A tutor plays an integral role in a student's education. This is especially true in their formative years (0-8), where they learn more quickly than at any other time in their lives. If you have a child studying Chinese in a primary school in Singapore, you may have some concerns regarding their academic performance. This becomes more concerning if your child isn’t performing well. It also makes sense to want your child to have the best Chinese instructor, given how competitive the country is. But how do you choose the right tutor? Worry not! Ruixing Active Chinese Centre understands every parent and child’s sentiments. We have years of experience teaching Chinese and have a great understanding of the challenges our students and parents face. In order to make decision-making easier, we have compiled a list of things to consider when selecting the ideal tutor for your child.

1. Think about your goals

Before you lift your phone and start making that call to register your child, pause for a bit and think about the following:

• What kind of help do my children need? Do they need just a minor push, or is more intense coaching required?
• What are my children’s preferred learning styles? Do they need a lot of attention, or do they need some motivation and guidance?
• What is your end goal for your children? Do you want them to pursue a career that involves the use of the language, or is this for a short-term goal like an exam?
• What is your budget, and what is the schedule? This can be a tough factor to consider, but it is an essential step. You wouldn’t want your child to enjoy his classes and have to stop them mid-way due to unexpected financial difficulties or schedule conflicts.

2. Teaching styles

Make sure to check the tutor’s teaching style. Don’t skip this step because regardless of how good the tutor is, it won’t matter unless the teacher can grab your child’s attention. This may happen if the learning and teaching styles don’t tally well. Most children learn better with the use of interactive games and apps. We at Ruixing Chinese Centre use these interactive methods, including flashcards, in order to enhance our students' learning. This is an ideal method to study, especially for young kids who are in primary school and need Chinese tuition. We even organise field trips to heighten the learning experience to places such as botanical gardens, museums, and so much more. This will make learning much more fun and effective. Not only will they grasp the language faster, but they will also create lasting memories with their classmates. However, there is one drawback: it may be difficult to take your child home from class (but is this really a bad thing?).

3. Course material

Why do you need to worry about the class material? Isn't that what the tutors are for? Well, yes and no. Some Chinese tuition centres have a set curriculum and course notes already allocated for each semester or year. However, some centres may tailor the course to suit the student’s requirements. The latter is definitely more beneficial and can help your child understand the language better and more quickly. Therefore, make sure to check this before you settle on a tutor and centre.

4. Qualifications and experience

Checking the tutor’s credentials will help you gauge how successful the tutor will be. Your best option would be to find a tutor with a degree or a lot of experience. These teachers would be familiar with the nuances of the language, such as the different dialects or accents and will be able to help your child more effectively. They will also understand the intricacies of what is presented in most examination papers and will be successful in providing that extra push to succeed..

5. Reviews

This will help you check which tutor is reliable and give you an insight into the actual class setting and environment. If you are confused about your choices, reading testimonials can help you make your decision. So, make sure to do a quick search before settling on your final choice.

6. Speak with the tutor and your child

Communicate your goals and concerns with the tutor; this will help clear up any issues and produce the desired result from the coaching. While this is important, there is another person you must talk to before starting the Chinese tuition class — your child. Why is this essential? It is important to let your child have a say. This will help your child be more engaged and have a smoother learning process. It will also help you understand your child’s learning style and needs. This will keep everyone on the same page – don’t avoid this step; it can make a huge difference.

What should you avoid?

Don’t hire a tutor without proper research. Don’t be afraid to ask around and get an idea of the tutor’s teaching methodology. Don't hire a tutor to keep up with a trend; speak with your child and find his strengths and weaknesses. Think about what needs more attention. The responsibility for learning ultimately rests with the child, so don't expect a tutor to perform miracles. Create flexible schedules to avoid exhaustion and burnout.

The best Chinese tuition tutors in Singapore

Leave your child’s future in the hands of the best Chinese tuition class in Singapore — Ruixing Active Chinese Centre. We have over ten years of experience educating students of different age groups and needs. Our vision of creating a fun and immersive learning experience has enabled us to become one of the most sought-after Chinese tuition centres in Singapore. We have a dedicated team of highly experienced professionals who are passionate about helping each and every student to reach their maximum potential. So, why wait? Contact us and enroll your child today!