. So if we were to outsource the tuition, I would choose a group tuition setting for the "competition".

        I have decided to spend my free time doing "fun" things like painting, reading or baking with him. I will also educate him on general knowledge instead of coaching on schoolwork.

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        • M Offline
          mrswongtuition
          last edited by

          Another thing to note about outsourcing:

          Teacher’s word is GOLD.

          I tell my son the same thing but he refuses to listen. His tutor tells him the exact same thing and he listens readily. (Like referring to his private parts as penis instead of bird.)

          The same happens for my students.
          Their parents tell them that they need to study hard for their own future but they don’t listen and argue.
          When I tell them the exact same thing, they go home telling their parents that I told them to study hard for themselves and they are willing to do it.


          I personally prefer to outsource but parents monitor closely.
          Tuition is for teacher to teach the methods/skills, parents monitor closely is to ensure the child is putting in effort to complete the work and revise regularly. It’s alright if parent’s cant teach, just email the tutor or make a note and get the tutor to teach during the next lesson.
          This is what my students’ parents will do. They will copy questions into a notebook to ask me during lessons. Can be school homework or additional work given by parents.

          Even my son’s lessons at enrichment centres, I look at the worksheets after every lesson and will check if he knows the work or not. I also check his homework daily to make sure that he has completed his work.
          Our time spent together is more for doing puzzles and other learn through play activities like games and reading.

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          • janet88J Offline
            janet88
            last edited by

            It’s definitely NOT easy to be a self-tutor but when we coach kids ourselves, we are in control and know weakness. But there will come a day when we cannot handle anymore, and that’s when you have to outsource. I outsourced my son’s Eng to Jan & Elly since March this year…but I still keep a close watch on him. Same goes for Chinese.

            He has Eng/Chinese only once a week. I’m relieved to be a backup.

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            • K Offline
              kids_r_innocent
              last edited by

              atrecord:
              it's not easy for us as DD is not focused, and tends to be distracted by everything. Or rather, perhaps it's because she cannot concentrate...


              As a result, it's been frustrating. DW, who handles most of the coaching, is often screaming at DD, who has also developed a temper and easily throw tantrums 😢

              We're toying with the idea of sending her to tuition, hoping that she'll pay more attention when being taught by someone else...
              My younger child has the same problem. She is not able to focus for too long and i am always so frustrating...

              Well... as she is still young and doesnt like enrichment classes. I have no choice but to stick with self coaching. However, i also notice that if we (as parents) are able to see the \"effective\" way to teach our individual children, then the effect would be there. For instance, since she cant sit still for too long, i would try to make more but short sessions with her. Think it works pretty well for now.... 😉

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              • K Offline
                kids_r_innocent
                last edited by

                cherrygal:
                Yes, the problem with coaching them ourselves is the discipline. Kids don't usually listen to parents but they pay attention to teachers (external party).

                *sigh* i agree.... it seems like kids from long long time ago are already exhibiting this type of attitude. 😛

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                • K Offline
                  kids_r_innocent
                  last edited by

                  mrswongtuition:
                  Another thing to note about outsourcing:

                  Teacher's word is GOLD.
                  Exactly!!! Tats y we muz hunt for GOOD tutor to cultivate and teach good values; besides coaching them in their studies.

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                  • K Offline
                    kids_r_innocent
                    last edited by

                    janet_lee88:
                    It's definitely NOT easy to be a self-tutor but when we coach kids ourselves, we are in control and know weakness. But there will come a day when we cannot handle anymore, and that's when you have to outsource.

                    Good point there. However, i also noticed that there are some children who can excel in their studies but they do not have tutition at all; they come from a humble family background and some even have siblings who can do as well as them. :? Maybe it's the family background that spurs them to do well???

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                    • S Offline
                      sleepy
                      last edited by

                      kids_r_innocent:
                      Hi parents!!


                      There have been talks about the effectiveness on parents coaching their children, while on the other side of the coin with the syllabus changing (different from our generations), there are parents who will choose to send their children for tutition instead (also due to lack of time).

                      Do you teach/coach your child on their studies every now and then? Or do you prefer to outsource it?

                      Personally, for younger children (preschoolers), i feel that we could coach them for better results (to save money but will have to be very patient!!)

                      However, for primary school kids, as their syllabus is not the same as that during our times (say 20 years ago..). Do we still have the capability to coach them??? 😞

                      What do you say??? 😉
                      I prefer to outsource during preschool years. Once they acquired the necessary foundation - can read can multiply, I take over. Although I still send them for enrichments, it's more to enrich & stimulate rather than tuition. No tuition for them since they already have me as their designated full time tutor 😉

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                      • M Offline
                        mrswongtuition
                        last edited by

                        kids_r_innocent:
                        mrswongtuition:

                        Another thing to note about outsourcing:

                        Teacher's word is GOLD.

                        Exactly!!! Tats y we muz hunt for GOOD tutor to cultivate and teach good values; besides coaching them in their studies.

                        Actually, for a tutor to be able to produce results, he/she has to not only teach the content & exam techniques but also motivate the kids to do well.
                        Learning attitude is more important than ability. Once they believe that they can do it & want to do it, they will.

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