Recently, I came across an article about the Ministry of Education (MOE) working with the advertising industry to establish a code of conduct for tuition centres. Education Minister Chan Chun Sing mentioned unethical practices in the tuition industry, such as fear-based marketing and guilt-tripping parents into believing their children will fall behind without extra classes.
Personally, I feel that tutoring is an experience many undergraduates go through at some point before graduation. It’s a way to earn extra income, share knowledge, and gain valuable life skills. Personally, I went through this phase myself, and while it was rewarding, it wasn’t without its challenges.
My Journey as a Private Tutor
I started giving private tuition in my first year of university and continued until graduation. To balance my studies and personal life, I limited myself to a maximum of three students at any given time. Back then, the market rate for O-level tuition ranged from $40-$50 per hour, with each session lasting 1.5 to 2 hours.
Was it easy? Not really. Parents expect tangible results, like improved grades. Teaching a student who is already academically strong is relatively straightforward, but guiding those who lack foundational knowledge can be challenging. Some students struggle with basic concepts, making it difficult to tackle questions at their current level. While this is a topic for another day, it highlights the complexities of being a tutor.
During my four years as an undergraduate, tutoring played a crucial role in helping me navigate through a challenging period. Over the course of my university journey, I earned an estimated total of $30,000 from tutoring.
Tips for Aspiring Private Tutors
If you’re considering private tutoring as a side hustle, here are some tips to help you succeed:
1. Know Your Strengths and Limits
Before diving in, assess what subjects you can confidently teach. For example, if you plan to teach mathematics, ensure you’re familiar with the latest syllabus—not the one from your secondary school days. Staying updated is crucial to providing relevant and effective guidance.
2. Teaching vs. Memorizing
Scoring an A1 in a subject doesn’t automatically make you a great tutor. Teaching requires a deep understanding of the topic, not just memorization. If you can’t explain concepts clearly or adapt your teaching style to the student’s needs, you’ll struggle to help them improve. Focus on understanding the material thoroughly so you can break it down in a way that resonates with your student.
3. Commit to Your Students
Private tutoring isn’t just about earning money—it’s about making a meaningful impact. Avoid treating parents as “cash cows.” If you take on a student, commit to seeing them through at least their immediate academic milestones. For instance, if you’re tutoring a Secondary 3 student, stay with them until their end-of-year exams, if not their O-levels. Leaving midway can be highly disruptive to their progress and confidence.
Conclusion
Private tutoring is more than just a side income—it’s an opportunity to share knowledge, inspire growth, and make a difference in someone’s academic journey. While it comes with its challenges, the rewards of seeing your students improve and succeed are immensely fulfilling. If you’re considering this path, remember to stay committed, understand your subject deeply, and approach tutoring with patience and empathy. After all, the art of sharing knowledge is as much about teaching as it is about learning and growing together.
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