Tutors can be classified into 5 types according to their teaching content and styles. Then they can be further categorized according to their educational backgrounds and teaching experience to charge different rates. To choose the suitable type of tutors with preferred budgets, parents may read through this article and try the self-test at the end of the article.
1. Specialist in the Subject
All tutors can be a specialist in their subjects on different levels when they are mostly full-time tutors and MOE certified teachers. Specialist in the subject is very popular among parents but it is not a must to find this type of tutors. It depends on a student's performance.
- Expertised in certain subject - More lesson time to detailly explain each concept in one subject (Science/Mathematics) - Teach students examination skills and strategy - Help achieve study goals in a specific subject beyond school curriculum - Provide extra-curricular knowledge to have a rounded understanding |
Suitable for students who: - are particularly weak at certain subjects - are in the Integrated Program or Gifted Program - are P4 and above - are enthusiastic about a certain subject, like Science - are determined about future study pathway |
2. General Education Tutor
All tutors can be general education tutors when most of them are student tutors and part-time tutors. It is because their teaching contents are slightly easier than specialists'. This type of tutor is popular among parents whose kids are studying in primary schools.
- Teach the foundations of a wide range of subjects - Revise for quizzes, tests and dictations - some may help enhance learning skills eg. learning style, time management and stress relief |
Suitable for kids who: - need someone to study together so that they can focus better - need guidance on a few subjects - are still improving their study skills |
3. Special Education Tutor
Not any tutors can become special education tutors, they are usually holding some special education qualifications.
There is increasing needs of special education due to modern daily lifestyles and changing way of living. More parents are willing to seek for help from doctors on professional analysis and therapy. Mindworks have a number of special education tutors so parents can contact us for a tutor.
*If the students' symptoms are mild and they can still be benefited under the guidance of other types of tutors, they do not have to engage a tutor who are specially trained for special needs students.
- Provide personalized teaching materials (usually scientifically proved) - Professional in handling possible situations with kids - Good at communicate with kids |
Suitable for kids who: - need guidance of specially trained tutors - require extra care and attention - have special needs, like ADHD and speech or language issues etc. |
4. Homework Helper
Most homework helpers are student tutors because homework helpers' teaching contents are easier. This type of tutor is popular among parents whose kids are studying in primary schools.
- Guide students finishing their assignments - Ensure students are focus on finishing their homework - Check students’ homework so your kids will not have missing homework, late homework and wrong answers |
Suitable for kids: - who need someone to look after them - who need accompany to finish homework - whose parents are busy at work |
5. Pre School Tutor
All tutors can be pre school tutor if they are able to communicate with young kids well. This type of tutor helps kids to prepare them for their kindergarten on foundation knowledge and manner.
- Build children’s foundational language to learn subjects easier in the future (eg. Phonics) - Deliver soft skills like social skills, problem solving skills, manner and politeness etc. - Teaching materials are very diverse and fun for young kids |
Suitable for kids: - who are 3-4 years old - who are the only child in their families - whose parents are busy at work |
Among these tutors, the rates of specialists and Special Education Tutor are higher than others.
Under each type of tutors, they can be grouped as different educational background:
Student tutors, NIE trained teachers, Part-time tutors, Full-time tutors, MOE Certified tutors. Each has their edges and drawbacks on different aspects, like time, rates and experiences. Their pro and cons are concluded below for parents:
Tutors: | Pros: | Cons: | Rates: |
| - Lower rates - Up-to-date exam experiences - Great ability to connect with children because of their younger age | - Less flexible time schedule - Possibility of time clashes on examination schedule - Varying teaching quality - Less tutoring experiences | JC/Poly Students: $15-$45/h University Students: $15-$60/h |
| - May be experienced in tutoring - Connected to the society so there are many life experiences or stories can be shared - Slightly lower rates compared to full-time tutors | - Less available time slots | $20-$70/h |
| - Experienced in tutoring - Familiar with subject syllabus - Accumulated many learning resources, like past papers and notes - More available time slots | - Higher rates - May have a packed tuition schedule | $25-$120/h |
| - Experienced in preparing the teaching materials - Experiencing in delivering lessons to large group of students -Experienced in interacting with students and class managements - Trained on teaching skills | - Higher rates - Less available time slots | $40-$100/h |
| - Experienced in preparing the teaching materials - Experiencing in delivering lessons to large group of students -Experienced in interacting with students and class managements - Familiar with updated subject syllabus - Trained on teaching skills | - High rates - Less available time slots because they are allowed to provide 6 hours of private tuition a week only | $50-$180/h |
MOE teachers are tutors who have registered with Ministry of Education(MOE) after they are trained at NIE. NIE training is organised by The National Institute of Education(NIE) where people can get a diploma in education-related majors. They may be teaching in private schools. Only these registered people can teach in public schools. They must have a a university degree and A Levels or an IB diploma certificate.
After reading the above information about characteristics of each type of tutors, here is the self-test.
