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FAQ for Students

When Looking for a Tutor

What are the costs associated with getting a tutor?

At Mindworks Tuition Agency, we strive to make the process of finding a tutor as convenient and cost-effective as possible. Here’s what you need to know about the costs:

  • No Agency Fee: Our service of matching you with a suitable tutor is entirely free. The tutors themselves pay the agency fee, so you do not incur any additional charges for this service.
     

Hourly Rates: The hourly rate for tutoring varies based on several factors, including:

  • Subject: Different subjects may have different rates based on complexity and demand.

  • Level of Tutoring: Rates vary depending on whether the tutoring is for primary, secondary, or higher education levels.

  • Duration of the Lesson: Longer lessons may have different pricing structures.

  • Frequency of Lessons: Regular, ongoing sessions might come with different rates compared to occasional lessons.

  • Tutor’s Experience: More experienced tutors may charge higher rates due to their expertise and proven track record.

Tailored Solutions

  • Meeting Your Budget: We are committed to finding a tutor who meets your specific needs and fits within your budget. We believe there is always a suitable tutor available for everyone.

 

No Extra Costs for Parents

  • Only Pay for Lessons: As a parent, you only need to pay for the actual lessons conducted by the tutor. There are no hidden fees or extra costs required.

 

By offering flexible and transparent pricing, we aim to provide quality tutoring services that are accessible and affordable, ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed academically.

Do I have to pay agent fees?

No, you don’t have to pay any agent fees.

The agency commission is deducted from the tutors' tuition fees. This means there is no extra charge on you – as long as clients follow and act according to our terms and conditions.

However, our commission is to be paid to us directly from you without going through the tutor. Regarding to the payment calculation or methods, please refer to our [Commission Policy].

How will Mindworks process and handle my request? 

When you have sent us a tutor request, we will shortlist suitable tutors based on your criteria and send their profiles to you via WhatsApp. After you have selected a tutor, we would proceed to finalise other details of the tuition such as the rate, time slot and start date.

Subsequently, we would send both you and your chosen tutor a confirmation letter stating all the agreed details. Once the confirmation has been issued, changes is only allowed at least 24 hours in advance to the 1st lesson. Finally, we would collect payment of our commission from you upon confirmation.

A day before the 1st lesson, we will send out reminders to both you and the tutor about the lesson. This would be the last chance to make any changes to the lesson. If changes or cancellations are being made within 24hrs before start of lesson without valid reasons, you’ll be liable for the commission stated in the invoice.

After the 1st lesson, Mindworks will ask for your feedback on the tutor and make follow-up arrangements if necessary.

How can I trust the tutors provided by Mindworks?

During the process of matching, you may raise any question, be it testimonials, qualifications or experiences etc, to our tuition coordinators and we will help to get answers from the tutor’s side.

If you wish to speak to your preferred candidate, we can help to arrange 3-way call interviews so that you can share more about your concerns or situation directly to the tutor.

If you wish to further verify the tutor’s qualifications and identity, you may request that the tutor bring their relevant certificates and credentials on the 1st lesson. We try not to send online documents due to privacy and security concerns.

Is there a minimum commitment?

There is no minimum commitment.

You may inform our coordinator to terminate after any number of lessons if you feel that you wish to cancel the tuition. You will be required to pay for only the lessons conducted.

What subjects can I get help with through Mindworks Tuition?

Levels: Primary / Secondary School, JC, IB, IP, IGCSE, University.

Language Subjects: English, Chinese, Malay, Tamil, Hindi, GP.

Science Subjects: Science, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Maths, Special Needs.

Humanities Subjects: History, Geography, Social Studies, Literature, POA, Economics.

Examinations: PSLE, O Level, N Level, A Level, AEIS, GRE/GMAT/SAT, IELTS.

Is there a trial session available to assess if tutoring is suitable for my child?

Yes, we offer trial sessions to assess compatibility and determine if our tutoring approach meets your child's needs. During the first few sessions, both the student and tutor will get to know each other. You can stop after any number of lessons and only pay for the lessons conducted.

Why sometimes the tuition rates proposed by tutors are above the market rate?

Experienced tutors with proven track records, advanced degrees, or specialized skills often justify higher fees.

 

High demand for certain subjects or peak times can drive up prices.

Lastly, geographical factors and the cost of living in certain areas can influence pricing.

How come the tuition rates proposed by tutors are below the market rate?

Newer tutors might set lower prices to attract clients and build their reputation. Tutors who are not fully qualified or experienced may also offer lower rates to compete.

 

Those targeting budget-conscious families or working in less affluent areas might adjust their rates accordingly. Sometimes, tutors may be passionate about teaching and willing to accept lower compensation to make education more accessible.

 

Lastly, tutors might offer lower rates for group sessions or longer-term commitments, providing value while keeping costs down for students.

Before the First Lesson

Can I make changes to the lesson after confirming?

Once you have given a written (SMS, whatsapp message, email) confirmation, changes are only allowed at least 24 hours in advance to the first lesson’s date.

You shall inform the tutor if a postponement or cancellation of a particular lesson is needed. If the tutor is only informed less than 24 hours away to the start time of the lesson, you shall be liable to pay for the full fee of the lesson.

How do I get matched with a tutor that suits my learning style and needs?

Our agency matches your child with the right tutor by carefully considering several important factors:

  • Academic Needs: We ensure the tutor can address your child’s specific academic requirements.

  • Grade Level and Subject Expertise: We pair your child with tutors who specialize in the relevant grade level and subject.

  • Learning Style Compatibility: We take into account your child’s preferred learning style to find a tutor who can teach in a way that best suits them.

  • Additional Factors: We also consider other practical aspects such as hourly rate, timings, and location to meet your family's needs.

 

By focusing on these key aspects, we ensure a tailored and effective match between your child and the tutor, providing the best possible support for their learning journey.

 

What qualifications and experiences do the tutors have?

Tutors at our agency typically hold degrees in their respective fields along with relevant teaching certifications or experience. We ensure all our tutors meet our standards for academic excellence and teaching expertise.

  • Higher Qualifications: Some of our tutors have advanced degrees such as Master's or Ph.D. in their field of expertise.

  • Standard Qualifications: Others may have A-Level or O-Level certificates and relevant tutoring experience.

Depending on your needs and preferences, you can choose tutors with different qualifications. You can also specify your preferred qualifications when communicating with our agency, ensuring you get a tutor who meets your requirements.

Can I choose between in-person and online tutoring sessions?

Yes, you can definitely discuss with us and tutor about the location.

If you don't want to conduct the lessons at home, some tutors support online sessions or at other spots, such as a cafe, at your convenience.

Can I get help with specific projects or assignments?

The 1-to-1 tutoring lessons are born with specific help! Tutors will get to know your circumstance soon when you get in touch.

However, you may not expect tutors to directly "write the answer". They will focus on conveying the ideas and methodology, not just the answers!

How do I prepare for my first tutoring lesson?

Since the tutor do not know you very well before your first lesson, you may consider telling the tutor about your circumstance, especially the weakness! If you don't know your weakness or find it difficult to speak out, you can show your projects or exam papers to your tutor directly.

You can also try telling what style of teaching you are fond of (passive or interactive? interesting or straightforward?). It is very important to reach an agreement on the lesson mode!

After the First Lesson

What if I find the current tutor unsuitable?

If the provided tutor does not meet your needs, you may simply inform our coordinator regarding the cancellation or request a replacement. We will promptly make the necessary arrangements.

Do note that you are still required to make payment to Mindworks for all lessons already conducted.

How do I feedback regarding the tutors?

You are most welcome to give feedback regarding to our tutors and our services by contacting our coordinators.

We appreciate your help in providing us accurate feedback in order to serve you better.

What is the typical duration and frequency of tutoring sessions?

Tutoring sessions typically last between 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the student's needs and age. The frequency of sessions can vary from once a week to several times per week, based on the level of support required.

How do you handle confidentiality and privacy of students' information?

We will not share the information with anyone. Your personal data will only be used to find suitable tutors.

How does the agency handle missed or rescheduled tutoring sessions?

We have a policy for rescheduling sessions with advance notice. Tutors and families communicate directly to arrange makeup sessions if necessary, ensuring continuity in learning.

How are tutors trained to handle different learning styles and educational backgrounds?

Depending on the different types of tutors:

  • MOE or Ex-MOE Teachers: These tutors receive formal training on how to handle the diverse needs of students, ensuring they can effectively address different learning styles and educational backgrounds.

  • Other Tutors: These tutors learn through their tutoring experience and intuition to work out the best plan for each student. Every student is different, but general needs are often similar.

We encourage allowing the chemistry between tutors and students to develop naturally. More often than not, this leads to significant progress in the child's academic performance.

What measures does the agency take to ensure tutor quality and professionalism?

We maintain high standards of tutor quality, professionalism, and ethical conduct through rigorous screening processes and ongoing evaluations. These measures include:

  • Rigorous Screening: Comprehensive background checks, verification of qualifications, and thorough interviews to ensure only the best tutors are selected.

  • Ongoing Evaluations: Regular performance reviews and feedback from students and parents to continuously assess and improve tutor effectiveness.

These measures ensure that our tutors consistently deliver high-quality and professional tutoring services.

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