First and foremost, as tutors, Do No Harm.
In our earlier life as students, we have met inspiring teachers who have cared for us and inspired us to love our subjects. In fact, it is likely that we have met teachers that have touched our lives that made us take up teaching as a profession. I for one, joined teaching due to the inspiration and care of a Geography lecturer Mr Christopher Lien when I was studying in St Andrew's Junior College. He made a disinterested Geography student became an MOE Geography teacher and subsequently a private tutor in Humanities.
However, as in most things in life, there is always an flipside. There are teachers whom we have met in our studies who have killed off our interest in the subject. For me, I met a uncaring Geography teacher in my final year in secondary school and it totalled my interest in Geography. On the last day of school, I left my secondary school gate telling myself that I will never touch Geography again. However, fate has a different idea in mind and I met Mr Lien as my Geography lecturer in JC. A New Zealand Geography field trip and two years of Junior College later. I was inspired to be a Geography teacher.
Not everyone can be so lucky to be rescued. There are many students who have had their interest killed off by careless teaching. Many students would suffer from poor results or even fail the subjects. Many students would also end up hating the subjects for life. I did well for my 'O' Level Geography because I was strong willed and perhaps stubborn. Many students may not be so lucky.
Hence, I urge tutors to be caring towards their students and teach them carefully. Make them love the subject. Once, they love the subject, half the battle is won. They will revise and understand the subject well even on their own steam. A student having a positive attitude towards the subject goes a longer way than endless teaching and drilling from your end.
Help yourself by caring for them.
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