Is Tuition Really Necessary To Achieve Good Grades in Singapore?
In my experience as a school teacher and later as a tutor, a well-designed tuition programme does give students an advantage, whatever their grades. It has to complement what they learn in class and work on each student's weak areas, beyond repeating school lessons or adding worksheets.
Recent discussions and articles in Singapore newspapers have shown diverse views on tuition programmes. Many of us have since asked whether tuition is needed on top of a demanding school workload. Some question whether it adds value or holds students back.
As a school teacher who later moved into tuition, I saw at first hand how differently students in Singapore learn, and how much more time and personal attention some of them need before a concept makes sense.
Students and parents here tend to ask two things.
- With large classes, can school teachers give enough time and attention to students who learn differently or who struggle?
- Some schools run their own tuition for weaker students. Do those sessions become extra practice with more practice papers?
So it is worth checking how well any tuition programme works.
From my years in education, I believe schools should develop well-rounded students, in academic work and outside it. Too much weight on grades risks the "all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy" problem. Grades still matter a great deal in Singapore, where so much rides on school examinations and on the entry criteria for further education.
Who benefits from tuition, and do students with excellent grades need it?
The answer depends on how a tuition programme is run: whether the sessions repeat regular school lessons, or work on each student's weak areas and deepen their understanding of key concepts. In my opinion, a quality tuition programme should complement classroom learning.
What does a good tuition programme look like?
When students work hard at school, a tuition programme built around their specific needs helps them progress. A student with strong grades has room to improve, and so does one who is struggling.
Assessment books are useful for practice questions, and a tutor's main job is to guide how the student learns.
From what I have seen, tuition has helped students in Singapore improve their results. With proper guidance and good learning strategies, every child can do well in examinations, and a well-designed tuition programme is one way to give them that guidance.
Teacher Liza
FAQ
Is tuition necessary to get good grades in Singapore?
The author's view is that a well-designed tuition programme gives students an advantage at any level of grades. It has to complement school lessons and work on the student's weak areas.
Do students with good grades need tuition?
In the author's view, every student has room to improve, whatever their grades. What matters is whether the programme is built around the student's specific needs.
What should a good tuition programme do?
It should complement classroom learning and work on each student's weak areas. The tutor's main role is to guide how the student learns, beyond handing out practice questions.
Can too much focus on grades be a problem?
Yes, in the author's view. Schools should develop students in academic work and outside it, and too much weight on grades risks "all work and no play".