English tuition, like any other supplementary class, has pros and cons. Before enrolling your child in extra lessons, you need to understand why you’re doing it. This way, even with financial constraints, it is easy to still priorities PSLE English tuition because the benefits outweigh the cost.
Pros of English Tuition
- Personalised Learning
One challenge many students face with their studies is the use of the same teaching method for all students. Unfortunately, this only means some students are left behind because there is no one-size-fits-all teaching method. Some students need personalised learning, and this isn’t always possible.
This is where an English tuition centre becomes handy. The English tutor will analyse your child’s needs and tailor a teaching style that will have the best outcome.
- Builds Student Confidence
English tuition Singapore provides a supportive environment for students to build confidence when preparing for PSLE English. Outside of regular classes, some students don’t have support in preparing for the examination.
An English tutor is a support system for students to help them become confident when handling oral and written English exams.
- Strengthen English Foundation
Another advantage of English tuition is that it strengthens the student’s English foundation. English is the most spoken language globally, and chances are, the students will continue using it even after they have completed their education.
Since English PSLE tests oral, composition, and vocabulary, English tuition is a great way to ensure students are ready to handle different aspects of the paper.
- Early Intervention for Struggling Students
Most students in Singapore start tuition at an early age, and this continues in PSLE and secondary school. If anything, at least 90% of students in secondary school are enrolled in tuition. This is at least 20% higher than students attending primary school.
This means students get early intervention in English tuition in Singapore. So, as the students progress to more complex English learning, they have the right foundation to build on as they expand their understanding of the language.
By the time the students start preparing for PSLE English, they are grounded in the language and are more responsive to what is expected of them.
- Comprehensive Learning
English tuition tends to be more comprehensive. The tutors focus on reading, composition writing, grammar, and listening skills. Students also get lessons on their spoken English. Since one of the PSLE English tests is an oral exam, the tuition is helpful.
Since the tutors are specialists in the language, their attention to detail helps ensure the students are ready for English PSLE.
Cons of English Tuition
Undoubtedly, English tuition has its benefits. However, it also has some challenges, both for the students and parents. Here are some of the disadvantages:
- Tuition is time-consuming. Depending on the challenges the student has, the English tutor may have to spend a lot of time helping prepare the student for PSLE English. This means the student may be left with very little time for other activities.
- English tuition can be costly. Depending on when the student starts the lessons, parents may end up spending a lot of money getting students ready for PSLE.
- Students become overly dependent on tuition. This is one of the main challenges of Singapore’s tuition culture, especially if students start tuition in the first few years of primary school. Some students even overlook their regular classes and instead focus on English tuition because they either prefer the tutor or the teaching style.
Despite the setbacks, English tuition has its benefits, and they outweigh the costs. Students have so much to gain from it, and with the right guidance, they can easily overcome the disadvantages.
