How Online Tuition Works: A Guide for Singapore Parents
Online tuition is a live lesson with a tutor over video. Here's what a lesson looks like, what your child needs at home, and how to tell whether it suits them.
What an Online Lesson Looks Like
Before the Lesson
You receive the Zoom link for the weekly lesson. Keep the Zoom app updated, and have your child join a few minutes early to check the sound and camera.
During the Lesson
The tutor explains on a shared screen or digital whiteboard, writing and annotating the working step by step. Your child attempts questions and asks for help any time.
After the Lesson
You and your child are in direct contact with the tutor, so questions don't have to wait for the next lesson. If your child misses a group lesson, the tutor can usually share the class recording so they keep up.
What Your Child Needs at Home
- A laptop, desktop or tablet with a camera, with the Zoom app kept up to date
- Earphones with a microphone
- A home broadband connection; a mobile hotspot can drop out
- A quiet desk, away from the TV and siblings
- Paper, a pen, and school worksheets or textbooks
Is Online Tuition Right for Your Child?
Primary School Students
Younger children often settle in faster with a parent nearby for the first few lessons. Parents are welcome to sit in.
Secondary School Students
Online lessons fit around CCAs and long school days, and students already use online learning in school.
JC and IB Students
Online lessons make it easy to get help with specific topics, such as H2 organic chemistry or IB internal assessments, around a full timetable.
Preparing for the PSLE, O-Level, SEC and A-Level Online
Tutors work through past-year and practice questions on screen, mark answers and plan revision around school exams and the national exam. What matters most is a regular weekly lesson and a quiet place to work.
One-to-One or Small-Group Online Lessons
One-to-one lessons follow one student's pace. Small groups have up to 4 students at the same level. If either suits you, choose any class size and we'll suggest whichever fits your times first.
Safety and Communication
- Lessons take place on Zoom, with cameras on for the tutor and students.
- Parents are welcome to attend lessons with their child.
- Parents, students and the tutor have a direct line of communication.
Questions to Ask Before Choosing an Online Tutor
- Which syllabus have you taught, and at which level?
- How will you see my child's working during the lesson?
- What happens if my child misses a lesson?
- How will I know how my child is doing?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Online Tuition Suitable for a Child Who Gets Distracted Easily?
Often, yes: with the camera on and the tutor asking questions throughout, there's less room to drift off. A quiet desk away from the TV helps most.
Do I Need to Sit Beside My Child?
No, but you're welcome to. If you sit in, avoid jumping in to help: working things out independently is an important part of learning.
Is Online Tuition Effective for PSLE Preparation?
Yes, when lessons are regular and your child has a quiet place to work. Tutors use the same practice papers and marking as in person.
Can Online Lessons Follow the MOE Syllabus?
Yes. Tutors teach the syllabus your child sits, including G1, G2 or G3 subjects.
What Happens If the Internet Connection Drops?
Your child can rejoin using the same meeting link. Keeping the Zoom app updated helps the connection stay stable.
Can My Child Use a Tablet?
Yes, a tablet with a camera works.