Singapore is known for its academic excellence and tuition culture. So, it is unsurprising to see Chinese tuition centres popping up around Singapore. Additionally, the MOE curriculum requires students to learn at least one mother tongue, including Chinese. Students get tested regularly to verify their fluency and knowledge of the language. The results will contribute to their O-level and A-level examination results.
Before sending your child for tuition in Chinese, you should look at the questions other parents ask to guide you on what you should know.
How Big Is the Class?
Class size is important because it reflects the personalised attention the child will get from the Chinese tutor. Some students struggle with regular Chinese classes because they thrive in smaller groups. They may also perform better when working one-on-one with a Chinese tutor.
Most Chinese tuition centres in Singapore try to keep the classes small, but you should still ask about the class sizes before enrolling your child.
Can Students Join the Class at Any Time?
Registration to Chinese tuition centres is usually ongoing, at least in most Chinese tuition centres in Singapore. Some centres set registration periods, and after the deadline, no child gets accepted. Find out about this early in the school term or before the holidays to ensure you don’t miss the deadline.
Does The Chinese Tuition Centre Provide Learning Materials?
A Chinese tutor uses multiple resources, and you should find out if you need to pay extra for the learning materials or if this is covered in fees. Most Chinese tuition Centres don’t charge extra, but you should find out about this. Some request students to bring specific learning materials.
When Will I See Improvement in My Child’s Performance?
Performance is a priority for most parents who send their kids for Chinese tuition. A good Chinese tuition centre gives regular updates on their child’s performance. Parents will also notice a change in their child’s attitude towards the Chinese language. They will also be more comfortable speaking it, especially in a household where Chinese is used frequently.
Does The Tuition Centre Incorporate the Chinese MOE Curriculum?
Chinese tuition helps students to be fluent in the language, but it’s foundation should be based on the MOE curriculum. Find out if the lessons are a follow-up on what the child learns in school. Chinese tuition should complement what they learn in school, even if the teaching approach is different.
Do You Offer Private Chinese Tuition?
Some kids perform best when working with a Chinese tutor one-on-one. The challenge is some Chinese tutors focus more on language fluency. They may not have the expertise and tools to prepare a child for exams.
On the other hand, Chinese tuition centres have all the necessary materials and trained tutors. They also have experience working with learners with different levels of exposure to the language. If your child prefers having a private Chinese tutor, find out if the tuition centre offers these services or if they can make an exception for you.
These questions will help you decide if your child needs Chinese tuition, the approach to use, and where to get the service. Chinese tuition has its challenges, primarily because Chinese is perceived to be a difficult language to learn. However, when you have a list of the right questions, you will get the best Chinese tuition centre for your child. Learn more.