Experience
Since 2012, I have been actively teaching English while studying in NTU.
In 2016, I was preparing one student for PSLE and two for O Levels. The PSLE student achieved an A for PSLE English, improving from the B he was getting in school previously. Meanwhile, one of my O Level students attained a B3 in English after averaging a C6/C5 in school. The other finally passed English with a C6 after having taken it the past couple years with an E8/D7. I hope to be able to help more students in the same way.
Many of my assignments have been exam preparation classes, during which I help students with intensive revision in their area of weakness. Because of this, I accept text messages for help outside of lesson hours and strive to provide as much support as the student needs besides what they are able to get in school. I am also able to fit in extensive lessons over a short period to help the student to feel as prepared as possible in the lead-up to the examination. Regarding my teaching method for English, I work to focus on language fundamentals that the student shows weakness in. This, I have found, helps in long-term improvement of the language.
I have taught seven students in total; the level of these students range from Primary 2 to preparation as an O Level private candidate. My longest student was a Primary 5 girl whom I taught since she was Primary 3 -- unfortunately, we had to end lessons, as I was due to head for overseas exchange. Despite this, I am glad to have seen her standard of English improve over time. When we first started, English was her worst subject, and it was now no longer the case when we parted ways.
I also have experience in teaching foreign students. Last year, I did extensive coaching for a 9-year-old student who was trying to pass the English proficiency exam conducted by Overseas Family School. She had failed the test the year before but managed to progress from level 1 to level 2 after our 6 months of lessons.
My method of dealing with students varies depending on the age and maturity level of each individual, but I try to understand why the student is having difficulty with the subject. Usually, on the first lesson, I would spend some time talking with the student about their school or daily life to find out more about what could be affecting their performance. Thereafter, during subsequent lessons, I check up on how they are doing and if they are having any difficulty with anything. While not befriending them exactly, I strive to be someone of authority in their life whom they can be comfortable enough with to ask as many questions as they need.
Each academic year, I check the MOE syllabus to ensure I am up to date with any updates. I also frequently buy and complete assessment books that comply with the examination standards on my own. Other than that, I am constantly studying grammar and vocabulary at an advanced level to improve my own skills.
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