Experience
My specialisation is in tutoring JC H2 and H3 Physics, but I am confident of tutoring Mathematics at the Secondary and JC levels as well.
While I have not officially taught or tutored JC students, I have experience in teaching weaker schoolmates in JC 1 and 2. My proudest achievement in teaching would be helping my friend improve his Physics from a D to B in JC 1 within two months. Below are some of the key ingredients to successful teaching that I picked up and applied along the way.
First and foremost, would be the manner of explanation one utilises. While our academic system sometimes requires memory work (definitions, abstract formulae etc), I strongly believe that a clear division should be drawn between what should be memorised and what should be understood. Certain basic ideas or calculations, such as the derivation of the force due to gravity acting on an object on a inclined slope (F = mg sin θ), should be thoroughly taught to and understood by students to the extent that they are comfortable deriving them from first principles during a major exam (in this case, via vector resolution of forces in tandem with basic trigonometry), rather than just relying on memorising an answer sheet. While fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the subject, this approach to teaching would also build students’ confidence and assurance that what they are applying is based on sound logic, rather than blind memorisation.
Second, the need for application. A strong understanding of subject matter will not translate to exceptional marks if one does not see how individual concepts fit together as part of the bigger picture. Application can come in two forms: seeing physics at work in real-world contexts and applying concepts to solve exam questions. A well-thought out revision system will include elements of both: First, to develop in students an intuition for how scenarios can be expected to play out. Next, to build their confidence and check and reinforce their understanding by applying new concepts in exam questions, possibly with concepts integrated across multiple topics.
Lastly, the value of imparting exam skills. While understanding subject content and practising questions are important, there are some other tips and tricks that can provide a boost to students’ prospects. One key to success in physics exams is the ability to quickly identify the specific topics, concepts and equations likely to be relevant to solving any given question. For example, while solving for the maximum extension of a spring-mass system in SHM, it can be easy for students to fall into the trap of thinking that this can be solved by taking x = mg/k. A well-trained student would focus on the fact that the system is in SHM and hence undergoing acceleration at its lowest point, indicating that an energy solution is required, instead of solving for Fnet = 0. I believe that by value-adding some of these little points, I will be able to set up my students for success.
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