Examinations are a stressful time for everyone, not just students. It can be harrowing for parents, teachers, and tutors too! However, in a competitive landscape like Singapore, it is particularly important to do well in exams, especially major ones like the ‘O’ Levels. At Private Tutor SG, we are hyper-focused on making sure our students are well-equipped with knowledge and confidence.
In a compulsory subject like E-Math, it is critical to build a solid foundation and address any knowledge gaps before moving forward with more challenging topics. For whatever reason, if a student falls behind in school, it can be extremely challenging to catch up and get the most out of school lessons. That’s when E-Math tuition comes in!
Overview of Our O Level E Math Tutoring Services
E-Math Tuition
E-Math further expands on the knowledge and skills built during lower secondary. With topics like Geometry, Statistics, and Algebra, E-Math emphasizes the everyday application of math skills and develops a stronger foundation, paving the way for more complex like Additional Mathematics (A-Math), H2 Math in JC, or advanced mathematics courses in Polytechnics.
Our E-Math tuition program focuses on setting the student up for success not only in their ‘O’ Levels but also in the future, should he or she decide to pursue more complex subjects and courses. Tutors will give heaps of real-world examples of how math can be used to benefit us in our daily lives and help students better understand the necessity of the subject.
‘O’ Level E-Math Exam Preparation
Our tutors are hyper-focused on preparing students for the ‘O’ level examinations, and we believe that preparation is key to academic success. Not only will they work closely with parents and students to provide constant assessments and feedback, but they will also administer loads of practice tests and past-year exam papers to identify any gaps in knowledge and guide students through them.
However, exam time can be a stressful one, and tutors are also trained to tailor their teaching methods to each student, monitoring them closely for signs of stress or anxiety. Students who thrive under pressure might be given more challenging problems while those who struggle with fundamental concepts will be given more attention to building a stronger foundation.
Our Private O Level E-Math Tutors
Our team of tutors come from all walks of life and have varying academic qualifications ranging from Bachelor’s Degrees to post-graduate degrees like Master’s and PhDs. Many of them are also current MOE or ex-MOE teachers, which means they are extremely well-versed with the Singapore E-Math school syllabus and can help prepare their students for their exams with extreme precision.
In addition, we also handpick our tutors based on their track record, testimonials, versatility, and adaptability. Soft skills such as empathy, kindness, and patience are also valued, and most of our tutors often develop deep, nurturing mentorship with students who will stay with them for many years.
Educational Philosophy and Approach
Our Educational Philosophy and Approach for O Level E-Math
We pride ourselves in providing all our students with an engaging and supportive environment for them to be their best.
We believe that learning should be fun, and a student who is struggling with school classes isn’t likely to be very happy! That’s where private tuition can come in. Our tutors will go back to the basics and patiently explain each error, identifying gaps in knowledge and filling them before moving on to more challenging topics.
In addition, we believe that everyone’s learning capacity, speed, and methods are different, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. For example, some students might learn better when provided with real-world examples, and others might learn through repetition or memorisation. That’s why our tutors will create personalised lesson plans to suit the unique learning styles of each student to help them perform at their best!
Why Have O Level Math Tuition
Different Learning Pace
No two students learn at exactly the same pace which can make it difficult for a school teacher to manage, especially when a typical secondary school class contains 30 to 40 students. Students who learn slower might face challenges keeping up while faster students might be bored and lose focus.
With private math tuition, each student is free to learn at a comfortable pace, whatever that may be. A dedicated tutor can completely tailor a lesson plan to match each student’s unique needs. For example, quicker students can be given increasingly difficult problems to keep them motivated and interested while those who lag slightly will feel less pressurized to perform at the level of their peers.
One-On-One Attention
A class full of 30 or 40 secondary school students is a busy one, and getting the teacher’s attention might be challenging for some. With private tuition, the student gets the tutor’s 100% undivided attention throughout the duration of the lesson, which means improvements and learning can take place more efficiently.
In addition, math lessons in school are typically more lecture-style type of teaching, with a one-size-fits-all lesson plan. Students don’t learn the same way, and some might have trouble following this way of learning. With a tutor, a personalised lesson plan can cater to the unique learning styles and abilities of all students.
Difficulties Catching Up
E-Maths is one of the subjects where if you miss a few lessons or lag a little behind, catching up with the rest of the class is extremely difficult, and in some cases, impossible. Without a proper foundation or if there are gaps in knowledge, moving ahead with the rest of the class is going to be a struggle.
If for some reason the student misses a few school days, for example, because of medical leave or family issues, he or she might struggle to catch up. That’s when private tuition can help significantly so that the student can enjoy all the future school lessons without struggling to comprehend what they missed.
Better Grades
While there are exceptions to every rule, one thing is pretty clear. Statistically, an overwhelming majority of students who receive private tuition get better grades, not just in their O levels but each test, assessment, and exam leading up to that as well.
The better a student scores, the more interest and motivation he or she will develop for the subject, which is intrinsically linked with test scores. With the O levels on the horizon, getting private tuition will give students the extra edge, especially in a highly competitive environment like Singapore.
Common Challenges When Learning O Level E Math
The step up from lower secondary math into E-Math in secondary three is a significant one. Not only are there more complex topics such as Geometry, Trigonometry, Algebra, and Statistics, but there is also a broader range of knowledge for each topic.
Students often struggle with the increased workload and complexity of the topics, and since E-Math is a compulsory subject, not all students have a natural aptitude for the subject. If so, they might fall behind in class and lose motivation and interest.
Upper secondary school can be a stressful time with increases in lessons, homework, ECAs, CCAs, and out-of-school activities. E-Math can be a time-consuming subject that requires loads of practice and concentration. Students often struggle to find the time amidst their busy schedules to focus entirely on practicing math.
In addition, to prepare for the E-Math ‘O’ Levels, extensive practice using past-year exam papers and other tests and exams acquired from different schools is needed. Add the practice tests on top of their regular coursework, and you end up with a very time-strapped student!
Like many other subjects, E-Math is difficult if you don’t have a proper foundation. If there were any knowledge gaps before, moving ahead and tackling the more complex topics is extremely challenging. By focusing on establishing a rock-solid foundation with strong fundamentals, students will be in a better position to master the topics required for the ‘O’ Levels and ultimately, score better.
Since E-Math is a compulsory subject, not all students will have an interest or motivation to master it. In addition, some students might also lack the natural aptitude to do well in math and have to work harder than their peers. Such a situation might lead to a lack of confidence, and if the student loses interest and stops trying, it leads back into a vicious cycle that might ultimately fail.