The Real Reason Why We Send Our Children to Tuition

[Just relax]

The education system has increased the breadth and depth of knowledge to such an extent that parents cannot really cope with the subjects even if they are SAH parents.


There will be children who can self-study and many who can’t. The system in Singapore seems to operate on the assumption that the standard has to continuously be raised every few years and new methods of teaching or emphasis of new or different areas introduced. This I sometimes think happens just too fast. The primary syllabus of today contains many topics in Maths and Science previously only taught in Sec school. That is already a quantum leap.

[mummy so kiasu]

janet_lee88:

Education is the BIGGEST killer...the other factors we can still be in charge...but with the system being so difficult, even my hubby has given up. From English to Chinese, Science & Math...not one subject is easy. Hubby & I die die refused to believe in tuition for son, believing we can coach ourselves...the main reason is lack of MONEY. Thus, son never had a foundation for English, Math & Science from P1.

The real reason why we send our children to tuition is because not all schools can do a good job to teach them sufficiently to pass exams.

Don't have to start tuition from P1, as long as the parents get some assessment books for the kids to do. My boy started tuition from P4 or he will end up reading story books instead of studying. However, I still think motivation comes before tuition.

[mummy so kiasu]

Beautyful Minds:

What we have learnt over the years is that; PSLE Maths and Science depend heavily on understanding the question. Without strong basis English, students don't do well in all 3 subjects.

Agree. My boy is an avid reader. I have to stop him from reading during exam period. He spends a lot of time reading rather than studying. However, he does not like to read Chinese books. He did not do anything extra during PSLE, other than those given by his school teachers. Luckily his PSLE results turn out to be fine (2A*& 2A) Do start to encourage your children to read. English & Chinese tuition are not necessary if they are avid readers and love to read.

[mummy so kiasu]

jedamum:

Sometimes I see my son spends so much time self study certain subjects that I think to myself- will he learn more efficiently and better if I outsource?

He sounds like a discipline boy to me. We will not able to outsource anymore by the time they go to Sec school. You are actually train him to be an independent learner, which is important for higher education. Unless he can't manage on his own, then it is time to consider outsource.

[janet88]

Just relax:

The education system has increased the breadth and depth of knowledge to such an extent that parents cannot really cope with the subjects even if they are SAH parents.


There will be children who can self-study and many who can't. The system in Singapore seems to operate on the assumption that the standard has to continuously be raised every few years and new methods of teaching or emphasis of new or different areas introduced. This I sometimes think happens just too fast. The primary syllabus of today contains many topics in Maths and Science previously only taught in Sec school. That is already a quantum leap.

Working parents hardly have energy to coach kids after a long day in the office. Even if they still have, some time is needed to understand what their kids are learning before coaching/revising with them...primary school work.
The breadth and depth is increasing as though children are pumped with IQ jabs...but in fact, most are struggling to keep up with the standard.

I heard of kids attending 2-3 tutors just for one subject, for eg English...that is at P6. Will these kids be able to apply correctly and not be confused?

[AdonciaTang]

janet_lee88:

Just relax:

The education system has increased the breadth and depth of knowledge to such an extent that parents cannot really cope with the subjects even if they are SAH parents.


There will be children who can self-study and many who can't. The system in Singapore seems to operate on the assumption that the standard has to continuously be raised every few years and new methods of teaching or emphasis of new or different areas introduced. This I sometimes think happens just too fast. The primary syllabus of today contains many topics in Maths and Science previously only taught in Sec school. That is already a quantum leap.

Working parents hardly have energy to coach kids after a long day in the office. Even if they still have, some time is needed to understand what their kids are learning before coaching/revising with them...primary school work.
The breadth and depth is increasing as though children are pumped with IQ jabs...but in fact, most are struggling to keep up with the standard.

I heard of kids attending 2-3 tutors just for one subject, for eg English...that is at P6. Will these kids be able to apply correctly and not be confused?

I have friends who are doing that too. I thought it might be too much for them though

[janet88]

2-3 tutors is a little nutsy, in my opinion.

For Math, supposing one tutor says to use this method but the other one says something else…whose method should the child use? Don’t forget, during the actual PSLE, the child is under extreme pressure to perform…it is very risky if the child has a mental block.

Besides, why have 2 or 3 tutors just for ONE subject??? It shows the lack of trust and confidence to have one to backup another. Does the poor child have time to attend so many tuitions?

[janet88]

mummy of three:

janet_lee88:

2-3 tutors is a little nutsy, in my opinion.

For Math, supposing one tutor says to use this method but the other one says something else...whose method should the child use? Don't forget, during the actual PSLE, the child is under extreme pressure to perform...it is very risky if the child has a mental block.

Besides, why have 2 or 3 tutors just for ONE subject??? It shows the lack of trust and confidence to have one to backup another. Does the poor child have time to attend so many tuitions?

It’s either too kiasu or too much money or too kua zhang

It's ridiculous !!!
If one subject 3 tutors...i believe the other 3 subjects are also outsourced...
钱太多.

[Just relax]

I would suggest possibly the only subject to have 2 types of tuition may be MT where the MT is not spoken at home. 1-1 to identify and strengthen the weaker aspects of MT and a group setting for reinforcement and enrichment especially if it is a small class where the child can speak to other children in MT.


For other subjects depending on the child’s ability tuition may be provided. For eg. If the child is already scoring 90 and above for a subject (as a rough guide) then tuition is not necessary.

[janet88]

Just relax:

For other subjects depending on the child's ability tuition may be provided. For eg. If the child is already scoring 90 and above for a subject (as a rough guide) then tuition is not necessary.

When the child is in the 90 range, the parent will provide tuition to confirm that S-T-A-R.