Singapore’s education system is often seen as stressful and competitive, especially by parents with school-aged children. Despite recent policy changes like removing mid-year exams and revising the PSLE scoring system, many parents still feel pressured to enhance their children’s academic performance.
A survey by AsiaOne revealed that nearly half of parents consider tuition essential for their children’s success in school. Interestingly, while some parents express concerns such as burnout and unnecessary stress due to tuition, a majority continue to enroll their children in these classes. Three out of four parents noted improvements in their children’s grades after starting tuition.
Yong, a parent of three children in primary and secondary school, acknowledged the necessity of tuition despite mixed feelings. “You can’t skip tuition; it wouldn’t be fair to children who need the extra help,” he commented.
Similarly, Gan, with two children, agreed that tuition was crucial as his children struggled to grasp their schoolteachers’ methods.
However, dissatisfaction with current tuition practices was common among parents surveyed. Issues included inadequate teacher support, lack of personalized attention, and insufficient feedback on their child’s progress.
Richard, a father of two, frequently seeks updates from his son’s tuition teacher, often receiving notifications only when assignments are late.
Parents also voiced frustration over the high costs and perceived ineffectiveness of tuition. Cynthia, a mother of a school-going child, criticized the burden of additional assignments on her daughter.
The question arises: can tuition be reimagined to truly benefit children and ease parental concerns?
Addressing Engagement and Motivation
Joanna, facing her daughter’s reluctance towards Chinese tuition, sought alternative solutions after discovering her daughter’s struggles.
This led her to Geniebook CAMPUS, where classrooms are equipped with smart boards and iPads. Here, students engage collaboratively with teachers, who monitor their progress in real-time. This interactive approach has revitalized learning for many students, including May’s child in Primary 6, who now finds tuition enjoyable and enriching.
Unlike traditional tuition centers, Geniebook CAMPUS integrates a rewards system where students earn “Bubbles” for participation, redeemable for various items. This initiative aims to keep students motivated and engaged in their learning.
Support Beyond the Classroom
Geniebook CAMPUS also supports parents with monthly progress reports that detail their child’s academic development and behavioral observations. This transparency helps parents like Novem Neo to better assist their children academically.
Moreover, GenieAsk, an online platform, allows students to seek assistance from their teachers beyond tuition hours, easing academic pressures.
Looking Ahead
Geniebook CAMPUS aims to expand its modern learning solutions across Singapore, addressing the evolving needs of students and parents alike.